Reflexology and Migraine Headache
Reflexology can help to treat and prevent migraine headaches.
Headaches are very common health problems. An interesting study in Denmark shows how reflexology can help reduce and even eliminate migraine headaches.
Reflexology and Migraine Headache Relief
Headaches are very common. It is estimated that 28 million people suffer from migraines each year in the U.S. The American Headache Society suggests that headaches negatively impact the economy of more than 13 billion dollars a year. A common solution for headaches is over-the-counter medication. It costs Americans more than a billion dollars each year.
In Denmark, it is estimated that 3 million working days are lost every year due to headaches (Brendstrup E, Launso L, Eriksen L., Reflexions, March 1996, 10). The solution in Denmark, it seems, is reflexology.
Reflexology is the most widely utilized alternative health therapy in Denmark. It's estimated that about one in four Danes have tried reflexology.
Reflexology Study in Denmark
A nationwide reflexology study undertaken in Denmark examined the beneficial effects of reflexology on people suffering from migraine and tension headaches. The study was conducted at The Royal Danish School of Pharmacy with 220 patients and 78 trained Reflexologists from around Denmark (Brendstrup E, Launso L, Eriksen L., Reflexions, March 1996, 10).
Of interest, 90 percent of the research participants were taking prescribed headache medication and 36 percent of these participants experienced side effects from that medication. The majority of the research participants were suffering from moderate to severe symptoms.
Research Results - Reflexology Treatments
The research findings revealed that after three months of a series of reflexology treatments, 81 percent of patients confirmed that reflexology had either completely cured or helped their symptoms. Almost 20 percent of the patients completely stopped taking medications they had been taking before the study.
Research can really help to demonstrate the benefits of using alternative forms of therapy such as reflexology. What it also reveals, however, is that a lot can be said for these ancient healing practices.
Got a headache? Why not try reflexology, and come back and share your experience here.
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson, 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
Related Thoughts:
1. Reflexology Contra-indications
3. Foot Reflexology Case Study
5. Herbal Treatment for Migraine Headaches
