Understanding Migraine and how to help with Reflexology
Understanding migraine and supporting sufferers using varied reflexology techniques
by Allison Walker FMAR (part of this article was published in the Association of Reflexologists Reflexions magazine)
Migraine can be a debilitating illness for many people and according to Weaver S (page 4) is ‘A complex neurobiological disorder with genetic, vascular and biochemical components.’
For those who have never experienced a migraine believe me it’s a whole body experience not just a one sided banging headache. I know this because I started with migraines at the age of 11 after my first trip to the hairdressers and became a migraineur (this word meaning someone who has migraines is somewhat controversial and as we know it is not always helpful to label yourself or anyone as ‘being their disease’). I suffered with migraines regularly before menstruation, after eating certain foods (cheese stronger than a 3, plain chocolate, red wine, oranges and grapefruits, monosodium glutamate, caffeine, cider apple vinegar and more!), with stress, when dehydrated, artificial perfumes, bright lights and neck and teeth problems. Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint the trigger and often it might be one thing that just tips the balance after several other triggers and at different times of the month or day. I thought that they would go when I hit the menopause – sadly no. So let’s look at migraine in more detail, what happens in the body and how we as reflexologists can make a difference to migraineurs’ quality of life.
The word migraine from French, via late Latin from the Greek word hēmikrania, from hēmi- ‘half’ and kranion ‘skull’ differentiates a migraine from a headache because the pain is usually on one side of the head. But it is not just about the pain, people can also feel or be sick, can’t bear bright lights or loud noises, have slurred speech or find it difficult to find the right words, lose feeling on one side or lack co-ordination. I have even gone blind in one eye (I sniffed some plain chocolate that was being melted and everything went black and I lost all feeling down my left side); I had to lie on the kitchen floor until I could see again – very scary! People regularly lose days or weeks off work and suffer horrendously.
There are many different types of migraine such as:
Classic Migraine with an Aura which are the visual disturbances preceding the migraine – this is what I have and at first parts of what I am looking at disappear as if there are bits missing, then I have flashing circles in different colours going round (almost like the outline of the pupil of the eye) this is followed by zig zags flashing in colour across my vision (and with eyes closed) usually on one side. Then I know that the pain will normally follow on the opposite side of the head to the visual disturbance approximately 20 minutes later; this is the time to take action with medication if you don’t take a preventer drug (lots of useful information on medication from the Migraine Trust). When the pain kicks in with the other symptoms they can last anything from hours to days.
Silent Migraine is when you have the Aura but no subsequent head pain. I have had this a few times.
Cluster Migraine is when you have spells of continuous Migraines. These are a nightmare for some people when you have one after the other for a period of time but you can then be migraine free for several months.
Abdominal Migraine usually affects children under the age of 14 and the pain is in the intestines and not the head.
Other classifications of migraine tend to link to the symptoms or causes including menstrual migraine and chronic migraine (over 15 migraine days per month), also vestibular migraine that is the second most common cause of vertigo. Meniere’s disease is now being linked to migraine, called MMV – Meniere’s with migraine variant.
There is no doubt there is a genetic predisposition to migraine (my grandmother, mother and brother all suffered/suffer) and that there are avoidable triggers. Research also links migraine to epilepsy through hereditary factors and some doctors believe that there is an auto-immune component.
There has been limited research into the exact causes of migraine but scientists are now saying that migraine is a neurological and not a vascular disorder (although there is vascular involvement). There is a fascinating article called Pathophysiology: What Happens in Your Brain During a Migraine available at www.migrainesurvival.com.
Pathophysiology looks at what happens in each of the body systems during an illness and in migraine latest research appears to link migraine to abnormal excitation of neurones in the brain and trigeminal nerve. This nerve stimulation may be caused by low magnesium levels as well as brain chemical or cell abnormalities. According to PubMed (2007) ‘Cytokines are now considered to be the pain mediators in neurovascular inflammation. Furthermore cytokines may be a cause of the migraine pain: in fact high levels of chemokines (a family of small cytokines) could stimulate the activation of trigeminal nerves, the release of vasoactive peptides or other biochemical mediators, such as nitric oxide, and then to cause inflammation’. Sinobiological (2017) explain that Cytokines are a large group of proteins, peptides or glycoproteins that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system. Cytokines are a category of signalling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation and haematopoiesis. This would account for the link between asthma and migraine which I have experienced. When I am suffering with migraine I am more prone to having an asthma attack, the inflammation being the common factor.
Research into another cytokine called Leptin which is mainly produced in adipocytes (fat cells) increases nitric oxide levels. According to the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association in an article entitled ‘The Role of the Adipocytokines Adiponectin and Leptin in Migraine’ (2009): ‘Although the role of fasting and certain foods have long been known to trigger headaches, total body and abdominal obesity have only recently been linked to migraine. Adipose tissue is a functioning, active endocrine organ with important physiologic and pathophysiologic roles. In addition to regulating energy homeostasis, adipose tissue is important in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism as well as autoimmunity and inflammatory processes.
Centrally, the role and function of feeding and adipose tissue is modulated by the hypothalamus and its connections. Likewise, functional imaging has implicated the hypothalamic activation in acute migraine. Peripherally, adipose tissue has been shown to secrete or modulate several proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-6, as well as adipocytokines (eg, adiponectin, leptin), which are involved in feeding and linked to migraine.’
I wonder if this is another reason why I crave carbohydrates before a migraine and then cannot face food during and after an attack. The hypothalamus, as we know, is the connection between the Nervous and Endocrine systems and is part of the Limbic system which processes our emotions in the brain as well as other functions.
There is current research into the amount of oxidative stress the brain is under before a migraine attack and that the migraine is the brain’s way of protecting and repairing itself. Oxidative stress is a result of the body not coping with free radicals that cause cellular damage. Combating oxidative stress involves avoiding the causes of free radicals, eating foods that contain anti-oxidants and breathing deeply to improve oxygenation.
The last research I have found really interesting is into lectins and migraine. Lectins are found in healthy foods such as seeds, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables. According to migrainekey.com (2018 [online]) lectins are naturally occurring and prevent certain plants from being eaten or enable their seeds to survive the digestive process so they can pass through an animal to be excreted so they can propagate. The chemicals they contain can cause or exacerbate IBS symptoms, gut damage and increased histamine levels - all have been linked to migraine. Some people are more susceptible to lectins than others so it is wise to not over indulge in high lectin foods but also not to exclude them as they contain many health benefits. The book The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in "Healthy" Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain by Dr Steven R Gundry M.D explains which high level of lectin containing foods to avoid for migraine sufferers.
According to Nico Pauly (MNT-NR) migraine is a result of a sensitised Sympathetic Nervous System in connection with trigeminal nerve activity and inflammation in cerebral blood flow. It is a dysfunction not a disease.
In chronic cases of migraine injecting Botox® (onabotulinum toxin A) every twelve weeks into the trigeminovascular system has helped although not cured. Surgical procedures include nerve blocks, stimulation and decompression and have varied levels of success.
There is some interesting research outlined on the Migraine Trust website, for example looking at how circadian rhythms (sleep patterns) affect the incidence of migraine.
Many migraine sufferers are turning in desperation to Daith piercing. The London Migraine Clinic has ongoing research into the effects of Daith piercing. In over 1000 cases 75% report their migraines are ‘greatly improved or they ‘no longer have them’. Only 11% reported no obvious change. The Daith piercing is through the root of the helix where it is believed that the vagus nerve is stimulated. Anatomically through the auditory branch of the vagus nerve this area does affect the trigemino-cervical complex in the brain stem which is a key area for neurological research. As an Auricular Reflexologist I find this fascinating but holistically knowing that if we mask symptoms in one part of the body something else often occurs elsewhere, I am cautious about this. However, when I manually work this area during a migraine it is incredibly painful and does relieve the pressure somewhat, so worth looking in to if you are a chronic migraine sufferer looking for drug free solutions.
The National Headache Foundation (2018) claim that ‘A new animal study suggests that electrically stimulating the vagus nerve suppresses activity in the brain believed to be a headache trigger and responsible for migraine-related auras’. I totally do not support animal testing by the way and admire the work of The Humane Research Trust:
http://www.humaneresearch.org.uk/
You can even buy vagus nerve stimulators on amazon claiming to help migraine sufferers!
Reflexology research into migraine is limited but there are encouraging case studies and trials, the most commonly cited being a Danish trial where after three months 16% had no migraine and 65% believed reflexology to be helpful. However as we know each client is unique and has different triggers at different times in their life so we need to look at the client’s lifestyle very closely to give the best advice and create the best session plan.
The most common advice regarding supplements is to take magnesium, Co-enzyme Q10, Vitamin B12 and B2 (riboflavin) and the herb feverfew as a preventative. Vitamin D aids magnesium absorption so it is worth checking levels and stick to the recommended dose on the labels for all supplements. CBD (Cannabidiol) oil seems to be having some dramatic effects but evidence is still anecdotal. Magnetic bracelets have helped many people as long as they drinking enough water.
Potential Pathology of a Migraine attack:
1. When the body has been in a state of low grade inflammation, hormonal changes might induce inflammatory cytokines in the cerebral blood flow.
The Sympathetic Nervous System is always active in inflammatory states together with the immune system. Biological stress (organs, hormones…) and/or mental stress cause sympathetic nervous system activity together with hormonal changes via the HPA-axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis).
2. The lead up to a migraine can be immediate as in the case of shock or trauma or start days, weeks or even months beforehand. As we know stress affects the brain, the organs and the hormones. The body’s acid-alkaline balance is affected and it releases alkaline minerals such as magnesium from the cells in an effort to correct this imbalance.
3. Cytokines will circulate in the blood flow.
4. Slow continuous vasoconstriction is the result.
5. Nitric Oxide is a strong vasodilator important in triggering migraine. Nitric oxide is produced from the amino acid L-arginine. Nitric Oxide is lowered by Magnesium and the body depletes its magnesium levels even further by trying to neutralise toxic nitric oxide levels. Interestingly I took L-arginine in supplement form as it has been very successful in helping improve circulation, however I had a migraine every day I took it!
6. The sensory nerves, mainly the trigeminal nerve, pick up inflammatory chemicals (C1, C2, C3 in the Dorsal Horn). Pain is the result.
7. The nausea of a migraine is caused by the parasympathetic system, together with the activity of the trigeminal nerve.
8. The vagus nerve is the most influential nerve in our parasympathetic nervous system and any digestive distress can trigger a vagus nerve response. See previous comments on vagus nerve stimulation and migraine.
So we have a certain amount of pathophysiology information to help us with our reflexology session planning for migraineurs. However there is still more to learn as neurologists are discovering every day.
Clinical Reasoning to help formulate a plan
From the client’s case history assess the following:
1. Stress from Lifestyle and Events.
2. Digestive Stress: Acid Stomach, heartburn (nitric oxide thrives in an acid environment), acid foods such as pickles and mature cheese are known migraine triggers. Blood sugar - often the Liver has depleted its glycogen stores following a migraine which is interesting as post migraine all I want are mugs of Redbush Tea and digestive biscuits for a day or two! High consumption of L-arginine rich foods such as chocolate, nuts, dairy and animal products, seafood, wheat and oats, soybeans and chickpeas. (L-arginine undermines the effect of Lysine in suppression of viral infection, so someone prone to cold sores should decrease food containing L-arginine and/or increase intake of Lysine). Look at foods containing tyramine – basically anything fermented, aged or smoked including cider apple vinegar and kefir normally thought of as healthy foods - these are known triggers. Are there other known food triggers for this client such as citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol, monosodium glutamate, aspartame, bananas, marmite, gluten - any foods that cause inflammation in the body or that the body craves such as the high lectin containing foods previously mentioned? N.B The association of consumption of tyramine containing foods and migraine has not been proven but in my clinical experience these are key culprits and it is worth downloading a list of these foods to share with your client. Also do they skip meals or are they dehydrated? Do they suffer with IBS in which case look at the low FODMAP diet and introducing a good probiotic.
3. Hormonal Influence: Do they have migraines at the same time every month, did they begin during puberty, were they different during pregnancy, are they changing around the time of menopause?
4. Mechanical: Check for Musculo-Skeletal system injuries. An old whiplash injury can cause long term problems following displacement of the bones in the neck, skull, face and ears. Neck and back postural problems from sitting at the computer. Dental bite alignment, teeth clenching and jaw misalignment may put pressure on the trigeminal nerve. Do they have a supportive bed and pillow? How do they sit in front of the computer and are their eyes OK? – squinting and the wrong lens prescription can cause problems. Lower spinal injuries can cause compression resulting in an inflammatory response. Foot dysfunction can cause imbalance along the kinetic chain. A lot to think about but worth assessing.
5. It might be a combination of factors: Hormonal and Mechanical when there is pelvic distortion there is pressure on the psoas muscle affecting the ovaries and twisting the uterus. The uterus filling with blood could be enough to trigger inflammation.
6. Do Migraines run in the family, is there a hereditary factor?
7. How often do they have a migraine, how does it present and what symptoms do they have with it? It is very personal remember.
Treatment Protocol for Foot Reflexology
Once you have assessed the probable cause or causes of the Migraine attacks then you need to decide on how to prioritise the reflexes to work.
If the cause is identified as mechanical then you need to start with the Peripheral Nervous System, then the Endocrine System. If there is stiffness in the neck, thoracic pain and pelvic distortion start at the lowest point of the problem and work up, do not start with the brain. If the cause is always bowel and food related then start with the Autonomic Nervous System. If Hormonal, work the Pelvic nerves first and then the Endocrine System. Stress of some sort will nearly always be a factor so include plenty of diaphragm relaxing work and classic reflexology relaxing techniques as well as the HPA axis (hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenals – the body’s stress response route). Also work the limbic system of the brain well for the emotions and primitive fear/shock response (remember the limbic system communicates with the Autonomic nervous system) as well as for pain as the pain response is subjective and interpreted and instigated by the brain: the Thalamus, Amygdala, Neocortex and Hippocampus for example.
Suggested Treatment Plan and Techniques for Migraine sufferers
If you have trained in Nerve Reflexology then incorporate the Nerve Points as suggested. Otherwise work well on the spinal nerves relative to the areas outlined using the techniques you are familiar with. I have incorporated the following:
NR stands for Nerve Reflexology
A.R.T stands for Advanced Reflexology Techniques® by Tony Porter who has a wealth of techniques to share.
CR stands for Classic Reflexology – the method you were initially taught e.g. The Original Ingham Method®
VRT stands for Vertical Reflexology Techniques by Lynne Booth N.B The full VRT weight bearing protocol focussing on bespoke key points to work synergistically are ideal as well as additional points with the client lying supine.
N.B These are my suggestions but it is best to train in each reflexology specialism with its respective expert tutor.
To start:
Make an Intent for the session, breathe, ground and centre yourself.
Make a connection with the client (support heels in palms or palm on pad (heart to heart) on both feet).
Ask them to breathe into any painful areas, help them to focus on the breath throughout the session.
Start with bone loosening movements and relaxing techniques in your usual opening sequence then:
1. Pelvic:
NR: dorsal and ventral routes, ligaments, pelvic floor and pudendal plexus.
ART: Pelvic sweeps.
CR: Walk and torque pelvic area (finger walking with all fingers at the same time as rotating the foot onto the working hand to increase pressure).
VRT: Pelvic sweeps, zonal triggers.
2. Thoracic/Lumbar:
NR: dorsal and ventral routes, subcostal, L-1: ilioinguinal (muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall, skin of superior medial thigh, root of penis and scrotum in male, labia majora and mons pubis in female), iliohypogastric (muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall, skin of inferior abdomen and buttock), psoas (with iliacus muscle flexes thigh at hip joint, rotates thigh laterally and flexes trunk on the hip as you sit up from lying down) and quadratus (laterally rotates and stabilises hip joint), diaphragm and phrenic nerve.
ART: Sweep spine (with focus – slowly).
CR: Diaphragm tension relaxer, thumb walk spine, spinal twist.
VRT: Work spine with client weight-bearing. Diaphragm Rocking.
3. Autonomic Nervous System:
NR: TIL (tracto intermedio lateralis – long tube of sympathetic neurons from lateral horn C8-L2). Paravertebral ganglia, the cervical ganglia are always involved as migraine is in the head. Work the pelvic ones if there is a pelvic problem. The Pre-vertebral ganglia – coeliac, mesenteric (inferior, inter and superior). Solar Plexus.
ART and CR: Work all internal organs in the Digestive System and glands of the Endocrine System esp. adrenals. Endocrine balancing (linking) works well here.
VRT: Do Endocrine Flush and Digestive organs on dorsal aspect with client weight-bearing.
4. Upper Cervical Spine:
NR: Dorsal and Ventral Routes – C1, 2 and 3, Accessory Nerve, Occipital Nerve, Trigeminal Nerve.
Or Cervicals, Neck and Shoulders/Trapezius etc. with ART, VRT or Classic Reflexology techniques.
5. Parasympathic Nervous System in Brain Stem and Brain:
NR: Vagus nerve, Occulomotor if there is an aura or dry mouth with the migraine, Brainstem = medulla, pons and midbrain, thalamus, cortex and cerebellum. Limbic system.
ART and CR: Work the brain stem, brain and Limbic system, Pituitary and Hypothalamus and Pineal, Thyroid and Parathyroids. All toes for fine tuning brain and all zones.
VRT: All toes and Pituitary Pinch weight bearing.
Finish with HPA axis link on both feet simultaneously.
Then Relaxers, Diaphragm Rocking (VRT) and slow gentle breathing to finish.
Work quickly and deeply for no more than 40/45 mins and then plenty of gentle relaxation.
The number of sessions will depend on your Clinical Reasoning and the frequency of the Migraines. If the client is female and presents with monthly migraines then schedule your treatments around the time of ovulation and a few days prior to each period. If Musculo-Skeletal in origin, twice weekly for a fortnight then reduce as symptoms improve.
N.B Meridian and Auricular Reflexology are excellent for migraine sufferers if you are qualified to include them and if you have other techniques such as Facial Reflexology that you know to be beneficial then incorporate them as well.
Here are a few suggestions:
Auricular Reflexology: Full treatment with extra focus on: the Vagus nerve, the San Jaio (Triple Warmer/Burner), the liver, Shen Men, trigeminal nerve point and TMJ, brain, occiput, temple, Sympathetic Autonomic Point, neck, shoulders, Master Cerebral point and Master Sensorial point, Endocrine (pituitary) point, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Adrenal and Pineal glands the Tranquilizer point, Master oscillation point, Windstream and kidney. As with all reflexology, each client is different and focus on what you locate on the ear and how the client’s migraines are triggered. I would always seed (ideally using tourmaline auricular seeds) the Shen Men (for mind, body and spirit balance, pain, stress etc.) plus the neck, cervical and trigeminal nerves. I have found that Auricular work helps me the most to manage my migraines myself. Try working the ears every day for prevention and seed if a migraine occurs to reduce the length and severity. N.B You can’t seed the Vagus nerve as it is too close to the auditory canal but you can pinch press around the helix root and into the inferior concha.
Meridian Reflexology: Essential go to points when in the throes of a migraine are: LI4 (Large Intestine 4 - contra-indicated when pregnant) which is against the index finger at the base of the first metacarpal bone before it meets the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Press and hold for 30 seconds several times while breathing calmly, repeat every twenty or thirty minutes until the migraine subsides.
SP6 (Spleen 6 again contra-indicated in pregnancy) – the client’s four fingers width (3 Tsun) above the medial malleolus, against the side of the tibia, in a small depression. Press and hold or palpate for about 30 seconds and again at intervals until relief is felt.
ST36 (Stomach 36 known as the 3 mile point as the Chinese army used to rub it on both legs to give them energy and stamina to continue on their march for the next three miles!) – located four fingers width (3 Tsun) below the knee, slightly lateral in the fleshy space between the tibia and fibula. Rub briskly, only repeat if feeling energised and stop if feeling too nauseous. Switch to Pc6 (pericardium 6) on the inside of the arm three fingers width below the wrist crease in between the two tendons which helps with motion sickness and nausea.
For prevention of migraine with Meridian Reflexology it is important to assess the client looking at which Meridian/s is/are out of balance, their constitutional type, their Yin and Yang balance, their symptoms and triggers and when they become ill – the season, time etc.
Key Meridians that are mostly involved in migraines are the Gall Bladder meridian, the Stomach meridian and the Urinary Bladder meridian. These three meridians start in the head and finish in the feet at the corners of the base of the toe nails. Pressure in the head can be released by working the toes well, as any stuck energy in the head can lead to pain. Similarly work the base of the little finger nail on the lateral edge for the Small Intestine and similarly on the lateral edge of the fourth finger for the Triple Burner meridians as both transport energy to the head. There are good Triple Burner points also midway along the dorsal aspect of the forearm and into the elbow so worth working well up the arm to help.
The Liver Meridian in conjunction with the Gall Bladder Meridian are the paired Meridians in the Wood Element which is often out of balance in migraineurs. The Liver Meridian especially Lv2 and Lv3 are particularly good points to work for migraines. These are at the base of the big toe on the lateral aspect (Lv2) and the base of the first metatarsal on the lateral aspect against the bone (Lv3). Emotionally the Wood Element is about our ability to make decisions, to plan and grow creatively and intuitively. When in balance we can bend like a tree in the wind and adapt to change in our lives with strength and determination feeling calm and centred. When out of balance we can become indecisive, store anger, be frustrated and lack drive, ambition and creativity. We feel out of balance, unsure of ourselves, bitter, angry and resentful. When our frustration and anger reaches boiling point the energy can be stuck in the head and may lead to a migraine – a pressure valve exploding perhaps? Finding balance in our lives, understanding and processing our emotions, making appropriate decisions calmly and letting go of anger can help our physical bodies and in the case of the Wood element our peripheral nervous system, muscles, tendons and ligaments which may all be involved in the lead up to a migraine.
NEPIP (NeuroEndoPschyoImmunoPody) is a unique reflexology protocol based on psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI) which is the medical study of how our emotions through our nervous system affect our immune system via neuropeptides produced in response to our feelings. It is excellent for working pro-actively with migraineurs when stress is a key trigger.
Final considerations:
Consider referring the client to a McTimoney Chiropractor or other professional who can manipulate and correct any spinal imbalances and suggest some regular stretching exercises such as Yoga, Pilates or Qigong to improve posture, reduce stress and prevent recurrences.
If the cause is dietary and this is not your area of expertise recommend a good Nutritionist or Kineseologist to discover and correct food intolerances although there are some excellent self-help migraine recipe books available. Often cutting out known triggers and working on alkalising the system is a safe and sensible approach. Also remember to advise drinking 8 glasses of water throughout the day away from meals and not to let sugar levels drop too low by skipping meals.
Other therapies that may be of benefit are homeopathy and herbal medicine. If the cause is an emotional one and to help with the stressful effects of living with migraine, energy psychology techniques such as E.F.T, the Emotional Freedom Technique may be of enormous benefit.
There is a wealth of information to help the migraine sufferer and often the cause can be identified and attacks minimised. However a few unlucky people will never discover their triggers or cannot learn to identify and manage them.
Reflexology is worth trying in all cases of migraine as it aims to support the body’s own healing mechanisms and prevents the imbalances that lead to an overloaded system. You can give the body an extra boost to balance itself and prevent the inflammatory cascade that leads to so much pain and misery.
For Training courses, books and DVD’s in the techniques mentioned:
A.R.T with Tony Porter www.artreflex.com 0208 920 9555
NEPIP is taught as part of the Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology
Nerve Reflexology with Nico Pauly - www.mnt-nr.com
Carol Samuel is the recognised Nerve Reflexology Diploma trainer for the UK - www.reflexmaster.co.uk
VRT (Vertical Reflexology Technique) with Lynne Booth www.boothvrt.com 0117 962 6746
References:
A review of current evidence in the surgical treatment of migraine headaches -
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
An overview on immune system and migraine’ www.pub.med.com
Medical Express - Migraines may be the brain’s way of dealing with oxidative stress www.medicalexpress
Migraine Key – Lectins and Migraines https://www.migrainekey.com/migraine-trigger/lectins/
Medical New Today – Everything you needed to know about Migraines - www.medicalnewstoday.com
Migraine Survival – Understand migraine pathophysiology and allodynia
www.migrainesurvival.com
Sinobiological - http://www.sinobiological.com/What-Is-Cytokine-Cytokine-Definition-a-5796.html
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association – ‘The Role of the Adipocytokines Adiponectin and Leptin in Migraine
By B. Lee Peterlin, DO -
http://jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2093768
The London Migraine Clinic – Migraine research into Daith Piercing www.london-migraine-clinic.co.uk
The Migraine Relief Plan – Stephanie Weaver - ISBN – 13:978-1-57284-209-0
The Migraine Trust – www.migrainetrust.org
The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in "Healthy" Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain by Dr Steven R Gundry M.D
Understanding Oxidative Stress – www.wallerwellness.com
Allison Walker qualified with The International Institute of Reflexology in 1999 and with a busy and successful practice became a tutor and then Course Director for the IIR. Allison has trained in ART techniques, VRT, Meridian and 5 Element Reflexology, Auricular Acupuncture and Nerve Reflexology as well as many other courses. She now teaches the Level 5 Reflexology Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology at her own college Contemporary Reflexology College and offers CPD course in Auricular Reflexology for Reflexologists. For details of courses and charts to locate the Auricular and Meridian points mentioned visit: www.contemporaryreflexologycollege.com
