More people adopt a ‘natural’ approach to relieving headaches

THE Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) believes that more people are looking at complementary therapies to ease headaches as they offer a more natural and holistic approach rather than popping pills. More than half of us get a least one headache a month and women are particularly prone, suffering at least one a fortnight.

In the fast-moving world that we live in, almost anything can give a person a headache. However, there are a number of different types of headache and it is necessary to identify the specific headache type, so that an appropriate complementary therapy can be used. The aim of complementary therapies is to relax key areas, stimulating circulation to the head, releasing deep held tension and leaving the person feeling clear headed and revitalised. The FHT offers advice on three of the main therapies that are used to relieve headaches.

Before starting a qualified Aromatherapist will determine the type or features of a client’s headache before deciding which essential oils and methods of use are most suitable for that individual.

Lavender and peppermint are excellent analgesics, used in a vegetable oil they can be applied to the temples, forehead and back of the neck. They are suitable for general/milder headaches,

Essential oils such as sweet orange, petitgrain and neroli help people who suffer from nervous tension headaches. They can be blended with vegetable oil and massaged over the solar plexus in a clockwise direction.

Rosemary, peppermint and lavender may help alleviate headaches triggered by food. These oils, blended with vegetable oil can be applied to the back of the neck or put onto tissue and inhaled.

Steam inhalations are thought to be best for headaches involving the sinuses. Eucalyptus, spike lavender and tea tree oils are al very effective due to their combined analgesic, antiseptic and mucolytic properties.

Indian Head Massage concentrates on stretching and massaging the muscles of the upper back, neck, shoulders, head and face which are the areas where stress tends to accumulate and lead to headaches.

A tension relieving IHM begins with breathing exercises and gentle stretching of the neck and shoulders to ease a person into a more relaxed state. This is followed by stroking movements before targeting tight muscles with deeper, more specific massage techniques. Specific IHM moves such as hair pulling, can be beneficial in loosening the scalp, while soothing and stimulating pressure points on the face helps to release sinus congestion and relax the muscles. Clients are advised to rest quietly after a few minutes after a session and offered a glass of water to help flush out toxins and encourage hydration.

Reflexology is a massage and pressure therapy applied to the feet or hands, it treats the whole person and not just the symptoms, helping the body return to its natural state.

As stress is a common factor in headaches, pressure on the adrenal reflexes may also help calm the body and reduce the adrenal rush. Trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet and by working on these points the reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased and circulation and elimination is improved. This Gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse

The FHT is keen to stress that when it comes to headaches only a doctor or medically qualified professional should diagnose what type of headache an individual is experiencing, particularly as certain headaches can be linked to a secondary – and potentially serious – health condition that has not yet been detected.

To find a qualified Therapist near you visit fht.org.uk.

Also see Marcus Croman - Sports Injury Therapy via this link.

“CLEVER CLEANING” THE WAY TO BEAT HOSPITAL SUPERBUGS

JUST one extra cleaner on a hospital ward can save lives and money, according to new research sponsored by UNISON, the UK’s largest public service union.

The detailed study found that one extra cleaner, using targeted cleaning methods, had a “measurable effect on the clinical environment,” cutting the number of patients who contracted MRSA and saving the hospital an estimated £30,000 - £70,000. If that were replicated in every ward in every hospital, many lives would be saved and millions of pounds.

UNISON has long argued that drastic cuts in the number of cleaners employed in the NHS has led to the rise of superbugs such as MRSA and C Difficile. In a “put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is” exercise, the union sponsored microbiologist Dr Stephanie Dancer to carry out in-depth research into MRSA and cleaning.

The findings*, recently published in BMC Medicine, revealed that enhanced cleaning led to a 32.5% reduction in microbial contamination at hand-touch sites. Cases of MRSA fell in the 6 months of targeted cleaning on ward A. They rose again when the cleaner moved to ward B, which in turn saw the number of cases fall.

Dr Dancer’s research focused on targeting cleaning around specific areas close to patient beds, such as lockers, trays, buzzers, curtains and the beds themselves. Good old-fashioned elbow grease and detergent were used in place of commonly used and expensive, eco-damaging alternatives such as antiseptics, bleach, chemicals and coatings. As well as cutting the number of patients who contracted MRSA, the study also saved the hospital money.

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:- “MRSA has a devastating effect on patients and can cost lives. Dr Dancer’s work has shone new light on the absolute importance of putting effective cleaning practices at the heart of infection control. It busts the myth that expensive solutions and disinfectants are needed to keep wards clean and it provides a blueprint for hospitals to cut their own infection rates.

The number of cleaners employed by the NHS has been cut almost in two since the 80s and patients have paid the price. Armed with this evidence, UNISON will be arguing that every cleaner plays an invaluable part in the control of infections and employing more in the NHS is a win, win situation – lives are saved as well as much needed NHS money.”

Dr Stephanie Dancer said:- “It is very tempting to look for easy ways to clean a hospital ward. Look at all the wonderful ideas out there.... bug buster dusters, clean air machines, kill-all disinfectants and gases, electrostatic wall tiles, copper toilets, silver pyjamas and self-clean computers, for example. Whilst such things are innovative and interesting, we should not forget that basic hospital cleaning with detergent and water is the first line of defence against hospital infections. Cleaning is hard work, and complicated work, and the gadgets, gimmicks and gizmos cannot, and should not, replace a hospital cleaner'.

Unison have always supported the hospital cleaner and the value of hospital cleaning, and I would like to acknowledge their support of this project. Cleaners are a very valuable part of the infection control team.”

* Measuring the effect of enhanced cleaning in a UK hospital: a prospective cross- over study. Stephanie J Dancer, Liza F White, Jim Lamb, E Kirsty Girvan and Chris Robertson.

Dr Dancer’s research was carried out at the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.