Trigger Point Therapy for Headaches and Migraines: Your Self -Treatment Workbook for Pain Relief

I have such a bad headache! For many of us, this is an oft repeated cry of anguish. Statistics about headaches and migraines are downright astonishing: One in six people have frequent headaches, and of those, one in ten suffers from migraines. You are not alone. Headaches and migraines result in more than 10 million doctor visits each year. If you struggle frequently with headache pain, this book offers a welcome solution. Trigger point therapy is an effective self-care approach you can use to get relief from headache pain.

Trigger points form in a portion of the muscle cell where blood flow is reduced and metabolic wastes are not being exchanged for oxygen and nutrients. When enough trigger points are located together, they can form palpable knots in the tissue. Trigger points can cause pain, either in the area of the trigger point, or by referral to other areas of the body. Trigger points can be treated by applying pressure to affected areas, often providing instant relief. This book explains trigger point physiology and then offers a complete program for self-care that includes detailed illustrations of all pressure and stretching techniques. In addition, it provides an in-depth look at the factors that cause and perpetuate trigger points, such as body mechanics, injuries, diet and nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and emotional factors, and provides solutions to address each perpetuating factor.

Valerie DeLaune, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and certified neuromuscular therapist, with a master's degree in acupuncture from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Washington. She holds professional certificates from the Heartwood Institute and the Brenneke School of Massage. She authors books and articles on trigger points and acupuncture topics and currently practices acupuncture in Juneau, AK.

Valerie DeLaune, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and certified neuromuscular therapist, with a master's degree in acupuncture from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Washington. She holds professional certificates from the Heartwood Institute and the Brenneke School of Massage. She authors books and articles on trigger points and acupuncture topics and currently practices acupuncture in Anchorage and Homer, AK.