Pressure Points of the body

[RetroJay]

Hi All and to all a Happy New Year.

A friend of mine suffers with pounding migranes and I wish I could help ease the pain.
Now a few years ago I heard that preasure points on the feet, when pushed or massaged, could cure headaches.
Is this true?

If so then I was wondering if anyone here knows how to do this and maybe give me a few pointers.
Maybe even point me towards a good web site dealing with this sort of thing.

Many thanks.
Jay.  

[MrColossal]

Hey man, sorry about your friend, I can't even imagine what a migraine is like. I hope I never experience one. However what you speak of sounds like Reflexology. Beware, it is a pseudoscience and false. So to answer your question, no it is not true. Sorry!

[RetroJay]

Hi MrColossal.

Thank you for your reply.
I just wish I could do something to help when she is in so much pain.
I do the obvious things like close the curtains give her pain killers and massage her head, shoulders and neck.
This helps alot of the time but not always.

If anyone knows of another remedy then please help.

Thanks.
Jay.

[Bulbapuck]

I'm not sure, but I think there are medications at the pharmacie that eases migrane. Try that.

[Gilbert]

Beware, it is a pseudoscience and false. So to answer your question, no it is not true.

I don't know where you get that idea, but all I can say is it's definitely genuine. The problem with western people is that they always seek scientific proof and opt to disbelieve when they fail to do this. Note that our technological level is really limited at the time being and it's actually not possible to prove everything as we wish (no, I'm not talking about religions here).
The problem is, not all people who offer such services are really trained. There can be a number of which who cheat for money, especially in the west I think. So, it's not with whether the method is working but the problems are in the people.

[RetroJay]

Hi Bulbapuck.

Thank you for your reply.

She has tried many medications from the pharmacist but none seem to help, other than to dull the pain slightly.
Also I would like to point out that she has had many examinations by, supposed, experts and all have said that she is fine.

I don't know what to do.

Thanks.
Jay.

[RetroJay]

Please.

I didn't mean to start an argument.

I just wondered if anyone could help. Thats all.

Thanks.
Jay.

[auriond]

Reflexology is a valid form of treatment, and like many other treatments, it's not advisable to try it yourself. If you really want to try this route, see if you can find a board regulating the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine where you live. Only consult practitioners who know what they are doing.

[MrColossal]

Please, I ask that you do not.

It is a foot massage. Get her a foot massage and she will feel the same and it will be cheaper.

This is not meant as an argument. Just education.

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reflex.html

[Gilbert]

Education on false or unidentified claim is not good. Yeah this is a bit off-topic, so I think we're over with it now.

[Calin Leafshade]

Reflexology is indeed pseudoscience and is not accepted as a valid treatment by the majority of national medical bodies.

2 issues..

firstly it hasnt been shown to work consistently in double blind tests.

secondly the mechanism by which it is said to work requires a belief in Qi, which has also never been shown to exist.

[Anian]

Once I saw that there is a therapy with electroshocks...not the "institution" ones.  Something along the line of inserting a wire around the spine and you carry a pack with batteries that sends signals to it, supposed to stop or noticably reduce migranes (not only a theory but it's actually been successful). Although this was on Beyond tomorrow or some show like that, so I don't know the actual status of that technology.

But, yeah, find the institution that regulates those practitioners in your state/country, it'll not only give you info on who's "legit" but what sort of tehnique is most suitable. Plus I suggest you find some forums, like with all things, there's probably (actually surely) a group that's been through it and/or offers advice etc.

And for the "not working part", all I can say is that placebo goes a long way.

[Chicky]

This stuff is brilliant, it makes your whole forehead numb and has saved me from many severe headaches.

Also as pathetic as it sounds, marijuana beats any medication when it comes to relieving pain.

[Jim Reed]

I'd advise against marijuana. It's not a thing to play around with.

[Stupot]

... I can't even imagine what a migraine is like. I hope I never experience one...

Oh but you have... It's called a 'headache'.  Ever notice how, nine times out of ten, the types of people who 'suffer' from migraine are the same people who go to the doctors twice a week for a cough and get signed off work with depression just coz they're feeling a bit blue... A migraine is a hyperchondriac's headache.  Take some painkillers and have a rest for crying out loud.

[/controversial ]

[auriond]

Oh, for heaven's sake.

Anything is a valid treatment if people find relief in it. It has nothing to do with science, pseudoscience, quackery or any of the rest of it. Jay's asking for an alternative form of treatment because the usual avenues (medication, seeing the doctor) have been exhausted, and he just wants to relieve the pain for his friend. So the least we can do is to give some useful advice about seeking alternative treatments.

Jay, could the problem be psychological or environmental? If so maybe your friend just needs a break or a change of air.

[Danman]

My advice for a migraine that i suffer from too. Is this may sound a bit silly. meditation.

Just need to relax and not think. that is basically meditation

That is what helps any headache with me.
Migraines that i get are caused from stress.

ps.If you want to know how to meditate just search wikihow.com

also Chicky maybe right about marijuana. but I wouldn't take any drugs or anything for a headache cause it just causes other problems  .

[Haddas]

Oh, for heaven's sake.

Anything is a valid treatment if people find relief in it. It has nothing to do with science, pseudoscience, quackery or any of the rest of it. Jay's asking for an alternative form of treatment because the usual avenues (medication, seeing the doctor) have been exhausted, and he just wants to relieve the pain for his friend. So the least we can do is to give some useful advice about seeking alternative treatments.

Jay, could the problem be psychological or environmental? If so maybe your friend just needs a break or a change of air.

Seconding that. I used to have a lot of headaches that were related to bad air and posture! Apparently slouching in front of a computer blocks bloodflow.

[MrColossal]

... I can't even imagine what a migraine is like. I hope I never experience one...

Oh but you have... It's called a 'headache'. 

Yeah the word is probably confused with sever headache with some people. My friend at work gets migraines and he explains the black and white vision, the halos around things, his vision disappearing into static like an old TV can't find a symbol. All while his head is trying to explode. I'd had severe headaches but that has never happened... And it never will!

NO THANKS WORLD! I'LL PASS!

Spoiler

"Anything is a valid treatment if people find relief in it. It has nothing to do with science, pseudoscience, quackery or any of the rest of it." Oh yeah totally, I hear raping a virgin girl will give relief to people suffering from AIDs so maybe it will help with migraines too! Science doesn't know everything! [/controversial!]

[close]

[Haddas]

You're right in that raping virgins and applying pressure to your feet are very similar. You're just being difficult for the sake of being difficult!