1. The Most Commonly Misunderstood Headache
A tension headache is the most common type of headache. While most doctors agree that the causes of a tension headache include stress and tight muscles of the shoulders and neck, headaches often occur for no apparent reason. An additional theory is that tension headaches are caused by the build-up of fluid and lack of blood circulation at the base of the head. Lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an entire week, tension headaches are characterized by the sensation of a tight band around the head and pain which continues down the neck to the shoulders.
2. Healing With Pressure
Shiatsu is a form of acupressure massage based upon multiple Japanese healing principles which can be a great alternative remedy for a tension headache. Shiatsu focuses on placing pressure on specific points on the body which help to improve circulation and release tight muscles. While full-body shiatsu must be performed by a qualified practitioner, you can learn a few basic techniques as a means of self treatment for a tension headache.
3. Learning to Breath
Breathing is the most important part of shiatsu, as it not only helps to soothe the mind and calm the body, it also creates the rhythm of your shiatsu treatment. Keep your breath slow and deep, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Find a comfortable rhythm before you begin, and continue the meditative breath as you perform shiatsu techniques for a tension headache.
4. Getting to the Root of the Problem
Because most tension headaches are caused by tension build-up in the neck and shoulders, there is where you should begin. Cross your right hand over your left shoulder and press your index and middle fingers at the upper inside corner of your shoulder blade. In most cases this pressure point is extremely obvious and marked by sensitivity and a small muscular lump. Place a comfortable pressure on the acupressure point and hold for at least 3 full breaths. Half an inch at a time, move your holding pressure along the top of the shoulder blade, staying for at least 3 full breaths in each position.
5. Teasing Tension Down the Neck
Place your middle fingers on either side of your nose where the nose meets the brow, again holding for at least 3 full breaths. Move up and over the top of the head 1/2 inch at a time, holding each position as you breath deeply. When you reach the base of the neck, spread your fingers apart a bit more to so that they are on either side of your neck and slowly work your way down to the original shoulder pressure point. Repeat these shiatsu techniques for as long or as often as needed to relieve your headache.
