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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Circulatory Technique 
        
(Message started by: Charlie on Jul 26^th, 2006, 1:18pm)

Title: Circulatory Technique
Post by Charlie on Jul 26^th, 2006, 1:18pm

Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique:

I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. It can described as a conscious circulatory flexing. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. Try to think of it as filling your hands with redirected blood. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice.

I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain.

Perhaps it will help if you think of it as trying to fill the arm as if it is were an empty vessel. I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my head into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working.

This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance.

Charlie

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by Bethany1 on Jul 26^th, 2006, 9:07pm

Thanks Charlie, hope I'm coordinated enough... I'll try this.

:) Beth

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by Ree on Jul 27^th, 2006, 2:03pm

I know this works..... but half way through my brain says....."What am I making for supper" or " Is that dust on the counter over there"... you really have to try to relax and work at it... I have used this technique when I am at the beach to send the blood back into my feet and not get my Raynauds syndrome going.... It works for me. I thought nothing would work to get my feet from turning white.... and I love the ocean...(*Massachusetts/New England ocean is cold....like 65*or even less sometimes). Your technique has allowed me to enjoy again Chaz...without the fear of frostbite~~~ you are the man!..... love ya buddy Ree

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by sandie99 on Jul 27^th, 2006, 2:20pm

Works for me. :)
Thanks so much, Charlie! :-*

Sanna

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by Carl_D on Jul 27^th, 2006, 2:40pm

I've tried this, but to no avail in the past.

I used to go nuts duing an attack and lose it on the nearest object - be it a wall or a door. However I realized that if the blood is pumping too hard through the veins, then me throwing a conniption is just gonna make it worse.

I will sit indian style and rock back and forth slowly, focusing on taking deep deep breaths, with a punch here or there in the leg - not hard, but rhythmically. I put some pressure into my neck with my fingertips just below the jawline to try and decrease the blood flow a bit. I do my best not to freak out. That is about the only way I can cope with an attack.

Peace,
Carl D

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by Ghost on Jul 27^th, 2006, 4:41pm

Hey Chewy show them your circulatory technique! [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] :o

Mike

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by Jasmyn on Jul 28^th, 2006, 5:15am

Thanks Charlie!