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What are migraines?

Migraine is a complex condition with a wide variety of symptoms. The main feature is a painful, often throbbing, headache. Other symptoms may include disturbed vision, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, feeling sick and vomiting.¹

However, the symptoms will vary and people can experience different symptoms during different attacks. Attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours and most people are free from symptoms between attacks. Migraine can have an enormous impact on work, family and social lives.

What are the causes of Migraine?

There is no known cause for migraine, although most people with it are genetically predisposed to migraine. If you are susceptible to migraine there are certain triggers which commonly occur. These include stress, lack of food, alcohol, hormonal changes in women, lack of sleep and the environment.

A recent online article in The Guardian (Australia) newspaper stated ‘despite the Global Burden of Disease study finding migraine to be the sixth-highest cause worldwide of years lost due to disability, migraine is an under-recognised condition that is often treated with the wrong drugs.’³

• Migraines typically affect women more frequently than men – in the UK, 1 in 4 women, 1 in 12 men experience migraine
• Most migraine sufferers experience their first migraine in young adulthood, but it is possible for migraines to start later in life
• 5.85 million people aged 16-65 years experience 190 000 migraine attacks every day and lose 25 million days from work or school each year because of them²

The complex nature of migraine means that the treatments available are varied and differ from person to person. There is currently no cure for migraine.

Can Reflexology help Migraines?

In an effort to answer the question above, and to assess effective alternative treatments to medication (many of which have unwanted side effects, as well as being costly to prescribe), the Association of Reflexologists carried out a research project to detail the potential benefits that reflexology may offer to migraine sufferers.

Professionally qualified AoR reflexologists collected data and case study histories for people with migraine, and treated them with regular foot reflexology for 6 or more sessions. The requirements for clients were:

They had a migraine diagnosis by GP or hospital
They were still experiencing migraines
They hoped to benefit from reflexology
Their migraines were of sufficient frequency to see a difference over 6 treatments or more (e.g. one migraine a year would not be frequent enough)

What the Data revealed

Highlights of the published study⁴ showed that:

Self-funded, self-referred case series using MYMOP can indicate change in migraine patients

90% of the participants in this study resulted in a profile change of more than one point in the 7-point MYMOP scale

This change is recognised as being of clinical significance to the individual

60% exhibited a zero MYMOP score for symptom 1 after six treatments

These results indicate that reflexology has the potential to provide relief from symptoms of migraine. Imagine if reflexology were prescribed as part of the management for migraine symptoms? It is my belief that the burden of costs to the NHS over a migraine patient’s lifetime could potentially be significantly reduced if holistic therapies were considered as a front-line first intervention.

Reflexology Helped this Client’s Migraine

To show you how the study worked in real life, I want to share one of my client’s experiences (shared with permission).

My client Annie* is female. At the time of the study Annie was in the age group 41- 50 and came to me almost in despair, hoping for some help with her migraines. She’d recently had a very scary incident with a severe hemiplegic migraine, which had resulted in a hospital stay, and then a lasting left-side weakness afterwards.

She was experiencing at least 2 migraines EVERY week. On average they were lasting 3 days. She’d been experiencing migraines for at least 25 years. In order to get by, she needed to take fairly strong medication – which she didn’t like (because of the side effects) and wanted to stop taking.

For collection data, we used a MYMOP recording form. This was used to assess two physical or mental symptoms, and rate them on a scale, where 0 was the best it could be, and 6 was the worst it could be. We also had a score for an activity that the problem made difficult, and one for general wellbeing. These criteria were all scored ‘on the day’ when Annie came for her reflexology.

Treatment Notes

Annie found that almost all the points that I worked on her feet during her first treatment were very sensitive.  From my reflexology point of view, this indicated to me that many areas of the body were out of balance.

I worked very gently with each point, particularly those of the head, neck and spine, aiming to soothe the nervous system response.  Over time, at each session, Annie was able to tolerate more touch, with a little less sensitivity.

I worked the same specific reflexes for the head, neck and spine each time, incorporated into a full reflexology routine.  By the time we got to the 12th session, Annie’s feet were normal to touch, were not sensitive to any degree and felt more balanced overall.

The day after her first reflexology session, where Annie was almost unable to tolerate the lightest of touch, I receive this email:

“Wow! I just had to email to let you know I feel absolutely great! I had a slight headache on Monday afternoon (not bad enough to take any tablets) & felt quite sleepy but woke up on Tuesday with no headache, no pressure in my head & just very relaxed about everything. I haven’t felt like that for at least a year. Today I’ve woke up feeling exactly the same. Even my Mum said, it’s like having the old you back!!”

What a great message to receive.  We carried on with the reflexology over 2 sets of 6 sessions (a total of 12) for about a year. We continued assessing the symptoms with MYMOP forms, and although not every session had such noticeable results, we did see a massive change overall.

As you can see from the charts above, the symptoms of migraine scored 0 by the 12th session.  This client showed an amazing progression from non-tolerance of touch, with twice weekly migraines, to being able to experience reflexology in comfort and ease, with ZERO migraines. Annie was able to work without the fear of regularly needing sick leave for migraines. Her life at home was more enjoyable because her wellbeing was better overall. Her migraines disappeared.

I recently got in contact with Annie, to ask if migraines were still a part of her life or not – she replied that she had experienced only one or two, which she recognised were likely responding to extreme life stresses at the time (moving house, divorce etc.)

This pattern has been repeated for other clients with migraines (admittedly less severely affected than Annie) and the data collection overall showed that having reflexology treatments made a statistical improvement for clients treated in the study.

*Names have been changed

** References:

1. https://www.migrainetrust.org/ The Migraine Trust, online
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12950377/ 2003 Sep;23(7):519-27. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.2003.00568.x. The prevalence and disability burden of adult migraine in England and their relationships to age, gender and ethnicity, T J Steiner, A I Scher, W F Stewart, K Kolodner, J Liberman, R B Lipton
3. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/01/i-usually-end-up-calling-an-ambulance-why-migraine-pain-is-not-just-a-bad-headache
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388120311051?dgcid=coauthor&fbclid=IwAR28mZABtyQb1zGWRaO7gWtqup59wImVnVS4kfWbMmw1lWJSuUDr5egrRyY, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Volume 41, November 2020, 101230, A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines self-referred to reflexology, Tracey A.Smith, Sarah L.Thurgood²

Energy and your monthly cycle

How do they relate to one another?

Today, I want to write a note about energy levels and their effect on the female monthly cycle.  Many women don’t realise that their cycle can dictate the amount of physical, mental or emotional energy that they have.  And that they can plan what they do around their own cycles.

Levels are lowest during the bleed

During a bleed, or period, which we would look at as the beginning of your monthly cycle, (or the  ‘winter’ season) energy levels are commonly very low.  This is purely because the hormones which regulate your cycle are also at lower levels and this affects the energy that you have available to use.

Remember if you’re bleeding you may have a slight iron deficiency, which can contribute to being in a more tired state. Your body’s natural response to hormone levels at this time means that it tells you that you need to slow down.

Commonly you might find that along with low energy, your mood may be lower too. This is completely normal, and if you know that it happens for you, then make sure you plan in activities and habits that make you feel good, without wearing you out – reading, a warm bath, gentle yoga, or a brisk walk are all good at this stage.

Energy Begins to Rise During the Second Week

During the 2nd week of your cycle (spring season) post-period, you can expect energy levels to start rising. Oestrogen and follicle stimulating hormones start to rise during this follicular phase of the cycle, helping an egg-bearing follicle to mature.

You will notice that you begin to feel more lively and your mood will lift.  You may find that you’re able to do more, for example if you go for a run you might be able to run a little bit further or for longer. You can plan for more physical activity in this stage of your cycle.

Peak Time for Creativity is around Ovulation

As you come up to the time of ovulation (which is the midpoint of your cycle), your hormones are preparing to release an egg from a mature follicle. Luteinising hormone peaks at ovulation, together with oestrogen.  The combination of these two hormones has the effect of increasing muscle strength, stimulating feelings of wellbeing and happiness, making you feel like you can do anything!

At this point you can expect that your creative energy is really strong as well as your physical energy.  Thinking about new things you want to make or do, designing new products, starting new projects – this is the best time in the month for you to do that, because your creative energies are really high, and your brain is being stimulated by your hormones producing serotonin and dopamine, both connected with motivation and pleasure.

Your mood is likely to be higher than during the rest of your cycle.  Make the most of this window – it only lasts about 24 hours!

The Magic of Progesterone After Ovulation

Post-ovulation (the summer season), your body switches to making progesterone. If you’re trying for a baby, this would support the implantation and growth of an embryo. A corpus luteum forms from the emptied follicle after the egg has been released, and this structure is what makes progesterone for you. In terms of your energy, progesterone is the hormone that will help you to feel more settled and comfortable.

Progesterone has the effect of calming the nervous system, and it makes it easier to cope with stress. If you’ve got stuff that you really need to crack on with then the 3rd week in your cycle is the time to do it.  You’ll find that you get better quality sleep during this part of the cycle too, because progesterone helps the production of the neurotransmitters which promote sleep, as well as relaxation!

Prepare for a Gradual Drop in Energy during Week 4

In the pre-period week (autumn season) you’ll find that your energy levels begin to go down again.  If you’re not pregnant, the progesterone made by the corpus luteum drops and the corpus luteum itself shrinks.  This combination of factors sends the message to your brain that your are not pregnant, and the process of shedding the lining of the uterus starts again, leading to your period.

Some people find that at this point of their cycle that they might be more clumsy, and dizziness or feeling faint can also be quite common before a period. This is a good time to review what you’re doing within that time. So if you’re doing something that needs a lot of dexterity for example, or fine motor control, that’s probably not the week to do it.  I often use the example that you wouldn’t want to do your driving test at this time in your cycle, as you may not be able to give it your best shot.

Putting the Hormone Puzzle Pieces Together

Understanding that your hormones have an effect on your energy levels, your creativity and your ability to take on certain tasks is quite important. As you can see from the examples above, the knowledge of how your body is affected can help you to plan which activities you want to do over a four week period of time (or however long your cycle is). It may just help you to be more productive in a way that suits you better.

If your cycle varies enormously from what I’ve described, you may need to take a few weeks to observe, track and note symptoms.  Most women’s cycles vary from 21 to 35 days – 28 days is just an average.  You may not be ovulating, which means you won’t be getting the benefits of progesterone.

You might not be having periods.  These are pointers that your hormones are not balanced for you, but this is something that you can work on.

So now you know:

• Learn your cycle
• Plan your life to work with the hormonal flow as much as you can
• Know that this awareness of how your body works will help you to manage your needs in a more responsive way

Want to work with me to learn how your hormones work for fertility and wellbeing?

My new Cycle Management program is a 12 week plan designed to educate and inform you about your personal cycle.  It includes weekly chats, cycle tracking and holistic therapies to support you and your wellbeing.  It’s delivered completely online, so if you’ve got internet, we can connect!  If you’d like full details and availability, then please use the contact form to get in touch, or use the ‘book’ button to schedule a free connection call.

Reproflexology and undiagnosed infertility – some numbers for you.

Pregnancy – 70%
Live birth rate – 70%

Success rates from a data collection study of 180 cases, published in Reflexology for Fertility.

‘It is important to be aware that these results can ONLY be attributed to using these particular reproflexology protocols and no other form of reflexology’

Barbara Scott, ‘Reflexology for Fertility, a practitioners’ guide to natural and assisted conception’ (Watkins, 2016)

Are you struggling to get pregnant? Have you been told you have undiagnosed infertility (i.e. “we don’t know why you aren’t pregnant yet”)?

Reproflexology techniques are designed to help you – by teaching you how your bodies work; using specific reflexology routines to support and maintain a regular monthly cycle; by treating male partners as well (remember, their wellbeing is also critical) to help optimum sperm health; and by discussing dietary and nutritional information which is specific to your needs.

I am now taking on new clients to work with these new techniques, get in touch with me to schedule your consultation, by calling or booking an appointment online.

The Children’s Reflexology programme for parents and carers helps you to learn simple reflexology techniques to soothe, settle and bond with your child, and use routines specially designed for you and your baby by experienced reflexologist and author Susan Quayle (who wrote the successful children’s reflexology book ‘The Mouse’s House’ which the workshops are based on).

This innovative award winning programme uses rhymes, story telling and beautiful illustrations to engage you and your child, making it easy to learn and remember the techniques presented.  The courses are run in informal hourly sessions, and include full colour course notes, and ongoing support through a closed messaging group. If you attend a 5 session course, you will have a complete toolbox of reflexology routines to use to support your little one through their early months and years.

Book HERE

You and your child are welcomed to small, adaptable and baby led classes, where you will learn life-long parenting skills to soothe, nurture and calm your baby.  Each week’s class combines positive bonding with the healing qualities of reflexology, taught to you by an experienced reflexologist (and Mum) with a host of personal experiences of childhood ailments, including prematurity, dairy intolerances, colic and reflux.

Upcoming course dates 2019 –

• May 3, 10, 17, 24, June 7 – Kids Reflex Dorset 5 week course** Dorchester Yoga & Therapy Centre, Dorchester – FULL
• June 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12 – Kids Reflex Dorset 5 week course** Dorchester Yoga & Therapy Centre, Dorchester – 5 PLACES
• Sep 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18 – Kids Reflex Dorset 5 week course** Dorchester Yoga & Therapy Centre, Dorchester – 5 PLACES
• Nov 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec 6 – Kids Reflex Dorset 5 week course** Dorchester Yoga & Therapy Centre, Dorchester – 5 PLACES

**Includes book and certificate of completion

Reproflexology and endometriosis – some numbers for you.

Reflexology and endometriosis:
Pregnancy – 65%
Live birth rate – 55%

Success rates from a data collection study of 180 cases, published in Reflexology for Fertility.

‘It is important to be aware that these results can ONLY be attributed to using these particular reproflexology protocols and no other form of reflexology’

Barbara Scott, ‘Reflexology for Fertility, a practitioners’ guide to natural and assisted conception’ (Watkins, 2016)

Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissues grow outside the uterus – it can develop around all your reproductive organs, around the bowel, bladder and vagina. Up to 25% of women in the UK who are ‘sub-fertile’ are thought to have endometriosis, and approximately 5-10% of all women of reproductive age.

Symptoms: pain during sex, heavy, painful or irregular periods, bleeding between periods, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue.

Reproflexology techniques are designed to help you – by learning how your bodies work, using specific routines to support a regular monthly cycle, as well as any known conditions that may affect your wellbeing; by treating male partners as well to help optimum sperm health and using other tools and advice.

Book or call now for a consultation and assessment –https://weymouthbayreflexology.co.uk/appointments-fees/

Tuesday Tip – Drink your water! I advise all my clients to drink plenty of water, especially the first few hours after a treatment.

Why?

Drinking water helps your body to balance all the fluids you need to keep you alive, and nourishes your cells, tissues and organs for healthy fertility⁠ (this goes for men as well as women!).

Water helps your muscles to work properly⁠, and to recover well when you’ve been exercising.

Water helps your skin to look good – if you’re dehydrated you might notice drier, flakier, dull looking skin, especially the skin on your face⁠.

How can you get more water into your daily routine?⁠

➡️ Drink at least one glass every morning, before you start hitting the tea or coffee⁠

➡️ Have a glass of water with every meal or snack⁠

➡️ Take a bottle with you – in your bag, at your desk or in the car. A re-useable vacuum bottle is better than a plastic one, and many Refill locations mean you can top up if you’re out and about – check out Litter Free Coast and Sea for an app that helps you find the closest.⁠

I hope these tips help get you drinking more water – remember it can take at least 21 days for a new habit to stick. Challenge yourself to drink more water for the next 21 days and tell me how you get on (I’ll be your accountability buddy?). If you want to send me a message – just click on the ‘Say Hello’ button.

If you’re following my pages on Instagram or Facebook, you might have seen some of my week of self care tips. If not, don’t worry, I’m adding them all here for my lovely website viewers!

Day One – Take a shower  (or run a deliciously deep bath). ENJOY the hot water, feel how gorgeous it is to be luxuriating instead of rushing. GIVE yourself at least 10 minutes – TIP: use a timer if you need to. USE that special shower gel or bath bubbles you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Make YOURSELF the special occasion and LUXURIATE in this time for YOU. NOTICE how paying attention to something small makes you feel – note it down if you want to remember.  YOU are special and worthy of self-care.

Day Two – READ something REAL. An actual paper book, a magazine, your kids stories, even a gardening or clothes catalogue. REMEMBER how the texture, smell and even the typeface of words make the experience PLEASURABLE and so much MORE engaging of your senses than reading a screen. GIVE yourself at least 10 minutes – TIP: use a timer if you need to. NOTICE how paying attention to something small makes you feel – note it down if you want to remember. YOU are special and worthy of self-care.

Day Three – Try using a positive affirmation. Look at YOURSELF in a mirror and tell yourself : I am worthy of LOVE and JOY – say it with feeling. This is just for YOU so don’t worry if you feel silly – nobody is watching or judging. If you feel that a different affirmation would be more truthful for YOU then your magical search engine will help you find something GOOD and JUICY. FLOOD yourself with LOVE and positive energy. NOTICE how paying attention to something small makes you feel – note it down if you want to remember. YOU are special and worthy of self-care.

Day Four – LEAVE your phone alone. Really far away. Take a walk without it, try a meditation or a stretch. Bake a cake. GIVE yourself at least 60 minutes  phone free time. NOTICE how you feel WITHOUT it and what you did with that time instead (NOTE your feelings if you’d like a reminder). Pay ATTENTION to what’s around you right NOW. TIP: use a timer if you need to. NOTICE how paying attention makes you feel – note it down if you want to remember. YOU are special and worthy of self-care.

Day Five – TRY reflexology. Use the video posted on my IGTV and story showing you some quick and EASY HAND reflexology that you can use on yourself. Be MINDFUL of your self touch, you should be gentle and use smooth and flowing movements. USE these techniques for 2 minutes at least 3 times TODAY. NOTICE how paying attention to something small makes you feel – note it down if you want to remember. YOU are special and worthy of self-care.

Day Six – CALL (don’t text) a friend or someone special for a catch-up, short or long. TELL them how much they mean to you. REMIND yourself that CONNECTIONS with other human beings are part of the LOVING nature of life. NOTICE how you FEEL being part of someone else’s story for a few minutes and have GRATITUDE and LOVE for that person in your life
NOTE that feeling if you want to remember. YOU are special and worthy of self-care.

Day Seven – GIVE yourself a high five! If you’ve followed along all week and tried out everything I suggested, you’ve given yourself the GIFT of a week of SELF CARE. I hope you’ve enjoyed taking part. Let me know how you got on with the challenge – has it changed how you feel about giving YOU some time and attention? Will you repeat any of it? Drop your comments below or send me a DM- I’d love to hear from you.
YOU are SO special and worthy of self-care 

Love, Rowena x

Do you know what’s in your deodorant?

I found a great app, recommended by another instagrammer, called yuka_app. You can use it to scan product barcodes and find out *exactly* what is in them.

Have a look at the picture to see some of the nasties in my daughter’s deodorant. Needless to say, we’ll be having a conversation about this!

Endocrine disruptors, allergens and potential carcinogens are NOT good for you, and can have a significant negative impact on your fertility.

I challenge you to download the app and scan a few items at home. You can use it for food, as well as health and beauty products. Check sanitary items, skin products, shave foam and toothpaste. Let me know if you’ll be making some swaps when you’ve done it! Yuka helpfully suggests better (safer) alternatives for you. Download the app from your preferred app store.

If you want some tips on reducing your toxic load whilst preparing to conceive, and where to buy, I’ve made a quick file that you can access here: Reduce chemical exposure.

Reflexology for fertility, and women’s wellbeing. That’s what I do – help support your fertility naturally – whether that’s :

• to sort out monthly cycles so your PMS isn’t bothering you
• preparation for natural conception
• helping regulate PCOS / endo /fibroids
• support for all kinds of assisted fertility treatment
• reflexology for pregnancy, labour and fourth trimester support
• peri-menopause
• what is making you feel less than 100% yourself

HOW can you work with me? I work remotely with clients via video consultations, email, phone calls and in groups. You can book live sessions with me.  You can also book a virtual distance reflexology or Gentle Release treatment.