Head Health From The Vale Practice

Hands on relief

Indian Head masage is a great way to relieve muscular tension, improve circulation, relieve stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and clear headaches, insomnia and sinusitis.

Vale Practice massage therapist Paul Smith says: ‘It’s perfect for those shy of the idea of a full massage, as treatment is given while you are full clothed and seated. A variety of massage techniques are used on the shoulders, upper arms and neck as well as the face. It can be relaxing or stimulating, depending on what you need, and can have lasting benefits.’

For those in need of urgent headache relief on the go, Paul recommends rubbing or manipulating the following pressure points – not on the head, funnily enough, but on the hand (either hand will do): ‘The key point is between the thumb and the next finger and approximately one inch under that finger for headaches. As for the sinuses the can be relieved by pressing the points on the top crease of all four fingers on both hands palm side!’

Mouth and nose problems

Respiratory problems of all kinds can respond really well to homeopathy. Homeopath Rosy Byatt believes the subtle power of homeopathy helps address both the physical and emotional symptoms: ‘Sometimes on an unconscious level when we are disappointed or disillusioned we develop colds and sinus problems. The nose being blocked can represent a holding on to tears due to holding on to a grief or disappointment. Remedies can help balance these emotions and therefore unblock the nose.’

Hayfever and asthma can be relieved by homeopathy, but Rosy points out that symptoms and causes are so individual, a personal consultation is best for both of these deep seated conditions. However, certain remedies can be used to help with specific problems, as follows:

• Allium cepa -hot burning discharge from the nose and a bland watery discharge from the eyes.
• Euphrasia -opposite of allium cepa hot burning discharge from eyes and bland discharge from nose.
• Nux Vomica -the nose runs indoors & during the day but blocked up at night. There can be violent sneezing and the person can be irritable.
• Pulsatilla - thick, bland discharge from eyes & nose. The nose runs outside but blocks up inside.The person can feel sorry for themselves.
• Sabadilla -lots of sneezing &very itchy nose & mouth.

Correct head alignment

Misalignment of the head – bad posture when seated, walking or working at a desk – is one of the main causes of neck, shoulder and back pain. The Alexander Technique works powerfully to restore the natural alignment of the spine. Vale Practice Alexander technique teacher Vivienne Ritchie says: ‘Sort the relationship of the head to the neck and back, and many people find symptoms such as migraine, tension headache, tiredness, back pain, plus shoulder stiffness and RSI (repetitive strain injury) lessen, if not clear up completely.

‘When the neck muscles do not overwork, the head balances lightly at the top of spine. The relationship between the head and the spine is of utmost importance. Our neuromuscular system is designed to work in concert with gravity. Delicate poise of the head sparks the body's anti-gravity response; a natural oppositional force in the torso that easily guides us upward and invites the spine to lengthen, rather than compress, as we move. Instead of slouching or holding ourselves in a rigid posture, we can learn to mobilize this support system and use it wherever we go.’

Osteopath Rachel Neal says: ‘Around 80% of the UK population suffer from episodic tension-type headaches from time to time. Some of these suffer from weekly or daily headaches brought about by stress and tension. What a lot of people don’t realise is that taking regular painkillers can lead to an increased occurrence of headaches.

‘Chronic headaches are often due to dysfunction in the muscles and joints of the neck and to tension in the shoulders. This dysfunction builds up due to stress, poor posture and effects of daily living (carrying children and heavy bags, driving). Trigger points in muscles and irritated joints can cause quite intense headaches and even nausea. There might be pain at the base or at the front of the head, or pain in the cheeks or behind the eyes.

‘Osteopathic treatment, combined with massage, can have an amazing effect on restoring function to these areas, thereby drastically reducing the occurrence and severity of headaches.

All in the mind

Hypnotherapy is particularly helpful with relieving stress, managing pain, reducing tension and generally clearing the mind of unhelpful influences and can even help neutralise bad memories. An additional technique called Eye Movement De-sensitisation and Reprogramming (EMDR) can be used to work with people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder who have memories of difficult, unhappy, life threatening, or otherwise challenging experiences.

Energy healing technique, Reiki, can also help release negative thinking patterns and rebalance the thinking part with the feeling part, bringing a feeling of greater mental clarity and peace.

Copyright 2009 The Vale PracticeCopyright 2009 The Vale Practice was founded in 2000 by osteopath Amberin Fur, who felt that there was a strong requirement for an integrated complementary medical practice to serve South East London. She has hand-picked an excellent, highly qualified and motivated team of practitioners, to offer a full, holistic range of therapies from hypnotherapy to acupuncture. Working to the highest standards, the practice aims to offer a tailored treatment programme to maximise the clients’ health and wellbeing. www.thevalepractice.co.uk