Finding Migraine Relief, One Foot at a Time: How Foot & Facial Reflexology Can Help with Migraines
- Georgina Strickland
- 33 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Migraines aren’t “just headaches.” They can disrupt sleep, focus, mood, and daily life—and for many people, finding gentle, supportive relief is an ongoing journey. This is where foot and facial reflexology can play a powerful complementary role in helping you cope.
Reflexology is a holistic therapy based on the idea that specific points on the feet, face and hands correspond to different organs and systems in the body. By applying gentle, targeted pressure to these points, reflexology aims to support the body’s natural balance and relaxation response.
Why Reflexology for Migraines?
Migraines are often linked to a combination of factors: stress, nervous system overload, hormonal shifts, poor circulation and muscle tension. Reflexology works on several of these layers at once.
Key benefits include:
Deep relaxation of the nervous system- Reflexology encourages the parasympathetic (“rest and reset”) response, which helps reduce stress and get us out of “fight or flight” mode —a major migraine trigger.
Improved circulation- Stimulating reflex points can support blood flow, particularly to the head and neck areas commonly involved in migraines.
Release of tension- Facial reflexology has the added benefits of gently relaxing muscles in the jaw, temples, forehead, and around the eyes—areas where migraine tension often builds.
Hormonal and sinus support- Certain reflex points are associated with hormonal balance and sinus health, both of which can influence migraine frequency and intensity.
A non-invasive, drug-free option- Reflexology is gentle and calming, making it an appealing complement to other migraine management strategies.
Supporting the Whole Body
The feet and face contain reflex points connected to the head, brain, spine, and endocrine system and every system in the body. Focus on certain areas may help address underlying imbalances that contribute to migraines, not just the symptoms themselves.
Sometimes facial reflexology gets quicker results as we’re working closer to the site of the problem and many report feeling lighter, clearer, and more relaxed—even after just one session.
Homework
Georgina will create your personalised treatment plan at your first session and may suggest you try some self care homework between sessions to get faster results and act as reflexology first aid should you need it.
While reflexology is not a replacement for medical care, it can be a supportive, nurturing addition to a migraine care plan. For those seeking a natural way to relax, reset, and reconnect with their body, foot and facial reflexology offer a soothing path forward.
Kirsty has been seeing Georgina regularly for a number of years says:
“I first started seeing Georgina approximately 10 years ago to see if reflexology could help with my migraines which had been getting progressively worse. Since visiting Georgina regularly, the number of migraines that I have had has drastically reduced (every 6-12 months vs every 1-2 months prior to visiting) and when they do occur the symptoms at the time of the migraine and 'migraine hangover' are significantly reduced and as a result much more manageable generally without the need for painkillers if I take the correct rest. Georgina also gave me some guidance on pressure points that I could trigger myself if I felt a headache coming on and I still use this method which generally works to stop the headache from fully forming. I have continued with reflexology to ensure that I can keep my migraines under control but also because of the other positive impacts that I have noticed. Each session is incredibly relaxing and I always feel 'lighter' when I leave.”
Call reception on 01622 661 883, or Book an Appointment Online.
Try stimulating these facial reflex points next time you feel a headache or migraine brewing:
Starting with the 0 point by the ears, stimulate the following points in pairs, in the direction of the arrows up to 4 times a day and when a headache or migraine strikes.
These nerve points are directly connected to the cerebral cortex and are linked to various parts of the body. These points specifically balance nerve and vascular circulation to the head, and may help to ease your symptoms. Stay a little longer on the points if it feels good and eases pain immediately.
0 – Rub up and down the 0 point in front of both ears with the length of your index fingers for about 30 seconds
1 – Circle on point near the hairline for about 30 seconds
2 – Circle on point between eyebrows for about 30 seconds
3 – Circle on point above top lip for about 30 seconds – AVOID IN PREGNANCY AS LINKED TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.
4 – Rub back and forth below the ears with length of little fingers
5 – Place fingers on point either side of chin and press downwards in direction of arrows
0 - Finish by returning to the 0 point to set the protocol
By Georgina Strickland
(Reflexologist at Southcote Proactive Healthcare, Maidstone).
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