Client Self Care

Massage is a great way of treating and reducing the occurrence of headaches and migraines, as well as a wonderful stress reliever. Client self care, however, is also very important. This includes: decreasing tension in general life, healthy diet – avoid skipping meals, regular exercise and stretching, and maintaining proper posture! With migraines it is also vital to avoid food triggers such as:

• Processed meats
• Red wine, beer
• Aged cheeses
• Chocolate
• Snow peas and lima beans
• Citrus fruits and bananas
• Some nuts
• Aspartame and MSG
• Pickled/marinated foods

Food triggers are tricky because they may only cause problems 10 to 20 percent of the time that
you eat them. Keep a migraine journal that records your triggers (food and otherwise) and be patient when it comes to uncovering the culprit.

OTHER TIPS:
For a migraine - Ice packs (never heat) applied to the back of the head or temples can provide relief, along with rest in a dark quiet place. Some headaches can be soothed with aromatherapy, using scents such as lavender, peppermint, chamomile, geranium, eucalyptus. Add to an aroma burner, bath or carrier oil applied directly to your skin (avoid the eyes).