Headache Relief through Reflexology

There are many causes of headaches. Prevention is most desirable result, however, that is sometimes not possible. This article will look at how to use reflexology to mitigate tension headaches, headaches caused by muscle strain, headaches caused by blood-sugar problems, and migraines.

In reflexology, different parts of your feet, hands and ear correspond to different parts of your body, which are called reflex areas. For example, the areas in your feet corresponding to the head will be called ‘head reflexes.’ It is referred to as a reflex because, when properly touched, it automatically affects another part of the body.

Another way to look at it is like flicking a light switch. Although you flick the light switch on the wall, the effect is on the ceiling where the actual light resides. Even though you or a reflexologist is touching the head reflex area on the feet, hands or ears, you feel the effects in your actual head.

With gentle finger pressure, you are feeling for tender areas that correspond to the head reflexes. The most effective reflex area to work for relieving headaches is the large web of the hands. The large web is found in the palm, between the thumb and the index finger. Gently pinch the web of one hand with the tips of the thumb and index finger of your other hand for about five minutes, and then switch to pinching the other web.

By maintaining slight finger pressure on the tender areas of the large web, congestion that has accumulated in the head reflex is gently broken down. This is effective in relief of general headaches, although science has not been able to explain why it is effective.

Footnote: Information in this article based upon Bill Flocco’s articles, “Headache Relief – Naturally,” published in Los Angeles Resources Oct-Nov 1988; and “Headaches and what You can do about them…” published in Inner Words Jan-Feb 1997.