Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/82405
REFLEXOLOGY & HEADACHES Headache Reflexology Protocol FOR STRESS HEADACHES (begin with head/neck protocol first) Reflex Shoulder, chest Technique / Effect Employ many techniques to relax the muscles and other structures of the back. Diaphragm A relaxed diaphragm supports deep breathing. Endocrine system Work the entire endocrine system, especially the adrenal gland for stress. FOR MIGRAINE HEADACHES (begin with head/neck and stress protocol first) Reflex Digestive system Technique / Effect Work entire digestive system to detox the body. Chest, back Work entire chest and back reflexes. Work midthoracic muscles (lower trapezius muscle attachment) to relieve muscle tension and ease discomfort. Entire body Releases tension throughout the body promoting restorative sleep. Relaxation Relaxation techniques to reduce stress. inaccessible with massage, such as the endocrine system, for example. Reflexology can work deeply and safely with ease, while also reducing the amount of soft-tissue therapy required to benefit the client. Within minutes, a reflexologist can evaluate, then lessen or release tension in various areas of the body, including those areas that contribute to muscle tension and headaches (i.e., erector spinae, sternocleidomastoid, trapezium, etc.). Ultimately, either on its own or integrated with other therapies, reflexology encourages all systems of the body toward a healthy homeostasis. FOOT REFLEXOLOGY —A CASE STUDY Tight muscles, scar tissue, lack of exercise, tension, and stress all contribute to neck and shoulder issues, which can lead to headaches. This case study illustrates how foot reflexology, combined with client- engaged range of motion, resolved shoulder joint pain in five minutes. A client presented with soreness and restricted range of motion in the left shoulder joint, which radiated to the neck. First, I worked the shoulder joint reflex on the left foot. The client reported that 80 percent of the pain was gone and mobility increased in the joint by the same amount (determined by the client rotating the left arm). Next, the client rotated her arm while I worked the fifth phalange on the left foot. First, a finger and thumb stabilized the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint on the left foot. Next, traction and rotation increased mobility in the phalangeal joint and the shoulder joint reflex. This reflexively loosened the lateral neck and shoulder joint. After the tissue warmed, deeper rotations improved mobility in the fifth metatarsal on the left foot. This reflexively worked and promoted mobility in the client's left shoulder joint, lateral shoulder, and left arm. 40 massage & bodywork july/august 2011