However, before you start massage therapy to get rid of your headache, we need to figure out which type of headache you are suffering from. As a result, you’ll be able to determine which massage type or technique will be best. In addition, you’ll know if the wrong technique or head massage can make your headache symptoms worse.
Below you will find 5 common headaches and massage techniques to help you find relief from your specific headache or migraine.
Tension headaches are extremely common. That is to say, they are usually mild with pain typically occurring on both sides of the head. In addition, they usually last for 30 minutes to an hour. These headaches can be caused by many different factors. For example, muscle tension, bone misalignment, eye strain, and other imbalances.
Migraine headaches are characterized by an intense pulsing, or throbbing, from deep within your head, usually on one side. However, migraines can last for days. This type of headache can disable you from performing daily activities. Moreover, they can have other symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and even vomiting.
While tension and migraine headaches are very different, massage therapy is proven to effectively reduce the pain from both in a similar way. Likewise, massage has been used since ancient times to relieve headache pain. So, if you are experiencing one of these types of headaches – try these self-massage techniques:
Place your thumbs underneath each eyebrow bone near the bridge of your nose with the pads of your thumbs pointing up. You will feel something similar to a crack where the cartilage meets the bone. Push up into both at the same time and hold firmly for 15 seconds. Rest for 5 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times.
After that, place your pointer and middle fingers from both hands on either side of your spine at the back of your neck. Move them up to the base of your skull. Massage both sides simultaneously in small circles for 30 seconds while gently tilting head side to side and forward.
Then, place your pointer and middle fingers of both hands on each temple. Massage in small circles for 30 seconds.
These massage techniques may help to provide some immediate relief from these types of headache pain but we recommend working with an experienced massage therapist on a regular basis for further relief and to hopefully help prevent future symptoms.
When suffering from a sinus headache you may experience pain in a variety of different areas. The best massage for a sinus headache depends on where the pain is occurring.
Click here to read our sinus massage article and learn how to perform all three of these massages.
If you are experiencing pain in or around your cheekbones, try a maxillary sinus massage.
Pain is in the center of your forehead between each eye, try a frontal sinus massage.
Is the pain behind your nose and eyes and you are sure it’s not a tension headache or migraine.
Feel free to combine and repeat these massages techniques until your sinus headache symptoms subside. To enhance the effects, you can also combine sinus massage with other remedies like warm compresses, steam inhalation and aromatherapy. Still needing some relief? Narayan Wellness can help you find sinus headache relief:
Unfortunately there are no known self massage techniques that can provide relief for cluster headaches. However, many are finding acupuncture, chiropractic, and professional massage therapy are effective in the treatment of cluster headaches.
Sinus congestion is the most common cause of allergy headaches. If you are experiencing allergies creating a headache on around the forehead and the top of your head, try these self-massage techniques:
Using your thumbs on the inner edge of your eyebrows, slowly apply pressure and slide your thumbs down to the base of your nose. Repeat for 30 seconds.
Place your pointer and middle fingers on both sides of the back of your neck directly under the base of your skull on either side of your spine. Firmly press upward under the skull for 30 seconds while slowly stretching your head forward and side to side.
As mentioned above, the best way to find relief from your headache is by working with a professional massage therapist on a regular basis, especially for regularly occuring or chronic headaches. If you are in the Pleasanton, California or East Bay Area, we would be happy to help you finally find headache relief with massage therapy.
*Introductory offers are valid for first-time customers only. Introductory offers are not valid on gift card purchases. Offers, discounts, and/or promotions may not be combined. **Rates and offered services may vary depending on availability. Certain services are not recommended during pregnancy or for clients with certain medical conditions. In addition, your primary care physician’s approval may be required before receiving services from Narayan Wellness. Please contact us for more details or if you have any questions.
