Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

Weekly Card Pull 12th January

Weekly Card Pull 12th January

For this weeks card pull I have used a three card pull asking the questions; “what energy are we being met with this week?”, “What energy should we call in this week?” and “what do we need to let go of this week?”

This weeks deck is Wild Lands Tarot.

For this weeks card pull I have used a three card pull asking the questions; “what energy are we being met with this week?”, “What energy should we call in this week?” and “what do we need to let go of this week?”

This weeks deck is Wild Lands Tarot.

Card 1. What energy are we being met with this week? The Ten of Cups

Themes from this card include fulfilment, elation, contentless. Demonstrating feminine energy alongside the element of water associated with emotion and healing.

Key messages for the Ten of Cups are this week we are asked to embrace gratitude, celebrate the love and connections in our lives, and focus on building emotional and relational abundance.

Card 2. What energy should we call in this week? The Star

Themes from this card include; Balance (emotional stability coming through strongly). Healing and Alignment. Again this card is associated with the element of water; emotion and healing, and asks us to tap into our feminine energy.

The Star card encourages you to stay positive, believing that the universe has a plan for you. It reminds you to keep your faith strong, even when things get tough, to follow your intuition. It’s a card of healing and a reminder that light will always come after darkness.

Card 3. What do we need to let go of this week? Two of Wands

Themes from this card include; Impulse. Determination. Inward Thoughts. Demonstrating masculine energy alongside the element of fire associated with transformation, power and passion.

This is a card of considering options and taking the first steps toward expansion or pursuing a goal. It often symbolizes stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the possibilities ahead. Though when pulled the question was asked ‘what to let go of’ so possibly an indication to take a pause this week, hold off on big decisions and take time to consider any significant changes being made this week.

Crystals That Could Support You This Week

Citrine - Joy, Positivity & Abundance

Moonstone - Intuition & Emotional Balance

Smoky Quartz - Grounding & Promotes Emotional Resilience (one of my favourite crystals)

Rose Quartz - Unconditional Love

I would love to hear back if you feel any of the cards above resonate with you this week!

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

Chakra System

Strategies and solutions for identifying and aiding the blockages of chakras within the body.

Crown, Third Eye, Throat and Heart Chakra’s coming soon.

The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The solar plexus chakra, located in the upper abdomen, is a central energy hub tied to personal power, confidence, and our identity. It governs our sense of purpose, willpower, and autonomy, making it crucial for assertiveness and decision-making. When balanced, this energy centre fuels motivation, emotional resilience, and a positive self-image, enhancing our ability to set boundaries and pursue goals with clarity. If we have an imbalanced solar plexus, this can lead to self-doubt, indecision, or a need for external validation. By nurturing this chakra through mindfulness, breathwork, or visualisation, we empower ourselves to live with confidence, inner strength, and a true sense of direction.

Signs of Imbalance in the Solar Plexus

Physical Symptoms: Digestive issues. Fatigue/Lethargy. Weight changes. 

Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety. Frustration. Irritability. 

Energetic Symptoms: Lack of Motivation. Excessive worry. Low self-esteem.

Reflexology & Reiki for the Solar Plexus Chakra

Combining Reflexology and Reiki creates a powerful approach to balancing the solar plexus chakra. This integration allows for physical and energetic support of the chakra, promoting a well-rounded approach to personal empowerment and inner strength. Combining these practices enables me to create a treatment fully aligned to what your body needs there and then. 

Strategies to Balance the Solar Plexus Chakra

Unlocking or balancing the solar plexus chakra (Manipura) can offer profound benefits, as it is believed to be the centre of personal power, confidence, and self-esteem. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Meditation and Visualisation: Picture a bright yellow light at your solar plexus.

  • Affirmations: Use statements like “I am confident and powerful.”

  • Breathing Exercises: Deep belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) can activate the solar plexus area.

  • Foods and Colours: Eating yellow-coloured foods (like bananas and yellow peppers) and wearing yellow ca reinforce solar plexus energy.

  • Movement: Yoga Asana Bow pose or Warrior 2 as well as Plank. 

  • Aromatherapy: Rosemary. Cedarwood. Spearmint.

  • Crystals: Yellow crystals such as Citrine, Sunstone, Tigers Eye, Pyrite, Amber. 

The Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

The sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, is the second chakra, located in the lower abdomen, below the navel. It’s often associated with creativity and emotional wellbeing. When this chakra is balanced, it enables a healthy flow of emotions, creativity, and connection with others. However, when imbalanced, it can manifest through physical, emotional, and behavioural signs.

Signs of Imbalance in the Sacral Chakra

Physical Symptoms: Lower Back Pain. Kidney, Bladder and Reproductive issues. Bloating, discomfort or other gastrointestinal issues.

Emotional Symptoms: Mood changes.  Overwhelm. Difficulty expressing emotions or suppressing feelings.

Energetic Symptoms: Lack of Motivation. Fear of change. Perfectionism.

Reflexology & Reiki for the Sacral Chakra

Reflexology and Reiki can effectively help alleviate symptoms associated with a blocked sacral chakra, such as emotional instability, low energy, and issues related to creativity, sexuality, and relationships.

Offering a holistic approach to balancing the sacral chakra; promoting emotional wellbeing and physical relief, these practices nurture both body and mind, fostering a deep sense of relaxation, balance, and vitality.

Strategies to Balance the Sacral Chakra

To balance the sacral chakra practices involving grounding that encourage emotional release, creativity, and physical movement are most beneficial. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Meditation or Visualisation: During these practices you can focus on the colour orange (the sacral chakra’s associated colour), envisioning a warm, orange light filling your lower abdomen.

  • Journaling: Journaling, drawing, or any activity that allows emotional expression and creativity.

  • Yoga: Asana's (postures/movements) that focus on the pelvic area can stimulate the sacral chakra and aid in releasing tension stored within this area.

  • Aromatherapy: Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang, and Jasmine essential oils, are believed to enhance sacral chakra healing.

  • Crystals: the use of orange crystals such as black Carnelian, Sunstone or Citrine are known to promote balance in the sacral chakra.

The Root Chakra (Muladhara)

The root chakra, known as Muladhara, is the energy centre located at the base of the spine/perineum (associated with term 'I have'). The root chakra impacts our emotional stability, being grounded or centred, and physical symptoms such as fatigue, weakened immunity, constipation, bladder/colon problems.

Signs of Imbalance in the Root Chakra

Physical Symptoms: Lower Back Pain. Constipation. Weakened Immunity. Fatigue. Bladder or Colon Problems.

Emotional Symptoms: Fear. Anxiety. Low Self-Esteem. Overwhelm. Feeling 'Unstable'.

Energetic Symptoms: Isolation. Resistance to Change. Lack of Motivation. Distrust.

Reflexology and Reiki are powerful, non-invasive ways to support both the physical and energetic aspects of your body. By tuning into the corresponding reflex points and energetic feedback from the body we can 

Benefits of Reflexology for root chakra blockages, and physical symptoms

Promotes Relaxation: Helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Enhances Circulation: Improved blood flow can help rejuvenate the body.

Balances Energy: Promotes a balanced flow through the energy centres.

Physical Relief: Alleviates tension in the lower body, such as lower back pain.

Emotional Release: Encourages the release of pent-up emotions.

Improves Grounding: Enhances your sense of stability and grounding.

In addition the use of red (and black) crystals such as black Tourmaline, Red Jasper or Obsidian are known to promote balance in the root chakra. Movement such as Yoga and Pilates can also aid in releasing tension stored within this area as well as strengthening the body which leads to relief in physical symptoms.

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

Weekly Card Pull


The Wheel of Fortune, is all about cycles, destiny, and change. It’s like a reminder that life is a rollercoaster, with ups and downs that are just a part of the ride. This card often shows up when you’re about to experience some big changes, like opportunities, luck, or karmic shifts. It’s a sign that you should embrace the changes and go with the flow of life. It also shows that everything is connected, and that fate plays a big role in your journey.

The Wheel of Fortune, is all about cycles, destiny, and change. It’s like a reminder that life is a rollercoaster, with ups and downs that are just a part of the ride. This card often shows up when you’re about to experience some big changes, like opportunities, luck, or karmic shifts. It’s a sign that you should embrace the changes and go with the flow of life. It also shows that everything is connected, and that fate plays a big role in your journey.

Key Messages Associated With The Wheel Of Fortune

Change is Inevitable: Life moves in cycles; embrace the highs and navigate the lows with resilience.

Karma and Destiny: What goes around comes around; your past actions influence your present and future.

Opportunities and Luck: A fortunate turn of events or unexpected opportunities may be on the horizon.

Surrender to the Flow: Some forces are beyond your control—trust in the universe’s timing.

Perspective and Growth: Every phase, whether challenging or rewarding, brings valuable lessons for personal growth.

This card's energy often feels like a turning point, pushing you to embrace change with faith and adaptability.

Crystals That Can Support

Crystals that align with the Wheel of Fortune can support adaptability, intuition, and embracing change. Here are some of my favourite that I will be using to work with this week:

Citrine: Encourages optimism, abundance, and manifesting opportunities.

Labradorite: Promotes transformation and helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Clear Quartz: Amplifies energy, clarity, and intention, helping you align with your goals.

Tiger’s Eye: Provides grounding and courage to face life’s ups and downs.

Using these crystals during meditation or as daily companions can help you harmonize with the Wheel of Fortune’s energy.

Journalling Prompts

Here are some prompts inspired by the Wheel of Fortune to help you reflect on its themes:

Cycles and Change

- What cycles or patterns are currently unfolding in my life?

Fate and Free Will

- What areas of my life feel guided by fate or destiny?

Luck and Opportunity

- How can I stay open to unexpected blessings and new possibilities?

Growth Through Transitions

- What lessons have I learned from a major life transition or turning point?

Gratitude and Reflection

- What are three things I am currently grateful for?

Reflecting on these prompts can help you better understand the influence of the Wheel of Fortune and your own relationship with change and destiny.

Affirmations To Use This Week

Select one, two or even three affirmations from below, inspired by the energy of the Wheel of Fortune, that resonate with you. Repeat them daily to align with the transformative energy of the Wheel of Fortune.

"I welcome change as a natural part of life’s cycles."

"I trust in divine timing and the unfolding of my path."

"I am open to the abundance and opportunities flowing into my life."

"I am adaptable and find strength in every situation."

"I am a co-creator of my destiny, balancing fate with intention."

Take care and be gentle with yourself this week.

Laura x

If you would like further guidance from the cards, I have now opened up readings either virtually or online at an introductory rate. Click the link below for more information:

Remote Readings: https://VestaWellbeing.as.me/remotereading

Online Appt Reading: https://VestaWellbeing.as.me/OnlineTarotReading

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women's health, community Laura Weddell women's health, community Laura Weddell

Midlothian Menopause Meet-up…has a new home!

Join our meet-up if you’re tired of the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, or hormonal imbalances. We’re a community for sharing experiences and building confidence in our bodies.

Each meet-up is a chance to connect with others who are going through this. We share our stories, compare our experiences, and listen to each other. You might leave each session with some new ideas for finding relief.

THURSDAY 23rd MEET-UP HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Please check Facebook poll to vote on next meeting date.

Exciting news! I’ve secured a lovely space at Lasswade Library, which means the Midlothian Menopause Meet-up can now be completely free of charge.

If you’d like, there will be an option to donate towards teas, coffees, and treats, (or bring some along) but the main goal is to make sure everyone can join in, no matter their financial situation.

NOT JUST FOR THOSE IN MENOPAUSE - Join our meet-up if you’re tired of the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, or hormonal imbalances. We’re a community for sharing experiences and building confidence in our bodies.

Each meet-up is a chance to connect with others who are going through this. We share our stories, compare our experiences, and listen to each other. You might leave each session with some new ideas for finding relief.

To reserve your space follow the link below:

https://VestaWellbeing.as.me/menopausemeetup

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

Weekly Card Pull 16th December

Weekly Card Pull for 16th December.

Nine of Swords energy incoming…

Welcome To This Week’s Tarot Reading!

This week’s card is the Nine of Swords, which can stir up some intense feelings such as anxiety, fear, and overwhelm. To look at the card in a different context it may also be a sign that we need to try stop being ‘in our head’, work through our thoughts or fears, instead of letting them turn into something unpleasant.

Although this card may seem intimidating, it encourages us to confront our fears instead of letting them control us. This week, the Nine of Swords invites us to examine the anxieties and negative thoughts we may have been avoiding. Given the time of year we may be anxious about expectations put upon us by society, others, or ourselves.

I don’t know about you but I feel I have been living some Nine of Swords energy most of my adult life!

Key Messages Associated With The Nine Of Swords

Anxiety and Fear: The Nine of Swords resonates with sleepless nights, worrying over possibilities that may or may not materialise. It serves as a reminder that our minds can distort concerns beyond their actual reality.

Overload: This card can indicate mental exhaustion, excessive overthinking, or being trapped in a cycle of negative thought patterns.

Guilt or Regret: The Nine of Swords can point to unresolved emotions or past mistakes that persistently haunt us.

Energy We Can Bring In This Week

Release Control: Often, the things we fear are beyond our control. This card encourages you to focus on what you can control—your response to the situation and your wellbeing.

Practice Self-Compassion: The Nine of Swords can represent a harsh inner critic. This week, focus on being kind to yourself and recognising that you deserve peace and you don’t need to be perfect.

Crystals To Use As Support

Lepidolite: The Crystal That Calms

Lepidolite, a crystal known for its calming properties, can be a powerful tool to help soothe the mind and reduce anxiety. Its gentle energy can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of inner peace.

As you navigate the energies of the Nine of Swords this week, consider incorporating Lepidolite which is a captivating crystal that can aid in emotional healing and mental clarity. Renowned for its high lithium content, Lepidolite is frequently used to alleviate anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.

Carry a piece of Lepidolite with you, engage in meditation with it, or place it on your body (such as on your heart or third eye chakra) to invite peace into your mind and emotions.

Affirmations For The Week

To provide an injection of positivity you may consider incorporating these affirmations throughout the week:

“I release my fears and embrace peace of mind.”

“I am not my thoughts; I choose to release negativity.”

“I forgive myself and let go of past mistakes.”

“I trust that I am supported in my journey, regardless of the challenges that may arise.”

Journaling Prompts for Reflection

This week, take the time to delve deeper into the messages conveyed by the Nine of Swords.  If you feel drawn to you can use the following prompts to guide your journaling practice:

  1. Identify the primary fears or worries that have been occupying my mind recently.

    Reflect on how these fears have impacted your mental state and daily life.

  2. Are my fears based on facts or are they exaggerated by my imagination?

    Write down any fears you’re holding and examine whether they are realistic or exaggerated.

  3. What emotions or past experiences might be contributing to my current mental distress? Consider if unresolved emotional baggage, guilt, or regret is influencing your current thinking.

  4. How can I be more compassionate and gentle with myself this week?

    What ways can you offer yourself more love, forgiveness, and care in the face of anxiety or self-doubt.

  5. What is one thing I can do today to calm my mind or alleviate stress?

    Set an intention for the week—something small and achievable to help you feel more at ease, whether it’s taking a walk, meditating, or seeking support from a friend.

The Nine of Swords serves as a powerful reminder that our minds can sometimes become a battlefield of our own creation. However, it also offers an opportunity for healing and growth. By confronting our fears and practicing self-compassion, we can begin to quiet the overactive mind and start to find peace within.

Complementing this week’s energy with the soothing influence of Lepidolite can support you in calming your mind and releasing negative patterns. You can also increase your energy, your vibration, by engaging in activities that bring you joy; movement, socialising, reading, and much more. Use this time for introspection, healing, and transforming the mental clutter into clarity.

Remember, your thoughts do not define you. By choosing to face them with courage and compassion, you can establish a sense of balance and calm in your life.

Take care and be gentle with yourself this week.

Laura x

If you would like further guidance from the cards then I have now opened up readings either virtually or online at an introductory rate. Click the link below for more information:

Remote: https://www.vestawellbeing.co.uk/store/p/remote-tarot-reading

Online: https://VestaWellbeing.as.me/OnlineTarotReading

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

Midlothian Menopause Meet-up!

As you all  know I've just come to the end of my Clinical Reflexology training which I’ve been working with loads of women with peri/menopausal issues. 

I've had idea come into my head that I could offer a group session that would give relief through a mixture of hand Reflexology, Yoga, Pilates and Movement and Breathwork - all of which I'm trained in.  There would be a different theme each month with different strategies and opportunities to come together as a community to provide peer support to each other too. Not solely for those transitioning through menopause but those in perimenopause, and those living with symptoms of hormonal imbalance. 

Before I set anything up, I'm just keen to gauge interest if this is something you'd be interested in. I've had a good response when I posted the idea on a local Facebook group, but I am aware some people are on Facebook or Instagram so thought I'd circulated here.  The group would be held monthly in Midlothian, for anyone to attend.

If you would like to share you ideas please access my survey below:

TAKE ME TO THE SURVEY

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

New Premises

It’s finally here…

Hello ! 👋

I’m so excited to share with you that my garden studio in Bonnyrigg is up and ready and looking forward to welcoming you soon! But don't worry if you love Roslin (I do too!) I'll still be offering treatments there.

As you may have heard me go ON and ON about my exciting new premises - I am actually all set. There’s been a LOT of changes in my business model lately so I’m taking this opportunity to share all the ways we can work together to prioritise you and get you to your best self (excuse the cliche!).

Reflexology

So, where to start? Well, from August, I will be offering Reflexology from two locations; Roslin and Bonnyrigg.

Roslin will be available Saturday mornings.

Bonnyrigg, a purpose built garden studio for Reflexology where I will be offering appointments weekday evenings and occasional Saturdays.

Bonnyrigg will be suited for those who have previously had treatments with me.

Over the coming weeks I will be detailing via newsletter and social media what all my services are and what benefits you will get from them.

New Offerings

Hand Reflexology

I am now also offering Hand Reflexology which is ideal for those who want to experience the benefits of Reflexology but would prefer a shorter treatment or have an injury to their foot/feet.

Add-ons

For an extra special treatment I am offering a selection of add-ons such as additional time, meditation or visualisation and crystal chakra balance. These can be added to your appointment at the time of booking.

Movement

1:1 movement sessions will be offered at Roslin and Bonnyrigg.

Bonnyrigg is available by prior agreement as it is suited to those who have no pet allergies as this is in a purpose built studio in my home.

Pricing

Finally, as a thank you for signing up, and reading this far I have kept my prices reduced to £30 for full reflexology sessions for those who book until the 19th of August - for any bookings made throughout August.

Hand Reflexology

£30 for 30 minutes (£20 intro price)

Foot Reflexology

£45 for 50 minutes

Four treatment package

£160 (£40 per treatment)

Six treatment package

£225 (£37.50 per treatment)

Add-ons

(can be both movement or reflexology)

Additional time

£10 for 15 minutes

Meditation/ Visualisation

£10 for 10 minutes

Chakra Balance £5

Movement sessions

£50 for 1 hour

Confidence Programme

£225 for six sessions over 2 months (can be a combination of movement and reflexology if preferred)

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

6 signs you may be in survival mode

Do you feel emotionally and physically burnt out, unmotivated and irritable (possibly even irrational); snapping for no significant reason, frustrated at the smallest thing and disinterested in socialising or getting out into the world then you could be living in survival mode.

Do you:

  • Find it hard to make decisions? 

  • Feel unmotivated? 

  • Feel irritable and unable to relax or unwind? 

These are just a few symptoms that living from a position of stress can exhibit. 

Physical symptoms of stress can look like:

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

  • Sleep problems 

Long term stress can also have significant impact on your health such as high blood pressure or weakened immune system. 

Living in frequent, or constant, stress means your body is tuned in to your sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) 

Don’t get me wrong living with a bit of stress can be valuable in short bursts, but long term survival mode can impact your physical and emotional resilience. Most importantly it’s finding out what is an appropriate level of stress for YOU!

How can Reflexology help you?

I know you know that Reflexology can aid relaxation but did you know that one of the advanced techniques I use is to work the vagus nerve reflexes. This involves working the pineal, hypothalamus, pituitary, thymus, solar plexus and adrenal reflexes. Working these reflexes initiates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and digest). 

Just look at the picture attached to see some of the organs that the vagus nerve is connected to!

If this resonates with you then secure your slot today to begin your Reflexology journey 🧡

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

Summer Sanity

It's the Summer holidays...who's excited? I LOVE summer, its my favourite season of all. I love the heat, the vibrancy, the ability to get outdoors (most of the time). 

BUT the summer is not always welcomed with opened arms. Long nights result in long lies (fingers crossed), or early sunrise mornings, which impacts routines and sleep patterns. The heat may be a little more than we are used to and cause a bit of a battle with our internal temperature control. And let's not forget the busyness around us, organising holidays, organising activities, entertaining...it can become overwhelming. 

So what can be done to make it possible to enjoy all the things we want to? I don't have all the answers but I do have three tips to get you from being Stressed out Susan (sorry Susans) to Laid Back Lorraine (putting Laura is just too much to live up to)...

1.  Be more Sleeping Beauty, less Princess and the Pea

If possible maintain a regular sleep pattern throughout the summer months. This includes ensuring you get adequate sleep - that you wake feeling rested and aren't feeling tired throughout the day. 

I know if kids are off we want to enjoy the laid back mornings of not rushing about or grabbing a long lie when we can. We can still do this but sticking to a routine so that your sleep pattern doesn't become too disrupted. 

2. Hydration, Hydrate, Hydrate!

It's so important to hydrate in the warmer weather. Not just because of the heat but because we are (possibly) more active. Hydration is imperative to maintain the balance of minerals within your body which keeps our bodies functioning the best way it can and adequate fluid regulates your body temperature which is a big win at this time of year! Also hydration is key to helping your body eliminate those nasty toxins we don't want in our bodies!

Not a fan of water I hear you say, don't worry it's not solely water but fluids. What works for you is how you will keep hydrated. And remember a lot of fruit and veg have high water content which is an added bonus - get those salads and watermelons in your basket!

2. Aaaaaand RELAX 

Relax I hear you laugh - well if your next six weeks are keeping young ones occupied you may. Relaxation isn't all meditating and 'taking time out', it's about doing things that bring you joy and happiness. Relaxing is going to release those beautiful endorphins and who doesn't want some of those. 

WHAT BENEFITS WILL I SEE?

Better sleep, optimal hydration and relaxation have many wide-ranging benefits such as an optimised immune system, reduction in stress and improved mood, better brain function (bye bye brain fog), lowered risk of serious health problems...the list goes on!

HOW CAN REFLEXOLOGY HELP?

Reflexes which can provide relief from tension, stress and ensuring positive flow within body - Basically all reflexes but I would pay particular attention to those below to promote relaxation and rebalancing:

Head, Neck, Shoulder, Pituitary, Neck, Adrenals, and Lymphatics...alsoEyes, Nose and Sinuses  (I see you Hayfever sufferers!)

To find out more about how Reflexology can be incorporated into your healing journey drop me an email to find out more. Alternatively book your space to begin, or continue, your journey.

Have a fantastic week and fingers crossed more sunshine is on his way!

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Laura Weddell Laura Weddell

Headaches? Migraines? Reflexology is here to help!

Do you know that there are around 10 million people in the UK who suffer from regular headaches?

Did you know that whilst treatment with over the counter painkillers can provide relief, sometimes lifestyle changes can help ease headaches.

Did you know that, for some headaches, the location of pain can indicate the type of headache.

Types of headaches you may have experienced

TENSION

Tension headaches are the most common form of headache. Symptoms can include constant ache on both sides of the head, pressure behind eyes, tightening of neck muscles, and pressure in head. Women are more commonly affected by tension headaches than men.

HORMONAL

Hormonal headaches are caused by a decrease in Oestrogen before menstruation which can lead to headaches (approximately 2 days prior to menstruation and first couple of days – though this can vary from person to person). Other times hormonal headaches may occur can be during perimenopause, during the pill-free week if on OCP, during the first few weeks of pregnancy; when changes occur in hormone levels.

Keeping a headache diary is useful in identifying patterns; particularly when trying to establish if headaches are hormonal.

MIGRAINE

Migraines occur in one in five women and one in fifteen men. Migraines are usually moderate to severe in pain and generally associated to one side of the head, though can vary in individuals. While no concrete cause some reasons are believed to include chemical changes in the brain, nerves and blood vessels. Migraines are also known to run in families with half of those experiencing them reporting family members also experiencing migraines.

There are two main types of Migraine; With Aura and Without Aura. With Aura Migraine can have pre-warning neurological symptoms such as flashing lights, blind spots and tunnel vision before head pain begins. Without Aura Migraine has no pre-warning neurological symptoms. Less commonly Migraine can present with no headache and neurological symptoms only. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity; this list is not exhaustive.

PERIMENOPAUSE

Headaches and migraines can become more severe during perimenopause. In menopause migraines may stop but tension headaches can get worse. HRT can vary in relief dependant on the individual.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PROVIDE RELIEF?

Lifestyles changes can help ease symptoms, some of these changes can include:

  • Relaxation 

  • Regular Sleep Pattern

  • Adequate Sleep (ensuring that you wake feeling rested)

  • Reduction in Stress (identify source)

  • Posture

  • Relaxation

  • Regular Movement / Exercise

  • Hydration

  • Regular Meals with small frequent snacks (hormonal headaches mainly)

HOW CAN REFLEXOLOGY HELP?

Reflexology is known to provide relief for headaches and migraines. When preparing a treatment plan I look at you from a holistic point of view, taking into account the causes, triggers and frequency of your headaches or migraines. 

To create a treatment which will provide the most benefit to you I may ask the following questions:

How long have you experienced these headaches/migraines?

How often do they occur?

Do they have a pattern?

What is the severity?

Where is the pain location?

Does anything exacerbate or relieve the pain?

Have you consulted a doctor / been diagnosed by GP?

Reflexes that I will likely work which can provide relief:

Head, neck and shoulder – for relaxation

Pituitary – good for hormone headaches but all with benefit

Neck – good for tension headaches, or all treatments as relieves tension

Head – for relaxation

TMJ and Temporalis – TMJ headaches as well as relaxation and reducing tension

Sinuses – Ease congestion

Eye – Ease tension in eye area

Shoulder – Release tension and provide relaxation

Trapezius – Release tension and provide relaxation

Adrenal – Promotes corticosteroids and oestrogen

Ovary – Good for hormonal headaches as aids rebalance

Cervical and Thoracic Spine - Release tension and provide relaxation

To find out more about how Reflexology can be incorporated into your healing journey drop me an email to find out more. 

Have a fantastic weekend and fingers crossed the sunshine is on his way!

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