Migraines and the Efficacy of Massage Therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine

75% of adults ages 18-65 have reported experiencing a headache in the last year. 14.7% of the world population suffers from migraines, typically one a month. 2% suffer from chronic migraines, suffering 15+ days per month. Women are three times more likely than men to be afflicted. While headaches are common and tolerable, not affecting daily life, migraines are deeply misunderstood. The suffering is invisible, left at home, the afflicted cancelling plans last minute, calling out of work, remaining isolated for hours or even days. For those not understanding migraines, the thought of staying home from work or cancelling on friends for a mere headache seems like a cop out or of weak constitution. The misunderstanding is that a migraine is just another word for headache, synonymous in meaning, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Migraine is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation, often presented on one side of the head (usually the left), and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours or even days, with pain so severe it interferes with daily life. Four typical phases have been identified:

Phase 1 - Prodrome: warning signs up to 72 hours before a migraine hits, include severe exhaustion, hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, food cravings, sleepiness, and/or neck pain;

Phase 2 - Aura: visual disturbance reported in 33% of those suffering from migraines and may last from 20-60 minutes. Vision may be interrupted by sparkly spots, zigzag lines, or tunnel vision; can present in vertigo, ear ringing, or temporary paralysis on one side of the body; pins and needles sensation in face, hands, arms or legs;

Phase 3 - Migraine Attack: throbbing, piercing, or pulsating, difficult to manage the pain with medication; sensitivity to light, sound, smell; nausea and vomiting; can occur over hours or days;

Phase 4 - Postdrome: recovery period in which the afflicted may feel exhausted, sluggish, confused, and/or depressed.

The cause behind migraine is fairly unclear, however, it is generally accepted that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Although previously considered a vascular issue, migraine is actually a neurological disease. Leading research focuses on interactions with the trigeminal nerve (a major pain pathway) or imbalances in brain chemicals (like serotonin) to try to find a cause. Triggers include: 

• hormonal changes in women, 
• drinks: alcohol, too much caffeine
• stress
• sensory stimuli: bright lights, sun glare, loud sounds, strong smells 
• sleep changes: lacking sleep, too much sleep, jet lag
• physical exertion
• weather changes/barometric pressure
• medications: oral contraceptives, vasodilators
• foods: types of food eaten or the lack of food/skipping a meal
• food additives: ex. aspartame

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the cause of migraines either an environmental invasion of external wind, cold, heat, dampness (i.e. sitting directly in the fan of frigid air-conditioning) or poor lifestyle creating imbalances of the body’s vitals (i.e. poor sleep, high stress) (Quek). There are five types of migraine, according to TCM:

“1. Liver-Yang Aggression: Pulsaing/throbbing headaches triggered by heat, stress or foul temper, dizziness and confusion, dry mouth, insomnia, painful and itchy eyes, yellowish urine. 

2. Stagnant Blood: Localized sharp piercing pain with throbbing sensations, painful when pressed on even when not going through a migraine attack, dry mouth in the night, dried and flaky skin, sharp pains in the eyes. 

3. External Wind and Cold: Headaches triggered by cold or dry air, mild dizziness, stiff neck, aversion to cold environment, pain alleviated by a hot compress. 

4. Liver-Qi Stagnation: Expanding, throbbing headaches, triggered by stress or negative emotions, depression, mood swings, breathlessness, loss of appetite. 

5. Phlegm Blockage: Heavy and pulsating headaches, extreme dizziness and sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, indigestion, reduced urination, irregular bowel movements.” (Quek)

TCM suggests treating migraine with acupuncture, typically most effective in the middle of an episode, but also effective at the prodrome or aura stages. TuiNa, especially for those with an aversion to needles, is effective for all stages of migraine and help with migraine prevention and symptom reduction. Scraping, to remove myofascial trigger points. And herbal medication, for all stages, to help alleviate symptoms.

Because TCM treats the person as an individual, there isn’t one single diagnosis. Western medicine has options for injections and medications, both prescription and over-the-top, to assist with oncoming attacks, during attacks, and the prevention of attacks. Research is still developing, and as with TCM, there is no one size fits all treatment in Western medicine. 

SOURCES

“Facts and Figures.” The Migraine Trust, 5 July 2019, www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/migraine-what-is-it/facts-figures/. 

Golden, Katie M. “Tackling Migraines Head-On: Massage Therapy Journal.” American Massage Therapy Association, 23 May 2017, www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/tackling-migraines-head-on/. 

“Migraine.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201. 

“People with Migraine Endure More Social Stigma than Those with Asthma.” American Headache Society, 16 Feb. 2016, americanheadachesociety.org/news/people-with-migraine-endure-greater-social-stigma-than-those-with-asthma-same-as-those-with-epilepsy-or-panic-disorder-2/. 

Quek, Ardy. “Migraine 101 - Causes & TCM Treatments.” PULSE TCM, 28 Oct. 2020, www.pulsetcm.sg/migraine-101-causes-and-tcm-treatments/#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20causes%20of,head%20and%20triggering%20migraine%20episodes. 

images: 

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/can-headaches-worsen-in-number/

https://migrainebuddy.com/migraine/2018/9/27/the-stages-of-a-migraine-migraine-attack

https://sofiatrends.com/?s=headacheno,%20headache%20relief,%20tension%20headaches.html

Massage For Acute Torticollis

By Shannon Goolsby

Ever wake up with a kink in your neck or have a stiff neck that doesn’t seem to go away or keeps coming back? This could be acute Torticollis.

What is Acute Torticollis?

Torticollis is involuntary muscle spasms or contractions of the neck. The head will tilt or twists to one side, while the chin pulls down towards the shoulder on the opposite side. This typically affects not only the head and neck but can affect the shoulders and back.

Torticollis is often referred to as a stiff neck and often known as Wryneck, Twisted Neck or Loxia.  Other forms of Torticollis include Congenital, Spasmodic and Idiopathic.

Causes of acute Torticollis

·       Improper position of the neck

-          Sleeping wrong

·       Injury to the neck and head

-          Whiplash

·       Over use or tension of the neck muscles

·       Infections or abscesses in the head, neck, throat or upper airway

-          Ear or sinus infection

-          A cold

How long do symptoms last?

In cases of improper position or overuse, symptoms typically resolve within 1 to 2 days. From infections or injury, typically resolution will be within a couple of weeks.

Seek immediate medical attention if the following symptoms occur:

·       Trouble swallowing or breathing

·       Impaired speech

·       Pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the arms and legs

·       Difficulty walking

·       Fever, swollen glands or headache associated with torticollis

·       Mouth or tongue swelling

Western Medicine Approach

Western medicine primarily treats Torticollis through physical therapy and oral anti-inflammatory medications.   In more severe, resistant cases additional medications, botulinum toxin injections and surgery may be used.

Eastern Medicine/TCM Medicine Approach

TCM believe that Torticollis is a stagnation of the blood and Qi of the neck caused by an invasion of cold, wind and damp entering the channels supplying the neck area.

Acupuncture and Cupping of the Ashi and Empirical points with the use of Moxibustion are the treatment of choice in conjunction with Massage Therapy.

With Massage Therapy the SCM, Trapezius, Scalenes and Levator Scapula muscles are massaged and stretched for relief of pain and preventative for reoccurrence.  Contra-indications include:

·       Avoidance of full stretches to the SCM if the Vertebral Artery Test is positive or if the client gets dizzy with stretch

·       Avoidance of the Carotid Artery when treating the SCM

·       Massaging when the muscles are in spasm

References:

·       Vynehealth.com

·       Acupuncture.com

·       Theory.yinyanghouse.com

·       Spacecoast.edu/blog/managing-torticollis-with-massage-therapy.html

·       Massagetherapyreference.com

·       Emedicinehealth.com

·       Healthline.com

·       Mediscape.com

·       Medicalnewstoday.com

Benefits of Massage with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Benefits of Massage for Rheumatoid Arthritis

For my research paper subject I chose to study and find more information regarding Rheumatoid Arthritis. In this paper I will go through the following:

• a Western Medicine description of the condition, 
• a Traditional Chinese Medicine description of the condition, 
• the benefits of massage for this condition, 
• the contraindications of massage for this condition, 
• and the modifications of massage that can be made for this condition.

     Western Medicine on Rheumatoid Arthritis: in the Western Medicine point of view Rheumatoid Arthritis it is known as an autoimmune disease. This disease is the body’s immune system trying to help protect the body but going about it in the wrong way. In this condition it is the immune system attacking the joints of the body. The joints most commonly affected are those of the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Swelling and pain generally occur as symptoms of this condition. This condition can cause a decrease in joint mobility, a decrease in the cartilage of the joints, and a decrease in the spacing between the bones in joints. There are many ways to have self-care when dealing with this condition. A few ways to keep good self-care with this condition are a healthy diet, physical exercise, or hot and cold therapies.

     Traditional Chinese Medicine on Rheumatoid Arthritis: in Traditional Chinese Medicine Rheumatoid Arthritis is looked at in a different way. There are categories for different types of arthritis such as the upper and lower body, the deficiency or excess of the condition, the pain of the condition, or the hot and cold types. Rheumatoid Arthritis is known as a disorder of Qi and blood circulation that leads to the swelling and pain of the condition. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an invasion of the joints by wind and dampness which belong to the Wood and Earth elements. Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies can help to relieve the pain from the condition. A few of these ways are acupressure, acupuncture, herbal remedies, Qi Gong physical exercises and massage, or diet changes.

      Benefits of Massage on Rheumatoid Arthritis: there is a vast number of ways that massage can benefit those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Massage can have a very pleasant effect on Rheumatoid Arthritis and the pain that comes with it, massage has been known to help soothe and calm the body overall from the tension and stress it has gone through with the condition. Massage therapy can help relieve the sore muscles and joints in the major areas affected by this condition also. Since Rheumatoid Arthritis attacks the joint and lessens mobility, massage therapy can make a significant difference in improving range of motion for those affected by it. Stiffness and pain can decrease significantly when massage therapy is applied with this condition.

      Contraindications of Massage on Rheumatoid Arthritis: there are times when massage therapy should not be used with this condition. The main contraindication of massage therapy on Rheumatoid Arthritis is when the patient or client is experiencing a painful flare up in the symptoms of the condition. Massage therapy can worsen or increase this pain of condition with too much pressure. This might be an instance when massage should be avoided until flare up ceases or make use of light pressure in massage so as not to increase pain.

       Modifications of Massage on Rheumatoid Arthritis: there are times when modifications may be needed for client to have a relaxing experience throughout the massage. The massage should be modified if the client or patient is in significant pain from the condition. Light pressure is a common way of still giving relief to the client but not worsening the pain or swelling of condition. Deep pressure may be applied if the client or patient with condition feels more relief this way rather than light pressure. Applying passive range of motion during massage can be beneficial if agreeable to client and if client is not experiencing much pain at the time. Checking your client’s range of motion before and after the massage can help form a basis of their level of range of motion and how they are improving.

      It is always good to know and learn more about the different conditions that can be helped by massage therapy. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be very painful and degenerative. The benefits of massage are endless for those experiencing this condition. Those with this condition are often seeking relief when using massage therapy and it is best when we know best how to care for them in the right ways.

  References: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/self-care.php, http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/what-is-rheumatoid-arthritis.php, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system, http://www.itmonline.org/arts/arthritis.htm, http://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/10/19/tcm-approaches-relieve-arthritis, http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/massage/massage-benefits.php, http://www.livestrong.com/article/129484-massage-therapy-contraindications/

Chron's Disease: Oriental Medicine View

What is Chron's Disease?

Crohn's disease is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Auto-immune disorder which causes inflammation in the GI tract. It usually affects the small intestine, and the beginning of the large intestine. Because of the pain, it results in severe diarrhea, and blood in the stools. Other symptoms include Anxiety and Depression, adhesions, bloating and gas, cramping, anal fissures and hemorrhoids Anemia, Fibromyalgia, Constipation, uveitis, fatigue, and many more symptoms.

                Western medicine treats Crohn's with anti-inflammatory steroids, corticosteroids, immune suppressors, antibiotics, anti-diarrhea drugs, and surgery in which it removes the affected parts of the intestinal tract, which can include the whole Small Intestine, and a portion of the Large Intestine. Other than drugs and surgery there is not much else in the way of treating the symptoms of Crohn's in Western Medicine.

What about Crohn's in TCM?

There are four general categories for Crohn's in Chinese Medicine: Damp Heat, Spleen Deficiency, Spleen and Kidney Deficiency, and Qi and Blood Stagnation.

                DAMP HEAT in LI (Large Intestine) is characterized by Diarrhea, mucus and blood in stool, abdominal swelling and pain, irritability, thirstiness, greasy tongue, and pulse is wiry, slippery, and rapid.

                SPLEEN DEFICIENCY May Be Due To Constitutional Deficiency, Or An Excess Of Cold, Raw Foods.   It Is Characterized By A Compromised Ability For The Spleen To Transform And Transport Food Symptoms Such As Frequent And Severe Diarrhea;. Watery Stool With Undigested Food; Dull Abdominal pain; poor appetite; poor digestion; . and gastric discomfort after food intake Sallow facial appearance, fatigue and lethargy are due to chronic malabsorption and malnutrition are some of the signs of spleen deficiency The tongue is pale with a white coat;. the pulse is soft and weak.

                SPLEEN AND KIDNEY DEFICIENCY May be constitutional, or due to the chronic-ness of the disease. Some symptoms of spleen and kidney deficiency is early morning diarrhea around 5:00 am. Also, abdominal pain that increases with cold but decreases with defecation and may . I have an intolerance to cold and cold extremities The tongue is pale with a white coat; the pulse is thready and weak.

                QI AND BLOOD STAGNATION Is An Acute Phase Of Crohn's Disease In Which There Is Severe Abdominal Pain And Fullness With A Palpable Mass In The Right Lower Quadrant. This Condition Is Similar To Acute Appendicitis. In Addition, Patients May Experience Diarrhea, Lack Of Appetite, . muscle wasting and lethargy The tongue is dark purple; and the pulse is thready and knotted.

                 With all that in mind, it's important to realize that Crohn's does not just appear one day. Crohn's starts building up from childhood due to any number of things, especially if the child has been malnourished in anyway (bad food, bad relationships with family, bad, from around the time he / she hits adolescence, until the mid-20s, and suddenly, it hits out of nowhere. Western Medicine says there is no cure, but as long as you are alive and breathing, there is always a way.

            What I am going to explain is how to modify massage for a Crohn's patient:

Massage Relief for Crohn's

            Massage is contraindicated during flare-ups of Crohn's for 2 reasons: First, you do not give massage over an inflamed area.   And second, a person with a flare-up is likely so uncomfortable, that they do not want to be touched.

            Another thing to think about is, often a client with Crohn's has been on pain relief medicine for years, and their intestinal tracts are a mess, and very fragile, so do not perform a deep and vigorous massage, focus on light, gentle massage that will soothe the stomach, and calm the fire.

Doing a light abdominal massage with diluted fennel essential oil followed by some light cupping along the Large Intestine tract will help to reduce / induce bowl movement, and help gently guide the stomach back to its regular cycle.

1.        Warm The Belly With Diluted Fennel Essential Oil, Standing On Right Hand Side. And Pull From Left Side, Along Ribcage, On The Diaphragm.

2.       Cupping, Just Like You Did With The Massage. Take 6 Cups, Starting On Left Side, And Go Along The Ascending Colon Tract, Following It Down To The Descending Tract, And Back Again. Repeat 3 Times, Quickly Putting One Cup Down , and taking another cup off. Then you can use a gliding cup, and go around the small intestine tract.

Those two methods greatly relieve a lot of the symptoms and stress from Crohn's, and make the client feel greatly relaxed.

References

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=27771

http://vitalitymagazine.com/article/chinese-herbs-for-crohns-colitis/

Agelessherbs.com

http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Crohns-Disease

Acupuncture & Massage for Anxiety

Acupuncture is amazing for anxiety. Combined with massage, we have students who start school with anxiety, and graduate calm and strong. Here's a link to some easy to understand info about how it works, and the experience of one of our students:

ARTICLE: WHY ACUPUNCTURE WORKS FOR ANXIETY RELIEF by Morah Hohman

Our Student's Reply: I was one of those students and I can't express strongly enough how much this school changed my life. I started the program diagnosed PTSD, GAD, and Panic disorder and was on a miriad of anxiety medications that did nothing to fix the problem, they just covered it up like a bandaid. This wonderful place of healing gave me a safe environment to rip those bandaids off and I finished the program medication free (talk to your doctor, never just stop taking medications without first doing so, for it can be harmful). I feel better now than I ever have before and I wasn't aware that was even a possibility for me! All I want is for others to experience the miraculous healing that I found here and discover the beauty of life outside of dibilitating anxiety. It worked for me, and it can work for you!! It's not just a school, for me it was an awakening. I am just so happy I made that first step and enrolled, regardless of the anxious fear trying to stop me- I found peace here. ~H.P.12/11/15