aBigForehead

I had an Indian head massage today. After nearly two weeks of persistent headaches, so intense at times I have been bed-ridden for a day at a time I was eager for something, anything that would bring relief. I went in search of acupuncture at lunchtime but there were no sessions available today and I wanted some kind of relief asap. Indian head massage seemed to involve neck and shoulder massage and that was what I was aching(terrible choice of word) for.

The therapist asked a series of questions. I only answered yes to the migraines and as they too were a new phenomenon I was deemed fit for the session.

I sit in a chair, towel wrapped around me, soft music playing and she takes her place behind me. Within a couple of minutes she tells me I have many knots and nodules.  Nodules?  Hm, I agree eyes closed. She suggests acupuncture, I needed more than a massage. Hm, I agree.

From then on it's quiet- my time to relax and heal she says. She starts with the shoulders, works her way up to the neck, then to the scalp and finally the face. It's a combination of acupressure, stimulation and massage. Some of it is gentle, some more brisk, firm; still all in all relaxing and comforting. 

Right at the end, my eyes are closed but I sense she must be working on my chakras.  She'd mentioned it at the beginning and I'd said interesting, not really knowing what that was and thinking, never mind that, I want a massage.  I'm relaxed by now and suddenly there is heat in front of my face, soothing heat; when she stops doing whatever it is she is I am disappointed. Then there is heat on my neck, intense heat, uncomfortable and my throat feels like it's being strained. I'm taken aback by the discomfort but remain still and keep my eyes shut.

When we're done she asks how I feel. I open my eyes and say wonderful, thank you. She says my dear you need to take care of yourself. I nod. You are carrying a lot of tension. I nod. You need to breathe from your diaphragm. Shoot, I thought I was on top of that one. I tried to go over that area again without over doing it but it is solid. I nod, I know.  Your muscles are in spasm. It sucks, several weeks into physio and I am still 'solid' and have new symptoms.

Do you have gland problems? No. Throat infection? No.  I felt a lot of heat in your throat area. So did I!

Are you stopping yourself from telling somebody something? What. The. I burst into a surprised laugh. Yes, for months. She shakes her head. Let it out. Just let it out. I nod.

She then tells me how to take care of my hair- sesame oil, olive oil, nothing lighter; apply once a week for a month and then reduce to once every two weeks. I should drink warm water with lemon; detox, I was full of toxins. Hot baths, sea salt, lavender. I nod, nod, nod. The experience is pretty intense, her grave face has me gripped. I haven't seen anyone as bad as you for a looong time.

I belong in a medical book.

We then return to the subject of acupuncture. You'll need moxa, she says. I'll need what? Moxa; the needle is heated and the heat penetrates deep. I like the sound of it. To get rid of this persistent pain I am willing to have a hot butter knife stuck in temporarily.

I was hoping this month would be budget month, one where I would take my foot off the spending pedal. That's out the window now, I'm going to alternate massage and acupuncture sessions, one  a week. No good being wealthy and in constant pain.  I want to be able to get fit enough to attend at least a few Tarawih(prayers). So far Ramadan has been a struggle personally but I have become ultra-aware of the hungry, the sick and the most unfortunate sick and hungry.  God ease their pain.

In the meantime, how to let it out without breaking my precious fast? :)