News You Can Use - Headaches and Trigger Points

While there are many causes for headaches, one contributing factor is the presence of myofascial trigger points and the referred phenomena they produce. Clients commonly report this referred phenomena as a headache or head pain. (more below)

Headaches and Trigger Points While there are many causes for headaches, one contributing factor is the presence of myofascial trigger points and the referred phenomena they produce. Clients commonly report this referred phenomena as a headache or head pain. The causes for the initial formation of myofascial trigger points and the perpetuating factors that influences them over time varies. Research studies by Drs. Simons and Travel have documented the general region within the tissues where trigger points form and the referral patterns they produce.  Most trigger points can be treated using a combination of sustained pressure for thirty to sixty seconds.  Some very stubborn trigger points may require injections and other forms of treatment, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Upper Trapezius This is the most common trigger point in the body. Trigger points can form from postural stress like a forward head posture and also play a roll on the high shoulder side. Pain is referred from trigger points in the upper fibers of trapezius into the back and side of the neck and into the angle of the mandible, behind the ear, and into the temple. (Fig 2) Figure 2 Sternocleidomastoid. The sternocleidomastoid muscle has two divisions each producing its own unique pain patterns. Trigger points in the clavicular division can produce frontal headaches, earaches and dizziness. (Fig 4) This trigger point can form in the clavicular head of the muscle for example as part of a high shoulder pattern. Figure 4 Fig 5: Trigger points in the sternal division of the sternocleidomastoid can produce pain into the forehead, behind the eye, the anterior cervical region, and can produce throat pain, discomfort or tightness. While trigger points in the sternal division of the sternocleidomastoid refers pain into the forehead, the anterior (front) cervical region, and can produce throat pain, discomfort or tightness. Other referral patterns include: the back of the head, into the cheeks, into the eye and distally (back) into the sternum. (Fig 5) These trigger points may be the result of a rotational pattern in the body that must be addressed to fully eliminate and prevent the trigger points from returning. Figure 5 Suboccipitals. Referral pain from these four suboccipital muscles radiates pain deep into the head from the occiput toward the back of the eye. (Fig 6) These trigger points are commonly caused by forward head posture, sustained upward head tilt or sustained head rotation with tilt. Figure 6 EFT has been in the news a lot lately, and many clients ask me how I use it in my practice.  Below I have provided an easy to use introduction.  Please read, explore, and call if you have any questions. What is EFT? EFT is a powerful self-help method based on research showing that emotional trauma contributes greatly to disease. Clinical trials have shown that EFT is able to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often rebalance itself, and accelerate healing. Here's how you can experience this for yourself: Try EFT yourself by downloading a free starter package which includes starter manual @www.eftuniverse.com,  It gives you all the basics and allows you to test drive EFT on your own issues (although at a beginner's level). If you like what you see and want to learn more or try a session give me a call. You will also find clear and simple instructions in the EFT book series. Caveat: For people who are emotionally or physically frail, qualified health professionals should be consulted before using any health procedure, including EFT. Read some of the many studies and papers on EFT that have been published in peer-reviewed psychology and medical journals, summarized in the EFT Research section. They demonstrate the wide variety of conditions which EFT has been shown to improve, and ranks EFT studies using the "evidence-based" standards of the American Psychological Association's Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) Task Force. Read the exhaustive list of actual cases on the website. These are written by clients, therapists and physicians and allow you to see EFTs possibilities through the eyes of both newcomers and professionals. Note the wide variety of successes. This is why we encourage you to, "Try it on everything."   Just in Time for Mother's Day 25% off a Sixty Minute Massage Mom's always put their family first. This Mother's day celebrate your love for her with an instant message gift. Better yet get one for you and mom! One hour massage regularly $60 now $45. (Limit one per person may buy one additional as a gift) Offer valid until May 13th, 2012 Click here to purchase to your gift certificate(click the services button and choose your Gift Certificate).   Healthy Tidbits the aroma of peppermint has been shown to boost memory, focus and concentration. children whose moms  got plenty of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy are less likely to have allergies. eating a mediterranean diet halves the risk of Parkinson's. drinking two cups of hibiscus tea daily can help prevent kidney stones. folic acid, 5mg per day, reduces hot flashes in menopausal women. peppermint oil (10% in alcohol) dabbed on the temples and forehead  relieves tension headaches the human brain uses roughly as much energy as a 10 -watt light bulb. Now in Northern KY Monday 10am -7pm Call me for more information 513-324-3211 The Holistic Wellness Center 562 Buttermilk Pike # A Crescent Springs, KY 41017-1674     Refer to the Tapping Chart below to tap on the correct acupuncture points. Just use two fingers and tap lightly on each point for five to seven seconds.