Headaches can occur for a number of reasons and while we don't necessarily know where they're coming from we can do a few things to help ease the tension associated with most headaches.
Many headaches occur for reasons related to digestive issues, sinus congestion, or water absorption. While you might not know where your headache is deriving from you can press certain points that can help with the pain that might be causing the above.
Headaches Related to Digestion: While digestion begins in the mouth, your primary digestive system reflexes are housed in the belly (or arch) of each foot. Find the bottom of a chair that has a pole-like base and gently lean the belly of your foot into the pole. If you find that an area is tender spend a little more time there; making certain not to go beyond your pain threshold. As you lean into the digestion reflexes you are sending blood flow to that area thus relieving that tension that may be causing a headache related to digestion.
In addition, using your thumb and pointer finger, press the area approximately midway between the base of the other pointer finger and the wrist (on the palmar region of your hand; that is, the side you shake a hand with). Most people have at some point in their lives been told to press this area if they have a headache. The irony is this is not the reflex area for the head but rather the reflex area for digestion. Pressing this area can often times relieve a headache associated with digestion!
Sinus Headaches: Fingers and toes! While a certified reflexologist knows how to best detail the reflexes to the sinus area, anyone can rub this area and give a little relief to a sinus headache. Using your thumb and pointer finger rub each finger and toe from the base to the tip of each digit. By doing this you are accessing the reflexes to the neck, sinus, and head/brain reflexes. If you take public transport use this opportunity to rub your fingers and when watching a movie rub those toes!
Water Absorption and Kidney Support: Mid-line of each foot and hand are the reflexes to the kidneys. Specifically, the kidney reflexes are located in the hands and feet between the 2nd and 3rd digits, about 3/4 of the way down, in the belly of the hands and feet. Rub the area associated with the kidney reflexes. As you rub this area be mindful if there are other areas that start to feel tense or painful. Intuitively, follow those signals and rub away any pain that might come up while massaging your hands and feet.
All the best in your DIY adventures! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out or schedule an appointment to receive a reflexology session and get a few DIY techniques designed specifically for you.