5 Ways to Use Reflexology for Migraines

1. Rule Out Existing Medical Conditions

If you suffer from migraines or severe tension headaches, reflexology can be a safe, comforting form of drug-free therapy. Remember, though, that headaches can be triggered by other health conditions, so you should discuss complicating medical concerns with your physician before embarking on a holistic healing journey. Your doctor may wish to perform an MRI, CT scan, blood work or other test in order to rule out health problems that may require pharmacotherapy or other forms of intervention.

2. Understand the Mapping of the Feet and Hands

Think of your hands and feet as intricate nerve maps with points corresponding to every part of your body. Reflexologists apply varying levels of pressure to the appropriate points in order to relieve pain, release stress, decrease fatigue or enhance wellness. By using pressure techniques to target reflexes that map to muscles in the neck, head, back and eyes, practitioners can help patients overcome migraines and tension headaches, as well as other health conditions.

3. Squeeze the Toes and Foot to Target the Brain, Head, Neck and Back

Begin foot reflexology by placing your hands on the bottom of your foot, followed by firmly squeezing your entire foot for 1 to 2 minutes. The top and bottom of your toes have reflexes that correlate to your head, face and brain, so your toes are a good place to begin working on a debilitating migraine or throbbing head. Press your thumb or finger into each toe, covering the entire surface a little bit at a time and repeating the pressure process 10 times. You may feel some mild, fleeting discomfort at first, which indicates a problem area. As you continue to use this gentle pressure technique on your toes, you should notice a reduction in facial, neck and back tension. A small portion of each toe also correlates to the sinuses and jaw, so you may also feel relief if your migraine symptoms are triggered by sinusitis or TMJ. If you are experiencing eye pain or visual impairment due to a migraine, press on the padded portion of your foot directly below the second and third toes.

4. Apply Finger Pressure to Target the Head, Neck and Eyes

The fingertips can be mapped to the brain, head and sinuses, so begin your hand treatment by pressing--firmly but not painfully--on the tip of each finger and thumb for a few seconds. Don't forget to include the sides of the thumbs and fingertips, as well. Mild discomfort is expected, but you should stop the treatment if you experience severe pain or a shooting sensation. Gently knead the top and bottom of your thumbs and finger tips, continuing down to the middle knuckle on each. The reflexes in the middle of your fingers are related to your face and should help to release facial tension. Squeezing gently on the webbed portion of tissue between your index and middle fingers may also help relieve the visual discomfort and eye pain that accompanies a migraine.

5. Hydrate After Your Reflexology Treatment

Drink a glass of water after your reflexology session and continue drinking throughout the day. Reflexology releases toxins as the muscles and connective tissue are manipulated, and water helps flush out this waste material and rehydrate the tissue. Water intake also reduces your chances of becoming sore after therapeutic pressure has been applied to your hands and feet.