Treating Migraines With Massage Therapy

Studies have shown that massage therapy can relieve or prevent pain connected with migraines, though it doesn’t replace the need for medication and help from a doctor, experts say.

Getting a massage is a great way to reduce stress and especially helps with tightness of tender muscles, such as those in the back of the head, neck, and shoulders. Giving a little extra attention to this area can boosts blood flow and thus relieving some tension that lingers. 

Headache expert and neurologist Dr. Audrey L. Halpern of Rye, N.Y., says “The two most common acute migraine triggers are stress and neck muscle spasms,” noting that full-body massage also can help by reducing stress and boosting levels of serotonin.

Peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils to treat headaches or migraines. It contains menthol, which can help muscles relax and ease pain. Applying diluted peppermint oil directly to the temples can help relieve pain from both tension headaches and migraines.

Feel a headache coming on? If you can't get in with your favorite massage therapist you may be able to prevent it from turning into a migraine by trying these simple massage techniques:

• Hand reflexology: By pinching your fingers together, apply pressure to the web between your pointer finger and thumb and work the tenderness out for three to five minutes on each hand. This should take down the headache a few notches. Feel around this area for little curves under the skin, indicators of dehydration.

• Foot reflexology: Sit down and put your bare foot on a tennis ball. Apply pressure while moving your foot around on the ball. Focus for 10 to 15 seconds on sore spots, then switch feet.

• Light traction on the spine: Consult a professional to learn how to do this properly, then ask a family member or friend to try this method on you. Lying on your back, have them place a soft rolled terrycloth towel on the base of your skull before applying gentle traction from the C7 vertebra (the most protruding vertebra in the neck) up to the skull. Use 30-second traction intervals for five minutes total.

Source:
https://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20080205/news/802050358