Migraine headaches can derail your entire day, or several days if you don't get them under control. They have so many potential causes that it can be difficult to know what to do when you're trying to find relief. Reflexology, the practice of stimulating nerves throughout the body by applying pressure to meridian points in your hands and feet, combined with other foot massage techniques may help you prevent or ease the pain of your migraines. Talk to your doctor about your migraines before trying any alternative form of treatment.
Expectations
The National Board of Health Council in Denmark performed a study in 1995 that analyzed the effectiveness of reflexology on migraines and other tension headaches. Reflexologist Haley Brookes reports that of the 275 patients the study followed for three months of reflexology treatment, 16 percent of sufferers said they had been cured and 65 percent said reflexology had helped. If migraines persistently disrupt your life, though, see a doctor for an MRI, CT-scan or other diagnostic tests to rule out serious neurological issues.
Toes
The theory of reflexology holds that stimulating the tips of the toes may help relieve problems in the head and brain. Specifically, the section of each toe from the first knuckle to the tip may be able to reduce the severity of your migraine. Squeeze the tips of each toe, starting on the right foot and then moving to the left. Massage the entire end of each toe in the same order, using your fingers to roll the toes first, and then walking your fingers across the toes of each foot. If your migraine still hasn't subsided, you can try the same technique on the tips of your fingers.
Big Toes
Reflexology teacher Michael Tan recommends a technique that stimulates a specific point on each of your big toes. You may be able to do this yourself, or you may need a partner or reflexologist to help you. At the center of the underside of each big toe is a meridian point that relieves issues related to the brain, including migraine headaches, but may also help with vision problems and insomnia related to migraines. Stimulate this point with firm pressure, rotating in a clockwise motion, then a counter-clockwise motion, 10 to 12 times each, then repeat on the other toe.
Top of Your Foot
The top, or dorsum, of your foot holds a point that may help relieve serious tension caused by migraines or other headaches. According to the website Shen-Nong, a resource for practitioners and patients of integrated Chinese medicine, you can knead the top of each foot, in the depression between the big and second toe, 30 times each. Then rub the center of the sole of the foot 30 times on each foot.
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