Migraines: More Than Just A Headache

(Migraine Collage images by Migraine Chick. Click here for more.)

THOMAS JEFFERSON was a sufferer. So was Vincent Van Gogh. Even Elvis Presley struggled with some rock 'n' roll headaches in his time.

But a migraine is more than just a headache. One in six million adults suffer from migraines in the UK and many mistakenly think that nothing more can be done to help them other than to pop a headache pill and let the migraine run its course - which can last between 3-72 hours.

'Migraine is disease, a headache is only a symptom. Migraine pain is caused by vasodilation in the cranial blood vessels (expansion of the blood vessels), while headache pain is caused by vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels).' (www.migraines.org)

Migraine Collages by Migraine Chick

This means that, unlike a headache, migraine disease has many other symptoms such as blind spots, sensitivity to light, smells or noise and nausea and vomiting.

However, there are alternative methods to popping painkillers to consider before giving up and living a life of migraine misery.

Extensive research has proven that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines, as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks.

Stuart Duncan, acupuncturist at the Liverpool Wellbeing Centre, explains how the process works: “Fine microfibers are inserted into acupuncture points on the body, which gently stimulate the nerves located in muscles and other tissue to relieve pain and increase blood flow in and around the brain.”

The Bowen Technique a relatively new method when compared to acupuncture, has also achieved positive results when used as pain relief for migraine sufferers.

In Bowen Technique the practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points of the body with rolling moves that stimulate energy in the muscles and soft tissue.

In a pilot study carried out by the Migraine Action Association, 79.5 per cent experienced a positive result after experiencing the ‘Bowen Technique’ method.

Fran Leaver, Bowen Therapist at Liverpool Wellbeing Centre, explains why: “Migraines affect individuals differently and can be triggered from a variety of factors such as allergies, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalances or stress.

"The Bowen Technique treats the body as a whole and not just the highlighted symptoms. Because the technique addresses the health of the person as a whole, the different factors which can cause the migraine can be addressed.”

Migraine Collages by Migraine Chick

Helen Clarke, Reiki Master, also of Liverpool Wellbeing Centre has had very encouraging results when using Reiki to treat migraines: “The Purpose of Reiki is to direct the body’s energy resources towards the area of greatest imbalance, and in the case of a migraine this can help to alleviate the very unpleasant symptoms which people experience during a migraine attack”.

The Liverpool Wellbeing Centre is supporting National Migraine Awareness Week by providing free consultations throughout September.

We’ll be featured reviews of migraine treatments tried and tested in the upcoming months on Body Confidential so keep checking to see if any of these techniques can provide the answer you’ve been looking for.