Shiatsu for Migraine Relief in Cheltenham
This gentle therapy will help you combat even your worst symptoms and reduce your migraines signficantly.
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I used to suffer from severe headaches and migraines caused by tension and tight muscles in my old career. These symptoms dramatically improved once I started receiving Shiatsu therapy – a gentle but powerful form of acupressure.
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Migraines can feel overwhelming and debilitating. Many people in Cheltenham and Gloucester search for migraine relief and are told the causes are “complex” or “difficult to resolve.” From my experience as a Shiatsu Practitioner, I’ve seen that when we release tension in the neck, shoulders, and back, clients often experience a significant reduction in migraine symptoms – with effective long-term relief.
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How Shiatsu Helps Migraines
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Shiatsu works differently from Western medicine. Instead of focusing on the “migraine” label, I look at your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and triggers. No two people experience migraines in the same way – some feel heat and pressure in the temples, others suffer with coldness, visual auras, or tension headaches.
Shiatsu uses gentle pressure along energy channels (meridians) to restore balance. By addressing muscle weakness, neck and shoulder tension, and restricted blood flow, Shiatsu can help to:
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Release tight muscles that may be contributing to headaches
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Improve circulation to the head and neck
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Reduce stress and tension – common migraine triggers
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Support your body’s natural ability to heal and rebalance
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Why Choose Shiatsu in Cheltenham for Migraines?
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If you struggle with:
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Chronic migraines or recurring headaches
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Neck and shoulder tension
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Stress-related migraines
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Aura or ocular migraine symptoms
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then Shiatsu may provide the relief you’ve been looking for.
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Clients often notice improvements after the first treatmens. Some do experience a temporary flare-up of symptoms at first – this is part of the body releasing tension and beginning to rebalance. I usually recommend at least 3 sessions to give your body the chance to respond and start easing the cycle of migraines for a more permanent relief.
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A Natural Approach to Headache and Migraine Relief
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Think of your neck and shoulders like a tent: if the supporting muscles (the guide ropes) are too weak or too tight, the neck (the tent pole) struggles to keep balance, leading to strain and pain. By gently rebalancing these areas with Shiatsu, we can reduce the stress that often contributes to migraines.
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Self-Help Between Treatments
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There are also simple acupressure points you can try at home. For example, "The Great Eliminator" point (avoid if pregnant) is known to release tension and relieve pain throughout the body. You can press it yourself or use a peg for steady pressure.
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💡 If you’re looking for a natural, holistic therapy for migraine relief in Cheltenham, Shiatsu may be the gentle yet effective treatment you need.
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Andrea at Shiatsu Bodyworks Cheltenham recommends for migraine relief:
Heat, Tension, and Migraine Relief at Home
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Earlier I explained how migraines can sometimes feel like they have a “hot” or “cold” basis. While many people experience heat in the head, face, or temples during a migraine, it’s often cold, tight muscles in the neck and shoulders that play a major role in triggering the attack.
One simple way to help ease this is with a hot water bottle. Not only does it wrap comfortably around your neck, but because it holds nearly a full kettle of water, it also adds a gentle weight to your shoulders. If you find the warmth and weight soothing, this is a clear sign that your muscles are tight, cold, and restricting healthy blood flow.
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I also recommend essential oils to support relaxation:
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Lavender oil – helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system.
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Peppermint oil – encourages blood vessel dilation, which may ease pressure - especially on areas of heat
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If you feel cold around the neck try applying a warming balm like Tiger balm
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Some people, especially women during migraine episodes, dislike the strong smell of peppermint. If that’s the case, try blending 1 drop of peppermint oil with 5 drops of lavender oil. The scent becomes softer, while still delivering the potential benefits.
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💡 The hot water bottle I use is from Dunelm – it’s a simple, affordable tool that can make a big difference for migraine relief.
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