Massage Therapy For Headaches

Massage therapy is a useful tool to assist in the relief of pain caused by headaches. Use massage therapy to relieve the symptoms and pain of tension headaches and migraines. There are a couple of massage therapy techniques that you can use to treat headaches. Consult a qualified massage therapist for advice on massage therapy techniques if you are unsure as to how to use them.

Massage Therapy

Denise Whichello Brown, in “A Complete Guide to Massage,” writes that massage was used centuries ago by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Chinese as a way of relieving pain and discomfort in many parts of the body. Massage therapy uses different pressures of touch and techniques to assist the body in healing itself of both physical and emotional problems. Massage techniques applied to the head help to relieve the symptoms and pain of headaches.

Tension Headaches

According to the National Headache Foundation website, the most common type of headache is a tension headache. Chronic tension headaches occur almost daily and cause constant pain and suffering. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that regular massage therapy may help sufferers of chronic tension headaches by relieving the pain and stress associated with tension headaches.

Migraines

Migraines are vascular headaches that usually affect one side of the head. Changes in the size of arteries both inside and outside of the brain cause excruciating pain for the sufferer. Pain is sometimes accompanied by nausea, changes in vision and vomiting, and can severely incapacitate or affect a person's life. According to the American Journal of Public Health website, research has shown that massage therapy helps to relieve the chronic pain associated with migraines.

Benefits

Massage therapy has a number of benefits to relieve the pain of headaches. Brown writes that massage therapy eases and relaxes muscle tension and spasms often held in the head, neck and shoulder area. The release of muscle tension prevents the restriction on nerves and blood vessels in that area, allowing oxygenated blood to circulate more freely. In addition, massage therapy calms the nervous system and reduces stress and tension in the body.

Techniques

Brown lists a couple of techniques that may help to reduce pain and tension associated with headaches. Massage the scalp with circular movements and a firm pressure to relieve headaches. In addition, comb your fingers through your hair and gently tug it to help to relieve tightness around the head. These techniques can be practiced by yourself or by a qualified massage therapist.