This is just a quick post to address a common ailment that I encounter at least once a week as a massage therapist. Below is a great treatment for headaches and migraines and could help reduce dependency of drugs and medications for this problem.

Often clients are suffering from vascular headaches where the blood pressure has increased in the vessels which cause them to swell. This swelling is the source of the pain and many people suffering from it would usually give their left arm (at least temporarily) if it meant the pain could subside. Luckily, there is a treatment that can be done at home that will eliminate the need for sacrificing life or limb.

People who suffer from headaches and migraines can greatly benefit from a hydrotherapy contrast treatment I commonly use in my massage practice that severely reduces, and sometimes gets rid of, the pain of headaches. The trick is to place an ice pack (wrapped in a towel or pillow case) on the source of the pain (front, side, top or back of head) and place a heat source on the feet. This procedure can be done easily at home while you are seated or laying down. If you are seated, make sure your back and neck are supported to keep the strain off of keeping the ice pack on your head then place both feet into very warm water. If laying down use a hot water bottle or heating pad on the feet. Sit until the symptoms subside (usually 10-20 minutes), checking every five minutes to make sure the temperature is not severely effecting the skin.

The heat quickly draws the blood away from the source of inflammation and pain, and the ice slows down the impulses. In the case of headaches, it is effective because the blood is being drawn from the head to it’s furthest source (the feet).

Though heat treatments are requested probably ten to one by clients, it is ice or cold treatments that are usually far more effective in treating pain. I know ice is not nearly as comfortable on the skin as heat but trust me on this tip. If you, or someone in your life, suffers from headaches or migraines, your suffering may be a thing of the past! Stay Cool!


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