Migraine is a neurological condition where the person experiencing it has altered bodily perceptions, severe throbbing headaches, and nausea among other equally debilitating symptoms. Migraines can be caused by a large array of reasons ranging from exposure to sun, hunger, and hormonal disturbances. Aromatherapy massages provide effective relief in the long run and even during an episode. Here is a brief overview on the oils that can be used to tackle it and the procedure that is followed by aromatherapists to massage a migraineur to help tackle the condition:
The aromatherapy massage will use a mixture of the top, middle and base note oils in a carrier oil. All the three oils mentioned below should have two drops each in two ounces of suitable carrier oil
TOP NOTE OIL: Basil oil. It helps headaches and is a general tonic and helps nervous states as well as is anti-spasmodic.
Contraindications: It is a skin irritant and a mild emmenagogue.
MIDDLE NOTE OIL: Chamomile oil. This oil helps us relax. It is a good analgesic, nervine, and sedative tonic. It is also an anti-inflammatory and helps dilated blood vessels contract. It is hepatic, vulnerary and stomachic and will thus ease the associated symptoms of migraines.
Contraindications: It is to be avoided in pregnancy.
BASE NOTE OIL: Rose oil. It is a nervine, sedative, tonic oil and is also anti-spasmodic.
Contraindications: It is to be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy.
CARRIER OIL: Sesame oil.
This means the essential oil mix will contain two drops each of basil oil, chamomile oil and rose oil, mixed in two ounces of sesame oil.
MASSAGE
1. A towel will be placed to keep the rest of your body warm and comfortable.
2. The movements used in the massage will basically be of the effleurage type (light gliding strokes, circling and feathering).
3. The massage will begin from the front of your head progressing to the back of your head. The therapist will be using both his or her hands to alternating gliding strokes and circular movements.
4. After this the same area will be worked using friction motions with fingertips (i.e from the front of the head working his or her way to the back of your head).
5. This will be followed by small circular movements applying slight pressure along the head meridian – i.e., from the bridge of the nose to the nape of your neck.
6. The therapist will spend some time here
7. After the governing meridian work, the bladder meridian will be massaged – i.e., from the inner corner of the eye to the crown of the head using small circular movements applying mild pressure.
8. A similar procedure is then done for the gall bladder meridian. This starts from the outer corner of the eye, crossing the temple, making the loop over the ear, curving to the front of the crown of the head.
9. Thus each of the meridians mentioned in points 5-8 is worked upon several times before ending the massage.
*Benefits, side-effects, prior preparations, costs, duration of procedure, recovery and resumption of daily activities as well as support issues should be discussed with your therapist for each type of treatment option before starting on your treatment.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com