Back Mice

Episacroiliac Lipoma, otherwise known as Back Mice, are a cause of low back pain caused by fatty tissue that has herniated through the fascial layers in the low back. The term Back Mouse was coined by Peter Curtis in his 1993 paper: In search of the ‘back mouse,’ due to its mobility and change of size over time.i I first encountered the back mouse while performing chair massage in massage school. I had no knowledge of the condition and I was curious as to what they could be. The few clients I observed them in were middle-aged women with complaints of low back discomfort though the palpation of the nodules did not invoke a pain response.  

The basic characteristics of a Back Mouse are firm, rubbery, mobile nodules located in the sacroiliac, posterior superior iliac, and, lumbar paraspinal regions. Observing these characteristics upon palpation combined with either relief of pain with local anesthetics or positive identification upon ultrasound are key in diagnosis.ii The back mice are easiest to palpate when the patient/client is slightly bent over at the waist at a 75-degree angle.iii When the back mouse nodule is causing peripheral nerve neuropathy and/or entrapment, differentiating back mice versus spinal stenosis/herniation or neuropathy can be accomplished by negative straight leg raises, lack of sensory findings, and intact reflexes. 

Western Medicine treatment considerations include local anesthetic injection, corticoid steroid injection with repeated needling, surgical resection of the herniated tissue, and liposuction. Treatment is not usually required unless the back mouse is causing unmanageable pain.iv   

Massage Therapy can help manage the pain and discomfort caused by the back mouse. Paraspinal massage, hip massage, and thoracodorsal fascial stretching can be a good treatment for reducing pain/discomfort and providing relief from the back mouse. When massaging a client with back mice it is important to avoid direct pressure over the nodule as well as avoid stretching and bending that weakens the low back.v 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Back Mice are considered to be caused by damp/phlegm stemming from water accumulation in the low back due to low kidney yang.vi This can be treated by clearing damp from the Large Intestine with digestive cupping and citrus essential oils, and tonifying the Kidneys by using moxibustion on the Kidney Shu points.

Notes:

i The Best-Laid Plans of “Back Mice” and Men: A Case Report and Literature Review of Episacroiliac Lipoma, retrieved from: https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=MjYxMg%3D%3D&journal=95

ii Trapping “Back Mice”: A novel approach to the evaluation and treatment of painful subfascial fat herniations, retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332159014_Trapping_Back_Mice_A_novel_approach_to_the_evaluation_and_treatment_of_painful_Subfascial

_fat_herniations 

iii backmice.info

iv Are Back Mice Real?, retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/back-mice-or-episacroiliac-lipoma-296970

v The Problem with the Back Mouse, retrieved from: https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/problem-back-mouse 

vi Back Mice! A Weird Cause of Back Pain, retrieved from: acupunctureinthepark.com/pain/back-mice-a-weird-cause-of-back-pain/

Psoriasis and Massage Therapy

Psoriasis affects a large amount of our population, but it’s not only physical. It can affect self-confidence, relationships with others, getting out and doing things, and even contribute to depression. I am one of those people it has affected. 

According to Western medicine, Psoriasis is a hereditary, non-contagious, autoimmune overreaction of the skin. It presents usually with thick, white, silvery, or red patches on the skin that may form clusters, along with possible inflammation, itching, and/or flaking scaling on the skin. Basically, skin cells grow about 5 times faster than normal and the old cells build up instead of being shed. In Western medicine, it is not known exactly what causes the immune system to be set off this way. Although, it is widely believed that flare ups can often be associated with an increase in stress and hormonal changes. 

Western medicine usually treats Psoriasis with topical treatments, light therapy, and oral and/or injectable medications. Some natural methods may be recommended as well, including herbs, vitamins, natural sunlight, ocean water, bath solutions, natural ointments, and diet changes.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Psoriasis is an outward expression of Heat emanating from the deep bone level, associated with the Kidneys, the body’s deepest constitutional level. If Heat is not being cleared sufficiently through urination and deification, it can be pushed upward and cause issues with Lung energy. Therefore, it is also associated with Heat in the Lungs (Metal energy) and, over time, can weaken Lung Qi, energy and the immune system. Also, in TCM, clustering indicates internal Dampness that exudes out to the skin, and is likely related to diet. The Heat creates the redness, itching, and spreading of the condition, and the Dampness produces the clustering sores.

According to TCM, too much Heat can come from emotional trauma, excessive mental stress, smoking, unhealthy diets, environmental toxins, and even excessive exercise and sex.

It is believed in TCM that psoriasis can be brought under control through the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, essential oils, and diet modifications. 

An additional therapy for Psoriasis can be Swedish massage. In the body, it can increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, reduce inflammation, and provide stress relief. Swedish massage includes long strokes, kneading, and soothingly manipulate muscle and connective tissue. The only modification that is recommended for a therapist to make is light, less intense, massage on areas that are red and inflamed, or avoiding the those areas, to meet the client’s comfort level.

Another body treatment that may help is acupressure that uses gentle pressure on the body’s key healing points to assist in opening pathways of flow and release in the body, increase circulation, boost the immune system, and reduce pain and stress.

People with Psoriasis may also want to ask about massage oils that may be used, or ask to bring their own. It’s good to be up front about the Psoriasis when setting up a massage appointment. Therapists should already know that it’s not contagious, but it can’t hurt to mention that as well. It’s good to let therapists know of any body conditions ahead of time before each appointment.

Swedish massage can be incredibly relaxing and provide wonderful relief of stress. Give yourself, or someone you love, the gift of massage. It can help the body, mind, and spirit heal in limitless ways.

Sited sources:

WebMD, Psoriasis Health Center, Articles on Psoriasis including “12 Psoriasis Causes and Risk Factors”, “Psoriasis Treatments”

China Education Center, “Traditional Chinese Treatment for Psoriasis”

A Center for Natural Healing,“Is your skin driving you mad? A classical Chinese medicine perspective on psoriasis and eczema”, May 11, 2017, by Salvador Cefula, M. S., L. Ac.

National Psoriasis Foundation, “Alternative Therapies”, www.psoriasis.org 

Everyday Health, “Massage for Psoriasis: Is It Safe?”, by Beth W. Orenstein, Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD, March 15, 2017

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

In Western medicine, iron-deficiency anemia is a condition in which, due to insufficient iron levels, there is a significant lack of red blood cells in the body, resulting in low hemoglobin levels and low oxygenation of the body and organs. Anemia comes in many forms and is the most common blood condition in the United States, affecting around 6% of the population.

Symptoms of anemia in Western medicine are fatigue/lack of energy; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath and headaches; difficulty concentrating; dizziness; pale skin; leg cramps; insomnia; very heavy and painful menstrual flow.

The most common treatments for iron-deficiency anemia in Western medicine are iron supplements and a change in diet or nutrition. The change in diet would be to eliminate most dairy products and to begin to incorporate more dark, leafy greens, seafood, and lean, red meats. In severe cases, iron injections can be prescribed as well.

Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn’t use the term “anemia” and instead this condition would be treated under a more general description of “blood deficiency.” Primarily an Earth element condition, the focus for iron deficiency anemia would be directed towards the stomach and the spleen, which generates and controls the blood.

Traditional Chinese Medicine symptoms differ slightly in their description from Western: pale complexion, lips, nails; weak and thready pulse; pale tongue; dizziness; blurring vision; insomnia; numbness of limbs; irregular menstrual flow, poor digestion.

TCM treats blood deficiencies by way of acupuncture/acupressure, massage, diet, and herbs. Herbs that can be used to treat anemia should only be consumed if the client’s doctor has deemed it to be non-interfering with any medications that the client may be on. Herbs used would include astragalus, spirulina, burdock, dandelion root, and ginger.

Massage is indicated for anemia as it helps to dilate blood vessels,increase red blood cell count, and improve circulation and oxygenation throughout the body.
If giving a Swedish style massage, a lighter pressure should be used unless deeper pressure is signed off on by a doctor.
Tuina is also incredibly beneficial for anemia and can actually help to increase hemoglobin levels and the red blood cell count.

During a massage, focus should be directed towards the spleen and stomach meridians, which are Earth element meridians, potentially including acupressure points along those meridians if the client is comfortable with that. Excellent points to include are Stomach-36, Stomach-34, Spleen-6, and Spleen-9. Burning moxibustion on those points can be beneficial as well, as the moxibustion will bring the Qi to those points and reinvigorate the flow of Qi through those meridians.

Including abdominal massage is also beneficial for anemia patients as it helps to increase circulation and oxygen flow through the intestines and the stomach.

• Anemia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2020, from https://www.bodyscape.biz/anemia.html 
• Anemia. (2015, December 12). Retrieved February 13, 2020, from http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000009 
• Diagnostic Information and Acupuncture and Herbal Treatment of Spleen Qi Deficiency. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2020, from https://theory.yinyanghouse.com/theory/traditional-chinese-medicine/spleen-qi-deficiency-tcm-diagnostic-pattern 
• Dorr, C. (2003, May). GETTING IRON FROM THE DIET. Retrieved February 13, 2020, from http://www.itmonline.org/arts/iron.htm 
• Ginger Could Treat Anemia - North Carolina Research Campus BDamron. (2015, September 23). Retrieved February 13, 2020, from https://transforming-science.com/ginger-could-treat-anemia/ 
• Jin, H., Scarsella, S., & Ding, X.-hong. (2011). Tui na. Beijing, P.R. China: Peoples Medical Pub. House. 
• Kent-Stoll, G. (2018, April 3). Nourishing the Blood: TCM and Ayurvedic Perspectives. Retrieved February 13, 2020, from https://theherbalacademy.com/nourishing-the-blood/ 
• Reller, P. L. (2017, August 3). Anemias: A Wide Variety of Types and Causes. Retrieved February 13, 2020, from http://www.acupunctureintegrated.com/articles/anemias-a-wide-variety-of-types-and-causes 
• The Massage Source. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.themassagesource.com/health-concerns/anemia

HIV/ AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that destroys the cells in the body whose job is to fight off illness. The most advanced stage of HIV is called AIDS, or Advanced Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Some risk factors are sharing needles, sexual contact, and if the mother has AIDS it can be passed to the baby through breastfeeding. With the onset of AIDS, you can expect such symptoms as: fever, sweats, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, diarrhea, headaches, swelling of lymph glands, sore throat and rashes. Basically, it will feel like the flu with the purging and aches. It can cause progressive fatigue and weight loss called wasting further down the line. Wasting can be treated with Growth Hormone according to the FDA as of 1996. 

Eventually AIDS may cause oral candidiasis and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a tiny parasite which can also cause damage to the liver, eyes, skin and other organs. HIV/ AIDS cannot be spread by hugging, kissing, or ordinary touching. Some common infections include tuberculosis cytomegalovirus, candidiasis, cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis. Cancer of the lymph and blood vessel tumors can also be caused by AIDS.

An additional problem which may be caused by this retro virus is something called wasting. Wasting is when the person with the disease loses around 10% of their body weight. Neurological problems can also occur such as confusion, depression and anxiety. Kidney disease may occur due to the filtering of all the wastes in the body. The only way to be diagnosed with AIDS is by blood or saliva testing for antibodies. Which it can take up to three months for your body to produce the antibodies that show up in the test. 

Treatment for HIV/ AIDS consists of antiretroviral therapy and several types of inhibitors. The treatment can be fairly painful, and it comes with its own set of side effects. Side effects such as heart disease and flu like symptoms are not uncommon. A couple home remedies are eating healthy to help prevent wasting. Also, it is not advised to eat raw meats as they may have parasites. Being careful around animals is a must because of the potential parasite issue as well. Foods that contain acetyl-l-carnitine are said to help treat nerve issues. Some cautions that should be taken are St. John’s Wort because of its HIV medication impairment.

        Traditional Chinese Medicine can greatly enhance the effects of the antiretroviral therapy. From 2001- 2009 the CD-4 counts of nine living patients who received TCM and antiretroviral treatments had their CD-4 counts in the “good health range”. The side effects from the antiretroviral treatments can be dramatically reduced with TCM. Ginger, for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be used as an herbal extract. Skull cap is used for its heart health boosting effects and helps relieve anxiety. Astragalus is another herbal extract used by TCM to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation and fight kidney disease. The patients combined the TCM and ART have not been taking any medical treatments since 2010 and survived more than fifteen years after their AIDS onset. A staggering 80% of patients that did not receive the TCM with their ART died within six years of the onset.

Bodywork is an important part of many healing processes. As a massage therapist it is important to be healthy while working on an AIDS patient due to their compromised immune system. There is no legal obligation for the AIIDS patient to disclose the fact that they have the virus as we are not health care providers. Any compromised skin on either the therapist of the client should be properly covered, as with all clients. Massage is great for anxiety relief and is helpful for lymph drainage. Light pressure may be necessary due to inflamed organs, specifically the kidneys. Massage is useful for its ability to improve blood and lymph flow and reducing atrophy. Also, it can boost the immune system for the client. Exercise and deep breathing are amazing tools to use to help in keep atrophy and anxiety at a minimum. Tai chi specifically is amazing because of its non-vigorous and yet still very active movements. 

sources:

*aidsinfo.nih.gov/news/109/pneumocytosis-carinii-pneumonia-pcp-

*The Encyclopedia od Natural Medicine 3rd Edition 

by: Michael T. Murray, M.D. & Joseph Pizzorno M.D. 

*Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524

*mayoclinic.org/diseases/hiv-aids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373531

*healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits#section1

*healthline.com/nutrition/skullcap#what-is-it

*healthline.com/nutrition/astragalus#immunesystem

*ncbi.ncm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc5391671/#!po=2.50000

*ambp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=1724

*ambp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=1724

*google.com/amp/s/www.massagemag.com/hivaids-patients-massage-provides-touch-humanity-40379/amp/

*Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology 8th Edition

by: Elaine N. Marieb

Treat and Prevent Coronary Artery Disease

What is "Coronary Artery Disease"? It is the reason for most heart attacks, and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. According to "Traditional Western Medicine", the most common way people get this heart illness is by having too much bad cholesterol in their diet. Substances in the blood stream can collect over time, and create plaque, which clogs arteries. A person who is inactive, has high blood pressure, smokes, or has diabetes it at risk of being diagnosed with CAD.

On the heart itself are tiny aortic branches that surround the cardiac muscle. Of those are four main coronary arteries. They supply oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, straight to the heart. The cardiovascular system depends on a well supplied heart, and clear arteries, to allow the natural flow of blood. Imagine how major a problem it is for the heart to not receive enough oxygen.

     A person with one or more of these at least 50% clogged with plaque will be diagnosed with CAD, and is at risk of having a heart attack. The artery most commonly affected is the Left Anterior descending artery, also known as The Widow Maker.
For a better understanding of how the heart functions, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWFyxn0qDEU

      A complete blockage from plaque will stop blood flow, and kill part of the cardiac muscle. Without proper blood supply, the heart and its host will likely experience major problems. The most common is an acute myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.

      Warning signs of an oncoming heart attack are chest discomfort, (especially in the left side), pain in the arms, pain in the neck and jaw, (less often), nausea, stomach pain, sweating, heartburn, dizziness and exhaustion. There are times that no signs or symptoms will be felt, right up until the attack.

  To treat heart disease in Traditional Western Medicine, doctors will most likely prescribe clot preventing medication, cholesterol reducing meds, or suggest bypass surgery. To prevent getting CAD in the first place; keep a well balanced, healthy diet,  keep bad cholesterol levels down and good cholesterol levels up, stay physically active, and manage stress, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

  Health needs are hardly met by using TWM alone. Most people in the U.S. don't know they can also use "Traditional Chinese Medicine", to fight disease.

      Chinese philosophy was evolved thousands of years ago, when people were in complete harmony with nature around them. In China, they believe in Qi, the vital life force. It is within us all, binding together everything in the universe. In just the human body, there are 12 different pathways that Qi flows through. One of them is called the Heart Meridian. It runs from the armpit, down the ulnar side of the arm, and to the pinky tip. See the picture below.

Where there is deficiency, (lack of) Qi, there is low energy. One or more of the 12 channels will become low on energy when a person experiences an imbalance of emotion. Emotions are directly linked to physical health. In TCM, there is a lot of focus on spiritual and emotional symptoms, as well as some physical ones.

For treatment and diagnosing, the Eastern practitioner uses the 5 element theory. Every person is believed to be made up of; wood, fire, earth, metal and water.  A person with heart disease will show signs relating to the fire element.

     When there is a lack of joy in our lives, all sorts of issues arise. The heart is most affected. Anger, resentment, and bitterness are emotions that follow, causing Qi stagnation in the Heart channel.
Eastern health practitioners believe that Qi stagnation is the root of all health problems. Plaque buildup is actually due to an emotional imbalance. Balancing the fire Qi works well for preventing and treating heart disease and its symptoms. For CAD, many treatments will be done along the Heart Meridian.

     Emotions can be read through a person's eyes, which are the "The windows to the soul". Dullness in the eyes is an indicator that someone needs heart help.  Aside from emotional signs, just to name a few; night sweats, difficulty concentrating, problems with speech, and craving bitter foods are all signs of a fire imbalance, and may indicate of a heart problem.

Modern people believe the mind guides the body, but Chinese doctors believe that the heart does. Ask someone to point at them self. They will likely point to their chest, not their head. We identify as coming from the heart, not the mind. In TCM, both spiritual and physical signs relating to the heart are not to be taken lightly.

Qi stagnation through a meridian can be helped with massage, acupuncture, energy work, or herbs. Any of these can be done by yourself, but when treated by a professional, there are generally no adverse side effects. A skilled TCM practitioner will also help guide you in the right direction, if you are stumped on where to start. Improving the flow of Qi in the Heart Meridian, and many times other meridians, will prevent plaque buildup in arteries.

Massage is a noninvasive approach that can be used for all kinds of patients. It may reduce the chance of a heart attack, arrhythmia, stress, pain, muscle spasms and anxiety. Calming massage techniques, like Effleurage, releases contracted muscles, pushes venous blood towards the heart, and eases strain and tension of recovering heart surgery patients.

Acupuncture is a great way to stimulate Qi directly through special points along a meridian. There are nine points that make up the Heart channel.

Meditation is just one of the many forms of Energy work. Cultivating a strong will with good intentions can rid of physical stagnation.

Herbs that work for heart health are usually bitter in taste. They may lower blood pressure, thin the blood, relieve pain, fight against diabetes, and prevent heart attack. Do your own research prior to trying an herb. Check with your primary care physician, and be aware of known risks.

Traditional Chinese methods are so valuable, they've worked for over 2,500 years. They work best for preventative care, while Western medicine is better equipped to deal with trauma and diagnosing.

With all of that being said, knowledge from both cultures can be used to create a well rounded health style. Your best bet for preventing or treating CAD is to use an integrative approach; A blend of Western and Eastern medicine.

"If you see a leaf blowing in the wind, Western medicine is the leaf, Chinese medicine is the wind."

To explore the benefits of Traditional Eastern Medicine, come to the Alaska Institute of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, and Massage Therapy, located at 2636 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, Alaska 99503.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613

https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/1/News/detail/3013/massage-therapy-for-heart-health

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/04/how-massage-can-benefit-your-heart

http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/69/24/2952

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27126196

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647

https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/medicine/organs/the-heart/

https://www.theepochtimes.com/understanding-the-heart-of-chinese-medicine_1944277.html

Sinusitis/ Nasal Congestion

Sinusitis/Nasal Congestion

What is Sinusitis? Sinusitis is the swelling of tissuein the sinuses. A major symptom of sinusitis is nasalcongestion.

Nasal congestion, also known as a stuffy nose, is whentissue and blood vessels in the nose become swollenwith extra fluid. Nasal congestion can sometimes alsoinclude a runny nose (nasal discharge).

The common causes of nasal congestion is a common cold, sinus infection orallergies. The treatment options in Western medicine include but not limited to:


● Medicine● Pain reliever to reduce pain and swelling - such as ibuprofen● Anti-congestion such as sudafed● Steam● Nasal irrigator



In Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view, the nasal congestion is cause by windpathogen such as wind heat and wind cold. Nasal congestion is a metal element,when the Lungs interferes, the ability of spreading the Qi will lessen. Once the Qiis unable to act or blocked, the fluids will be increasing and it will become a thickmucous substance called Tan. When the body is lack of Qi, the wind cold and windheat will stuck in the nose and sinus then the Tan will start to stagnate until it willbecome infected. And when the Lung energy weaken and infectious the Kidneys Qiwill start to weaken also.


Acupuncture and acupressure are effective when it comes to opening the nasalpassages and patients will be able to breathe easier. Herb medication is also usefuland is considered a treatment. Bitong point is the most common point for sinusitismeans nose opening. This are the following common points used for sinusitis thatyou can also do to yourself:


● LI-20 (Large Intestine) - found on the both sides of the base of the nose,use your index finger or middle finger and put pressure on it in for about 1or 2 minutes.

● LI-4 (Large Intestine) - it is located on the back of your hand in the webbingbetween your thumb and index finger. Apply pressure for 1-2 minutes. Thispoint is contraindicated for the pregnant women.

● GV24.5 also known as Yintang - located between the eyebrows also known as“third eye”. Apply pressure or rub the area using your fingertips.


Massaging a person with sinusitis or nasal congestion is helpful by relieving thepressure and helps the sinuses drain and also keep the body fluid and mobilize. Afacial massage is recommended for a client that has sinusitis or nasal congestion,this can be done on the floor or on a table for 30-45 minutes. With your clientlaying down on their back comfortably and position yourself at their head. Apply agentle pressure around the neck, head, shoulders and other sinus areas and thenyou can also apply acupressure point.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/causes/sym-20050644

https://fiveelementhealing.net/in-depth-healing-strategies-chronic-sinusitis/

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/16/traditional-chinese-medicine-sinusitis-1

https://www.healthline.com/health/pressure-points-for-sinus

https://www.healthline.com/health/sinus-massage

Migraines

Experiencing a Migraine?

A migraine is described in Western Medicine as a, “a recurrent headache with an unknown cause.”  In Chinese Medicine we are reminded to honor each person’s experience. To treat someone where they are on the day of treatment, without judgment or question. 

The migraine can be unilateral or temporal.  Accompanied by the following symptoms: irritability, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and photophobia (sensitivity to light), sensitivity to sound, auras and vasodilation.  Migraines may last anywhere from a few hours to days, even weeks. And are more frequent in women ages 30-49. Often showing up around puberty and resurfacing during menopause. There are also many different types of migraines a person can experience that are listed on the website  www.freemedicaldictionary.com

Western Medicine prospective is to prescribe medications, Botox injections or other treatments to hopefully give relief from migraines.

The Western approach of treatment on a migraine may do very little to “cure” or treat a person from experiencing a migraine. Leaving a person with little to no options.  And spending a lot of money on medicines and still having zero relief.

 Prescribing medications or suggest treatments that mask the symptoms for short periods of time for many people. And medications that cause such severe side effects, tiredness, or put one in a “drug coma.”

TCM describes a migraine as deficient liver qi. And having an unbalanced fire and wind element.

Treatments from a TCM prospective is to maintain balance of the liver qi.

 By calming the liver and unblocking the meridians. Removing toxins and pathogens. Each person is treated on an individual basis according to their own disharmony patterns. This would include changing diet and using foods to treat and heal the body.

Acupressure and migraines:

Points used to relieve a migraine. 6 main points are suggested by: www.modernreflexology.com to use to treat to give relief to someone experiencing a migraine or headache. Each person is different, and these may or may not give relief. But in combination with massage could give some amazing results to someone experiencing a migraine.

 These points are:

1. Third Eye

2. Bright Light (corner of the eye below eyebrow)

 3.Temple region curving around the ear 

4.Welcome fragrance (either side of the nostrils)

5.Neck region, back of the head
6. Webbing of the thumb and in the foot (the valley between big toe and 2^nd toe).

Massage is indicated for migraines or headaches. If you are experiencing a migraine or a headache, try some of the points on yourself listed above. Or get a massage. Or even better, a combination of the two.