Could Reiki be the answer to migraines? (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Could Reiki be the answer to migraines?

4:06pm Tuesday 17th February 2009 in Search By Kate Sole

Visual disturbances, slurred speech, nausea, a tingling numbness and, most commonly, a debilitating headache are just some of the symptoms migraine sufferers, myself included, complain of. It is much more than “just a headache”.

The World Health Organisation has classified migraines among the 20 most disabling lifetime conditions, and with one in eight people in the UK suffering from migraines, it has become a condition that many of us can relate to. That said, doctors are still very much in the dark as to why migraines effect some people rather than others, and there is certainly no miracle cure, leaving many sufferers feeling trapped by their condition and suffering in silence.

Recognising this need for accessible support and information, the national chairty Migraine Action, has joined forces with leading medics and complementary therapists to present an education day on the subject, which is coming to Brookes & Red Lion Lodge, in Luton, on Saturday.

Harpenden-based Papu Jordan, will be giving a practical demonstration of how reiki can help people with migraines at the convention.

As somebody who feels they have exhausted off-the-shelf medication and who has done their best to manage their so-called triggers, I visited Papu at her Harpenden practice to see if reiki could help me.

Reiki means ‘universal life energy’ in Japanese, where this therapy originated from. It is based on the premise that illness is caused by a disruption in the body’s energy field or life force. Reiki practioners, like Papu, use their hands to balance our energy centres or chakras by charging the negative areas with positive energy.

For my first reiki session, Papu began by placing her hands in various positions around my ears, head and neck. An overiding sense of comfort and safety then washed over me as she worked her way down and then back up my body concentrating on my major organs and seven major chakras. A thoroughly absorbing experience, I left the session feeling stress-free, positive and energised, a winning combination in my ongoing battle with migraines.

Details: For information on the migraine eductional day call 0116 275 8317 or visit www.migraine.org.uk (£10) Contact Papu on 01582 623 985 or visit www.papujordan.com

Top Tips to help manage your migraine:

Keep a diary to try to try to identify any of your migraine ‘trigger’ factors. These can be very individual, and could be certain foods and drink, stress, hormonal factors, or flashing lights Try to avoid anything that you know triggers your migraine. DO NOT avoid things just because you have heard they trigger migraine attacks in others.

Eat regularly and avoid sugary snacks to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Drink plenty of water ( at least 2 litres a day) and reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks containing artificial sweeteners.

Maintain a regular sleep pattern - avoid shift work, long lie-ins and late nights.

Try to get some fresh air and exercise every day (e.g. walking or cycling to work instead of driving, a short walk in the lunch hour etc.).

Avoid bright, flickering or flashing light and wear sunglasses and/or a hat in bright sunlight.

Take regular breaks from work, especially if your work is repetitive or uses VDUs.

Make your working environment as comfortable as possible (e.g. adjust chair to correct height, eliminate glare from windows, lighting or reflective surfaces, adjust the computer screen, maintain good ventilation and a temperature suited to the work you are doing etc.). Practice relaxation techniques to rid the body of tension and stress.

Learn to identify any warning signs that indicate that an attack may be on its way (e.g. stiffness in the neck, becoming clumsy, a bad taste in the mouth, not being able to think clearly etc.) and take action fast.

Take your medication early in the attack, it has a much greater chance of working!

If your migraine is causing problems or your current treatment is not bringing significant relief make an appointment with your GP. There are many different treatments now available.

Remember to put yourself first at least once every day.