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Migraine Action Association
Awareness week 2^nd to 8^th September 2007

Migraine is an ‘invisible illness’ which is often misunderstood. It is hidden suffering.

Migraine affects up to 15% of the population and around two-thirds of sufferers are women.

At best, migraine is painful and inconvenient. At worst, it is disabling. Migraine can have a significant, negative effect on work, home and social life.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of migraine is usually characterised by severe, recurrent, often one sided, throbbing head pain lasting hours or even days. Nausea and in some cases vomiting can also be a feature. Heightened sensitivity to light, sound and smells can accompany an attack and visual disturbance is a frequent precursor to the full effect. The sufferer will often want to shade their eyes from bright light and may well need to go to bed in a darkened room. Some will feel exhausted by the experience and complete rest is required before they can fully function again.

Cause

The cause of migraine will vary from person to person as do the symptoms.

There are common triggers such as chocolate, cheese, coffee, alcohol and stress. In some cases it is thought there could be a hereditary factor too. Female migraine sufferers may notice a correlation between frequency of attacks and their menstrual cycle – this is more concerning for them because they know it is likely to be a monthly occurrence. Paradoxically, over-use of some rescue medicines can also be associated with attacks.

For many sufferers however there is no obvious cause and it is just a case of establishing a coping strategy as and when the migraine occurs.

What help is available?

Whilst alleviating symptoms will be the immediate concern, for longer term relief it is essential to address the cause.

Acupuncture

In Chinese medicine any condition, including pain, is said to be a block or an interruption of the free-flow of Qi, or vital energy. An acupuncturist will assess this flow in your body’s meridians, or energy pathways. Two in particular being the Liver meridian because of its relationship to hormones and the menstrual cycle and the Gallbladder meridian with its influence on the side of the head and its general association with one-sided symptoms. Acupuncture works towards releasing blocks and rebalancing the energetic flow in the meridians.

The Bowen Technique

The exceptionally gentle Bowen Technique has also been found worthwhile in treating migraines.

A research project using three Bowen treatments for each candidate found 79.5% of the study group had a positive response including a decrease in severity and frequency of attacks.

The human body is always trying to regain homeostasis, or balance and Acupuncture and Bowen initiate the body’s return to this state of harmony. The result is healing on many levels rather than only treating a symptom.

If you would like a free, 15 minute consultation to find out more please contact us 01608 664664, info@shipstonnaturalhealth.co.uk or call in at No.14 Market Place, Shipston on Stour