HEADACHES, STROKES: COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENT

The prevention of stroke, and rehabilitation after suffering a stroke, are the main focuses for several complementary therapies. The circulatory system is the centre of attention in terms of prevention, and the control of cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardio-vascular disease are most important. Try hawthorn (berries and leaves) and lime blossom in tea or dry form. Massage with juniper and lemon are said to help break down fatty deposits in the bloodstream.

Aromatherapy is a good way to prevent circulatory problems, and strokes in particular. Oils pass quickly into the bloodstream, when used in massage, and there are a number that you should find helpful. Black pepper, juniper and marjoram will stimulate the circulatory system locally, while cypress, neroli, lemon and rose will improve circulation generally.

Royal jelly is thought to lower blood pressure. Vitamins C and F aid the whole circulatory system, acting as anti-oxidants. In America and Finland, studies have indicated that low levels of selenium in the blood are linked lo strokes and to heart and circulatory diseases. However, selenium is potentially toxic, so do consult a registered practitioner before using it. Selenium is often used with Vitamin E. Do note, however, that the effects of selenium are blocked when Vitamin C is ingested at the same time.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) also lowers blood cholesterol, and protects against cardio-vascular disease. Niacin may actually be capable of reversing some arteriosclerosis, in many cases a forerunner to strokes. Niacin is, however, toxic in high doses; a niacin flush – hot, reddened skin, a tingling and burning sensation in the face, neck, arms and chest area – indicates toxicity. Consult your GP or clinical nutritionist for a sensible dose.

The Feldenkrais method, which is a new kind of learning system that uses movement as a means to change and develop a more healthful way of using your body, helps those who have suffered strokes.

Stress-reduction techniques are essential to help prevent strokes, and gentle

exercises — like those involved in T’ai Chi or yoga – keep the circulatory system in good order. Acupressure, acupuncture, chiropractic and osteopathy can help deal with the pain of headaches, and the anxiety that can exist following stroke. The muscle spasm in the neck and shoulder areas that is common in stroke victims benefits from physiotherapy or soft-tissue manipulation (osteopathy) and the headaches and psychological effects that often follow a stroke may react well to cranial osteopathy. Music, dance and art therapy can teach the patient to use weakened limbs and reflexes, and provide distraction from the pain, fear and depression that may ensue after the illness.

Reflexology may assist the muscles to relax, and relaxation therapy will be tidal if you are tense. As post-stroke therapy, reflexology can help patients recover more quickly and return to regular living. Strokes can make patient ess in control of his emotions, which can well up in a childlike fashion. Relaxation techniques and perhaps psychotherapy might be appropriate here.

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Related Posts:

• AN A-Z OF EMOTIONAL PAIN: PAIN
• AN A-Z OF EMOTIONAL PAIN: ACUPUNCTURE
• AN A-Z OF LUMBAR OR PAIN AND LEG PAIN: DYSMENORRHOEA
• AN A-Z OF LUMBAR OR PAIN AND LEG PAIN: SHORT LEG SYNDROME
• AN A-Z OF DORSAL AND THORACIC PAIN: HEART DISEASE
• HEADAHES: GLAUCOMA TREATMENT
• PAIN AFTER A HEAD INJURY: PAIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER A HEAD INJURY
• HEADACHES, OTHER INFECTIONS: HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES)
• TYPE OF TENSION HEADACHE

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 at 1:06 pm and is filed under Pain Relief-Muscle Relaxers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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