Bodywork and Herbs for headache relief

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I hope you are doing well and getting to enjoy the outdoors and lush green. I’m really enjoying all the baby (and not so baby) plants that have emerged over the last month. The rain is making them grow fast!! Despite loving this time of year, I know that it can be a particularly challenging time for many. In Chinese medicine, spring is connected to upward energy. The same type of energy that is needed to help the little baby sprouts push through the earth is also within you. Upward energy can get stuck in the neck, shoulders and head causing headaches. Allergies and increased stress could also be factors. If you have been experiencing more headaches lately you are not alone. Bodywork and herbs may be an avenue worth investigating for treatment.
 As you probably know, headaches can have a wide range of causes. It is important to check in with your doctor if you are having new, severe or increasingly painful chronic headaches or migraines. It is possible that head pain can be a sign of something serious. With that said, I do have a fair amount of clients that come in with chronic headaches and/or migraines that feel better after getting regular bodywork. During a bodywork session, we can investigate physical tension and energetic blockages that might be playing a role in your headaches. When headaches are a symptom, I always check to see if there are any trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Trigger points are knots in the tissue that refer pain to areas of the body. Many trigger points that can be found in the upper back, shoulders and neck can refer pain into the head. We can also work on any underlying imbalances that are connected to the headaches from a Chinese medicine or craniosacral perspective. This could include looking at areas of energetic blockage, organ system imbalances and areas where the craniosacral rhythm is not flowing smoothly. Using therapeutic massage, shiatsu and craniosacral techniques synergistically can be a really great way to address headaches from multiple angles. 
 I may also make some herbal suggestions during your session for headache relief. Many herbs can help with headaches but each is specific to the type of headache and the area that you feel it in your head. We can investigate the options through pulse testing to find the specific herb that will be most helpful for you. Flower essences can also be helpful to work with any underlying emotional tension that may be a part of the pattern. Herbal suggestions can be included in your bodywork session or we can schedule a separate Herbal + Flower Essences consultation where we can have time to deeply investigate the underlying issues that may be contributing to your headaches including allergies, sleep, hormonal regulation, digestive issues, etc. Working with herbs and bodywork at the same time can be a great way to increase results and gain relief quicker during this high headache time of year or any time of year. I’ll love to be a part of your healing journey. 
 With care,
Amy

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