Headache-relieving massages
Last time, an acquaintance asked me if I could get rid of a headache with a massage.
It's possible, I answered. For the most part, most headaches have quite simple causes.
Two of the most common and "stupid" causes of headaches are dehydration and improper head posture. There is probably no need to waste words on dehydration because we all know why it happens.
Headache as a result of bad posture
Bad posture is a broad term that I would like to explain a little more precisely. It's not just about the few centimeters we lower our head when we look at the monitor for a long time. It is true that everything comes from the way we live, but our attitude is getting worse and worse. Stress is of course a major factor. Due to stress, we take a kind of "defensive" posture, bend our shoulders, round them and drop them. With this, we unconsciously try to protect the chest. The result of long-term stress, which actually never ends, is also a headache.
The muscles of the upper back contract and disorders begin to appear in them. Reduced electrical conductivity in a muscle fiber or group of fibers can cause an entire muscle to contract. Because all body structures, including muscle fibers and the muscles themselves, are surrounded by fascia, pain is transmitted throughout the body. Trigger points can cause significant pain that is felt differently by each individual. To make things even more complicated, the pain is not always where the trigger point lies. Due to the fascia, which covers the body like a thin blanket, a point may be in one place, while pain may be in another.
I remember a funny incident from the past when I worked with a great therapist. A client came to him saying she had a terrible headache but was too polite to cancel the massage. The therapist grunted (he never talked much during treatments anyway) to lie down on the massage table. He started with a foot massage while working on the reflex zone points for the head, which are located on the toes. The woman lay quietly for a few minutes, then began to protest, saying that it was not her legs that hurt, but her head. The therapist said to her, "Be quiet, don't complain at all! Otherwise, do you still have a headache?" The client had to admit that her headache was almost gone.
Which massage methods are the most successful in eliminating headaches?
1. Finding and treating trigger points on the neck and upper back
2. Foot reflex therapy
3. Stimulation of acupressure points on the head and face
4. Acupressure of the back, neck, and head
5. Head massage, which also includes the neck, shoulder, and upper back massage
6. Sliding cup
7. Lymphatic drainage
8. Aromatherapy
It is probably clear to you that not every treatment works the same for every person. I usually make decisions based on careful observation of the client, precise descriptions of the situation, body language, and, of course, intuition.
1. Finding and treating trigger points on the neck and upper back
Myofascial trigger points can cause tension headaches in the neck and upper back when they are irritated. If we are lucky, a massage that relaxes the muscles of the neck and back can be enough. In most cases, this is not enough, the trigger points must be eliminated.
Such a treatment can bring instant relief. It also works very well for chronic headaches.
2. Footreflex treatment
Yes, this can be very effective as well. Points on the soles of the feet are connected to all the structures in the body.
3. Stimulation of acupressure points on the head and face
Acupressure points on the face and head are very interesting. At least for me, because every time I observe how important they are and how powerful treatments I can make using them. I use the same points in acupressure, facial lifting massage and even in EFT technique (emotional freedom techniques).
4. Acupressure of the back, neck, and head
Not all headache points are located on the head. Some are on the body, arms, and legs. The most well-known point that relieves pain is in the skin fold between the thumb and forefinger of the hand. I also have an interesting anecdote related to these points. When I worked on the ship, an acupuncturist from India was also a member of our group. He was a good colleague, but he didn't talk much about his work. When I once had a severe headache, pressing the points on my neck immediately got rid of the headache. Excited, I exclaimed, "Ah, so these are the points to eliminate the headache!" I could immediately see that he was not too pleased with my new knowledge.
5. Head massage, which also includes the neck, shoulder, and upper back massage
I perform this type of massage when the client is lying on his back. In this position, I can thoroughly work the upper back, shoulders and neck. I then continue the massage on the scalp, forehead and shadows. Some people don't like a head massage when they have a headache, so I always ask first what the client wants.
6. Sliding cupping
This is cupping with silicone suction cups. I slide the suction cup over the skin and gently lift the skin and the tissues underneath. This is basically negative pressure, which in some cases successfully softens the tight tissues, freeing the fascia and muscle fibers.
7. Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a very successful method that helps with headaches caused by inflamed sinuses. Fluid accumulates in the sinuses and creates pressure on the surrounding tissues. Lymphatic drainage reduces pain very quickly.
8. Aromatherapy
Essential oils are a much-overlooked force of nature. For example, lavender relieves anxiety and stress and reduces the headache associated with it.
However, we cannot say that these techniques are a universal cure for headaches. When the headache is caused by another disease, massage does not help. We can only ease the situation for a short time. Headache massage is not recommended when the body is fighting a high fever, infection, or illness. Not even when the headache is the result of an injury to the head, neck, or back. Whenever a headache is the result of another illness or injury, then the cause must first be removed. Since massage can seriously harm the client in such a case, we recommend a visit to the doctor first.
As more and more people are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, massage can be a good solution. It can successfully help some. If you are one of them, book your next headache massage.
I am also adding the link below, where it is indicated when a massage against a headache is not recommended:
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