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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> A Circulatory Technique
        
(Message started by: Charlie on Aug 9^th, 2003, 10:40pm)

Title: A Circulatory Technique
Post by Charlie on Aug 9^th, 2003, 10:40pm

Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique

This technique significantly helped to shorten my cluster headache attacks.

It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little more circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. It can described as a kind of internal “flexing” or “push.” 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. If you do, it never will. Every now and then it can 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 this method. The doctor, while holding his arm at his side, 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 the same day. 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 dealing with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain. I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this method but whatever it is, at least indirectly kills the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes real concentration.

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 beast. 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.

Give it your best shot and I wish you the best of luck fighting this demon.

Charlie Strand