Integrative Bodywork

Headache Relief: Let Gravity Help

At the base of your skull, lots of muscles connect and overlap with each other.  As these muscles constrict, this can reduce flow of blood, oxygen into and out of the head.   Paradoxically, pressing firmly here can re-set the body's message to constrict, therefore restoring flow.

Here are some self-care tips to try at home:

1                     Begin by lying down, face up, and putting your hands behind your head.  Apply pressure with your thumbs and fingertips along the ridge of base-of-skull bone (occiput), and just underneath, toward the neck.   Direct your pressure toward the front of the head, moving from spot to spot along the ridge of bone.   Allow the weight of your head to fall onto your fingertips, varying the pressure.  Try rotating or tilting your head to locate areas where pressure brings relief.  These areas might change day to day.

2                     A more passive version of this utilizes a “still point inducer”.  You can purchase one, or you can make one yourself.  Put 2 racquetballs inside an athletic sock; tie a knot.  Lie face up, positioning the 2 balls side-by-side in the sock under your head, supporting the base-of-skull bone (occiput) comfortably.  You may want to slightly tuck your chin as you begin.  Allow the weight of your head to sink with gravity over several minutes, adjusting your position as needed for comfort.   

Permission to Move About

"Your captain has turned off the seat-belt sign.  You are free to move about the cabin."

Oh my goodness, what a relief.  I can move.  I can breathe freely.  I can be myself.  I can (fill in the blank). 

Today, air traffic safety is assured: I'm not piloting a plane.  I'm working one-on-one with a client seeking to reduce overwhelm, pain and stress.  But, when I give permission to move about, my client noticeably relaxes.  I do, too.

You can try it right now, "Just allow your eyes to go where they want."  Or, "See how your head and neck might want to move right now."    As you bring attention to the body, what else happens?  You might find yourself adjusting your position, maybe stretching, moving a bit to feel more grounded.  And your breath might kick in with a natural shift.

Just permission, that's all.  It's OK to be there as you are.  I'm over here, with you when you're ready.