To complement the MASSAGE Magazine article, “Body & Spa: Degrees of Healing—Hot and Cold Therapies to Relax, Relieve and Refresh,” , in the November 2010 issue. Article summary: In between boiling and freezing, there is a full range of temperatures, most of which could be deemed cold, cool, hot or warm. Massage therapists may choose to use temperature as a tool in the session room, because the varying degrees of hot and cold, when applied properly, can elicit beneficial responses from the body.

by Kelly Lott

The word migraine comes from the ancient Greek word hemicranos, which means half head (or, felt on one side of the head). More than 50 million people worldwide suffer debilitating pain from migraine headaches.

The cause of migraines is not known; however, we do know that during a migraine, the blood vessels in the brain expand in a process called vasodilatation. As the tissues surrounding the brain swell, the pain intensifies.

The most common triggers of migraine are:

  • Stress
  • Caffeine addiction
  • Hormonal changes
  • Food allergies
  • Environmental agitation

Migraines are a debilitating problem for many, causing loss of work and time with family, and affecting one’s ability to function normally. Three women for every one man suffers from migraines; the onset is usually at menses, and 70 to 80 percent of migraine sufferers have a family history of headache.

The prodrome, sometimes called the preheadache, may be experienced hours, or even days, before a migraine episode. Symptoms of a preheadache include:

  • Visual perception of flashing lights, wavy lines or spots, or partial loss of sight
  • Tingling or numbness of the face
  • Confusion
  • Hypersensitivity to light and touch
  • Pain feeling heavy on one’s head
  • Sharp pain in one area, like a knife in one’s eye

While over-the-counter pain medications are helpful in improving headache pain, they must be taken with caution because they could actually make a headache worse if not taken correctly. The overuse of pain relievers, by exceeding the recommended instructions or not following a doctor’s advice, can cause a rebound headache: When the medication wears off, the sufferer may experience a withdrawal reaction, prompting her to take more, which can lead to another headache, and on and on.

Three years ago, I created and developed the cold-stone therapy regimen that dramatically and quickly reduces the pressure and pain that accompanies migraines and many different types of headaches.

The treatment lasts approximately 30 minutes and consists of headache-point releases, specific essential oils applied to the face and pulse points, and the use of specially designed and crafted cold marble stones placed at strategic areas to reduce inflammation of blood vessels.

It seems everyone knows someone who suffers with headaches. Many who do would like to get relief with an alternative, natural way without drugs. By learning a hands-on, natural protocol, you will be able to help migraine sufferers and immediately increase your income.

Kelly Lott, L.M.T., M.T.I., N.C.T.M.B., C.I.M.I., has trained massage therapists throughout the country for the past 15 years in pregnancy and postpartum massage, face toning, spa treatments and cold-stone therapy for migraine headaches. For more information on her seminars and instructional DVDs and products, visit www.migrainemiracle.com.