When it comes to pain, headaches are often at the top of many people’s problem lists. Almost half of adults worldwide have suffered from at least one in the past year. But, a massage therapy appointment may be just what you need to soothe the tension.
How does massage help?
Here’s a look at a few of the studies that suggest massage therapy could be an effective migraine treatment:
- Much less migraine pain
- More headache-free days
- Fewer sleep problems
- Higher levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin
- Less frequent migraines
- Decreases in anxiety, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol
- Better stress management and coping skills
- Greatly improved sleep quality
Here are massage techniques to help five of the common types of headaches you may be experiencing, as suggested by the Institute for Integrative Healthcare.
1. Tension
If your headache exists on both sides of your head, chances are it’s a tension headache. These headaches feel like something is pressing your head on both sides.
Choose a massage with slow-moving techniques, such as a Shiatsu or Swedish massage, but refrain from anything involving deep tissue techniques.
READ: 5 Foods That Can Trigger Migraine Headaches
2. Sinus
When your sinuses are inflamed and clogged with fluid, you can get serious headache pain.
Although the only way to get rid of a sinus infection is to be treated by a physician, a light massage around the eyes can help relieve pain by getting the fluid moving again.
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3. Hormone
Many women get headaches that are associated with their menstrual cycle hormones.
Light massages around your hips and lower back the week before a cycle begins can help even out levels of estrogen and progesterone as they fluctuate.
4. Caffeine Withdrawal
If kicking your coffee habit is becoming more challenging, a shoulder and back massage can help alleviate pain by pushing toxins from your body quicker.
5. Cluster
Cluster headaches are short in length and uncommon, but they are severe. They generally last under 90 minutes and happen around the eyes.
Massages can help relieve the symptoms of cluster headaches, but since the exact cause of cluster headaches can be difficult to determine, you should check with your doctor first.
The best time to get a massage
If headaches/migraines are having a direct impact on your life, getting regular massage therapy may help. However, if you don't want to spend the money or don't have the funds, getting massage therapy at the first sign of a headache or during one will also help.
Catching your headaches early enough can also help you prevent a full-blown attack. If your head’s already throbbing, massage therapy may put a stop to the pain, according to research.
