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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Circulatory Technique
        
(Message started by: Charlie on Apr 20^th, 2006, 1:51pm)

Title: Circulatory Technique
Post by Charlie on Apr 20^th, 2006, 1:51pm

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 Charlotte on Apr 20^th, 2006, 3:55pm

Thank you, Charlie. I'm going to try to digest this at home tonight and try it out.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by Charlotte on Apr 21^st, 2006, 11:25am

I tried it and it worked. I don't think I did it right, but I visualized the arm as empty to be filled. It wasn't filling up fast enough so I shook my hand a little and flexed the fingers. It did make my carotid hurt about 8 minutes into it but it worked.

I'm not doing it right, but it still worked.

Thank you Charlie.

Charlotte

ps: It does take concentration and you can't do it while you're working. Had one sneak up on me at work.

Title: Re: Circulatory Technique
Post by talbers on Apr 27^th, 2006, 4:45pm

Not sure I follow. Is it just a matter of imagining that you are redirecting blood flow into your outer extremities? Nothing physical about it? Just curious. I've often felt that ice was very useful. Sticking my head in a snow bank for instance, or out the window of my moving vehicle in the dead of winter. Maybe there's something too that.