Vertical Reflexology Therapy for Headaches and Migraines
Source – December Reflexions 2022 – Author – Lynne Booth
Reflexions is the AoR members’ quarterly magazine, providing the latest reflexology insights. It is written by Reflexologists for Reflexologists.
Our December 2022 Reflexions focused on Headaches and Migraines and we are delighted to share one of the articles with you.
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Lynne Booth shares her reflexology approach to working with clients living with Headaches and Migraines.
Vertical Reflexology Techniques (VRT) for hands and feet are particularly helpful for migraine and all types of headaches, especially as there are several options for discreet hand self-help, including using the VRT Reflexology and Movement techniques.
VRT is highly effective reflexology technique that focuses on working the weight-bearing dorsal reflexes of the hands and feet rather than the familiar plantar or sole reflexes which map out the body. My research indicates that all reflexes can be accessed, three-dimensionally, through the dorsum and may accelerate the healing response. All ages and conditions can be supported.
There are many different causes of headaches and VRT can offer support in a 3 to 5 minute shortened session to target the head, neck, shoulders, lower lumber, digestive system or pelvic reflexes depending on the symptoms presented.
VRT can be applied as a short application but I encourage its main use as a brief addition to classical reflexology sessions where VRT techniques are applied for approximately 2 to 5 minutes at the beginning and end without increasing the overall appointment time. VRT techniques can also be successfully used in conventional reclining reflexology treatments where the results are more gentle and subtle. Fig 1.
Hand Reflexology – I often use hand and foot reflexology in the same treatment and this makes the session more dynamic as, for example, blocked sinuses can sometimes be the cause of headaches. The feet would be worked for most of the session but then the much larger, fleshy sinus reflexes on the fingers are targeted and client is taught self-help. Fig 2
VRT Nail – working techniques are very powerful, and the simplest of the nail-on-nail applications is to gently apply the Pituitary Pinch to the thumb or big toe nails (simultaneously if working on someone else) for 10-30 seconds by pressing with your thumb or index finger nail on their nail. Fig 3
VRT Diaphragm Rocking is an extremely helpful passive hand or foot reflexology technique to help sleep, head tension, as a relaxation aid, to regulate breathing and energise the body. Its key benefit is that it appears to naturally prioritise and pump energy to the part of the body most in need. It is very helpful in easing headaches or complex migraines when the body is often compromised in many areas. Fig 4
Vertical Reflexology Mobilisation Techniques (VRMT)
Synchronised mobilization is a Vertical Reflexology innovation that involves the client in a gentle mobilisation of their limbs, neck and trunk for a few seconds while specific reflex points are simultaneously stimulated. This is particularly powerful when the feet or hands of the client are weight-bearing. I developed these techniques nearly 30 years on chronically sick clients in residential care but now use them extensively with sportspersons and elite footballers.
Hand reflexology method for migraines and general headaches.
This sequence should take a maximum of 5 minutes. These instructions also apply to the feet and the techniques can be applied individually, in any order, or at the end of a classical treatment. Suitable for self-help.
Method
Place your hand (or that of your client) on a hard, flat surface and gently work the neck reflexes situated at the base of each thumb, or big toe, in a pinching movement using your index finger or thumb to reflex relax the muscles and relieve stress. Fig 5.
Work the shoulder reflexes synergistically. If working on a client you can stimulate the reflex on the right hand while holding the central thumb nail. Repeat on the other hand.
Press the dorsal adrenal reflexes to balance the body: either to lower an adrenalin rush or to boost a sluggish system.
Apply the VRT Pituitary Pinch to the centre of the thumb nail, nail-on-nail and hold for 10-30 seconds to balance the body. This is particularly helpful for headaches caused by endocrine imbalances. Work adrenal at same time. Fig 7
Place your finger and thumb tips on a hard flat surface and gently weight-bear. Work up and down each digit, dorsal/palmer and medical/lateral, in a pincher movement to stimulate the neck, head, sinuses and the cervical spine. Fig 6.
Finger-walk the spinal reflexes up the medial side of the thumb to ease the cervical spine.
Press the dorsal adrenal reflexes to balance the body: either to lower an adrenalin rush or to boost a sluggish system.
To conclude, apply the VRT Diaphragm Rocking technique on the passive hands. Lightly press your left thumb on the palm of your right hand, between your index and middle finger and 2-3 cm below (just below the raised fleshy area). Straighten your fingers and slowly curl them over your thumb, gently rocking your fingers back and forwards for 10 – 15 rocks and then repeat on the left hand. Fig 8
Vertical Reflexology Mobilisation Techniques (VRMT)
VRT mobility techniques for a stiff neck or headache using hand reflexology.
Try this experiment for yourself if there are no medical contraindications. Remain seated throughout and work the hands on a table, tray, placemat or book.
Method
Before you commence; gently turn your head from side to side with no strain to ascertain the range of movement. Then slowly tilt your head back and forward in the same manner.
Follow the self-help guidelines above in the VRT sequence.
Once you have finished, return to the base of your weight-bearing thumb at reflex C6 for the shoulder and neck nerve innovations and pinch and hold the lateral and medial reflexes for 10 – 30 seconds. At the same time, gently turn your neck from side to side. Repeat on the other hand.
End by holding each thumb nail, nail-on-nail, in a Pituitary Pinch to consolidate the session. Fig 9
Once completed, gently move your head from side to side to ascertain if your headache has receded and / or your range of neck mobility has increased.
