Best Tension Headache Relief Pressure Points
Experiencing the pain and discomfort of a headache is incredibly common. If youre looking for a more natural way to treat your headache, you may want to think about acupressure and pressure points. Pressure points are parts of the body believed to be extra sensitive, able to stimulate relief in the body. Practitioners of reflexology, a discipline of Chinese medicine, believe that touching pressure points in a certain way can:
- improve your health
- ease pain
- restore balance in the body
Reflexology is the study of how one part of the human body is connected to another. This means you might have to massage a different location like your hand to treat a different area, like your head. Youll reach for the right pressure points to ease your pain.
Acupressure is a form of complementary or alternative medicine. It follows the same fundamental principles as acupuncture. Both acupressure and acupuncture involve stimulating pressure points along energy lines that run through the body. Acupuncturists refer to these as meridian lines.
Unlike acupuncture, which uses thin needles, acupressure involves applying physical pressure to activate pressure points. Many people believe that complementary therapies are an effective treatment for everyday aches and pains. This article outlines the current research on acupressure for headaches. We also provide some simple acupressure techniques to try at home.
Different Forms Of Headaches
There are many types and causes of headaches. Here are the most common:
Tension headaches: this type of a headache is caused by tension and knots in muscles, particularly in neck, shoulders and upper back region. The pain level experienced from this headache is varied, often depending on how chronic the tension is. People can describe this type of a headache as a tight band around the head. There can be many causes of tension headaches such as stress, postural problems, sleeping problems and dehydration.
Migraine: Migraines are a less common type of headache but normally cause more discomfort. Sufferer usually finds that they cannot continue with their daily routine and withdraw to rest. Migraine pain tends to be one-sided but it can spread to the face, neck and jaw. Other symptoms involve nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue. A migraine lasts at least few hours but in most cases, it prolongs even for several days. Lack of sleep, hormonal imbalance, unhealthy diet and certain medications are considered to be common contributing factors. Headache treatment involving massage is particularly effective for the above types.
Other, rarer, types of a headache include cluster headache , rebound headaches , sinus headaches , hormone headache .
What Is A Fascia
A fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.
Like ligaments, aponeuroses, and tendons, fascia is made up of fibrous connective tissue containing closely packed bundles of collagen fibers oriented in a wavy pattern parallel to the direction of pull.
Fasciae are similar to ligaments and tendons as they have collagen as their major component. They differ in their location and function: ligaments join one bone to another bone, tendons join muscle to bone, and fasciae surround muscles and other structures.
A constant static posture can lead to the fascia sticking to the muscle layer underneath in what is called an adhesion. These adhesions restrict muscle movement, causing tension and pain.
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Massage For Cluster Headaches
Cervicogenic and cluster headaches seem to respond well to massage therapy. Just like migraine and tension-type headaches, massage can prove to be a beneficial treatment strategy for this headache behind the eyes. Studies suggest that massage for headache and stress relief in potent in reducing pain.
Another pilot study provides evidence that massage therapy has the potential to provide pain relief from headaches.
Patients can experience a reduction in pain intensity with a massage. The eye tearing effect seems to go down with manual massage therapy. A professional massage therapist is well aware of the trigger points on the body that can lead to cluster headaches. Applying reflexology massage on these sites can bring about relief.
Reflexology massage is a type of massage for headaches and stress relief that is aimed at easing the burden of your head, and improving the blood circulation.
Massage Therapy To Ease Headaches And Tension
- Start by placing your thumbs on your cheekbones close to your ears, and use your fingertips to gently apply pressure and rub the temples .
- Using very firm pressure and a tiny circular motion, gradually move your fingers up along your hairline until they meet in the middle of your forehead, massaging your entire forehead and scalp as you inch along.
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Ways To Manage Tension Headaches
To prevent or to ease tension headaches, Dr. Bang recommends the following:
Dr. Bang points out that the good thing about drug-free treatments is that any side effects go away on their own.
What about rubbing your temples when a tension headaches starts to build does it help? Muscle tension varies, so rubbing on your temples may not bring relief, says Dr. Bang. But rubbing on the tender spots, or trigger points, in your neck and shoulder muscles can help.
If tension headaches dont go away after trying these suggestions, it may be time to look at the psychological stress in your life, he notes.
Massage For Migraine Headaches
Head massage has shown to have positive impacts on the body. According to a study, massaging the greater occipital nerve can efficaciously reduce the intensity of migraine attacks.
There are numerous studies that promote the use of massage as a treatment modality for tension headache relief. A systematic review suggests that migraine relief massage can be equally good as a pharmacological treatment for migraine headaches. The randomized controlled trials found manual massage therapy, and physiotherapy to be equally effective as propranolol and topiramate.
As per a randomized controlled trial, massage therapy can be utilized as an efficient way of reducing the frequency and imparting migraine relief. Improvements in sleep and stress were also noted.
A 2018 study confirms that reflexology massage efficiently reduces the intensity of migraine headaches.
The traditional Thai massage is praised for its impact on headaches. This specific type of massage for headaches and stress relief is effective in the management of patients with chronic headaches. This includes tension-type headaches and migraine headaches.
Another great advantage of using non-pharmacological interventions for migraines is cost-effectiveness and is safe for the gastric mucosa , a randomized controlled trial confirms.
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Massage Treatment For Tension Headaches
Experienced, focused bodywork on the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders is the best treatment for a tension headache, regardless of the underlying cause.
Deep tissue and trigger point therapy massage of the sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitus, and splenius cervicis muscles can provide instant relief.
Experienced massage therapists can assess your posture and body mechanics. We can also feel hidden sources of tension in your muscles that can often provide long-lasting relief when treated.
Since massage is a proven stress-reducer, regular appointments can improve sleep and resolve the most common causes of tension headaches.
I am often available for emergency mobile massage appointments. Treating a tension headache when it begins can shorten the duration. The best way to contact me for an emergency session is by texting my phone at 283-9348.
How Do I Give Myself A Massage For Headaches
The next time you suffer a tension headache, try self-massage to alleviate the pain. Ill walk you through the steps here, and with some practice, you may find this is your new favorite technique for headache relief! Feel around your shoulders with fingers and thumbs looking for sensitive or aching spots in your muscle tissue. This can take some practice, but just do your best until you get the hang of it.
When you find a sore spot, either press and hold or gently knead the spot with circular motions or strokes for 10-100 seconds until you feel the spot kind of release. Start gently, and then gradually increase pressure. You dont want to hurt yourself!
If youre not finding trigger points in your shoulders, try your temples, jaw muscles, or the muscles just below the back of your skull.
Massaging trigger points like this loosens them up and should relieve that painful tension. I assure you, anyone can do this. If you are struggling, practice two to three times a day until you start seeing results. If you still arent getting the hang of it and continue to experience tension headaches, consider seeing a professional massage therapist to provide some relief and tips for self-massage.
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How Does Headache Massage Work
Massage Headaches can be a very beneficial form of a headache treatment. Loosening up tension in neck, head and shoulders, stretching out tight and shortened muscles as well as eliminating trigger points is crucial in releasing a headache. By increasing a blood flow, a boost of oxygen and nutrients is also provided. Improved circulation will encourage removal of built-up toxins and waste up products which altogether will soothe the symptoms.Regular headaches massage is also very effective in preventing tension headaches and migraines. Maintaining healthy muscles and decreasing mental and physical stress helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of pain, proving it to be the sufficient way of headache treatment.
In case of specific neck or shoulder injury, such as muscle strains and whiplash, a headache massage will encourage an appropriate healing and break down of scar tissue, which often continues to be a cause of headaches even after the recovery from injury. It will also help to identify and improve any postural problems, such as rounded shoulders, head forward and prevent it from becoming worse.
How Do I Know If I Have A Tension Headache
Well, you might not be able to accurately diagnose a tension headache. Tension headache is a bit of a catchall phrase for any non-threatening and unexplained headache, but we know that many headaches are caused by tension in the body.
Tension or tightness in your muscles or connective tissues can cause pain and discomfort that is different from the neurological pain of other headaches like migraines. Because of how muscles are interconnected, you can have tension within a muscle that causes pain elsewhere in the body.
In massage therapy, we call these knots trigger points. You can have a trigger point in your neck, face, or shoulders and experience referral pain in your head as a tension headache.
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Which Oil Is Best For Headache
Peppermint oil Peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils to treat headaches and migraine attacks. It contains menthol, which can help relax muscles and ease pain. Its thought that applying diluted peppermint oil topically can help relieve pain from both tension headaches and migraine attacks.
Alleviating Headaches Using Heat And Cold
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Natural Relief For Migraine
About one person out of 7 faces, the problem of migraine headaches.
It can be a tough challenge to live with it as they have to go through palpitations, nausea pain, etc.
Remedial massage can be a good option for people suffering from migraines.
A recent study proved that massage could reduce the recurrence of headaches and improved sleep for the patients whore suffering from chronic migraines.
For those people, neck massage and spinal rub can be a better option which can lead to a reduction in pain.
Another research stated that massaging scalp can reduce the pain of migraines. Instead of keeping yourself in the darkroom for relief, home massage for your headache can be a better and permanent option.
Headache On Front Of Your Head And Around Your Eyes
This type of headache is more prevalent in people who are dealing with a cold, sinus infection or allergies. It can also be caused by too much computer work .
It can be caused by fluid buildup in our sinuses. Or simply muscle tension from fatigued eye muscles.
How to TREAT:
- Use your thumb or a tennis ball, palpate for the tender points
- on the inner end of your eyebrows,
- at either side of the bridge of your nose, and
- one inch below the center of your eyes and one the same level of your nostrils.
- Once you find the tender area , apply constant pressure for 2-3 mins.
How often should I repeat the technique? You should repeat this technique for 3-5 times on your first or worst day, and slowly decrease the frequency over the following three days. If you work on a computer a lot or perform high volumes of reading, you should set a timer and perform these every 1-2 hours. If you do not feel improvement with this technique within 48 hrs, please seek out other treatment for your symptom.
How to Prevent: Stream your face with warm streamer , or with a hot face towel. Get better from your sinus condition. Take breaks from the computer or readings often.
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Treatment For Tension Headaches
The people whore suffering from a tension headache can think of massage therapy as a very good option.
Massage not only reduces the headaches, but it decreases its pain too.
These headaches sometimes happen because blood is not able to flow properly as it should.
Message therapy helps the blood to flow freely where it requires, which will lead to a decrease in pain in those areas.
Only a 30 mins massage can show some significant physical and mental improvements.
Massage For Sinus Headaches
Higher levels of histamines during stress can lead to an increased presentation of allergic response. Massage for headaches and stress relief can relieve the stress, thereby, allow improvements in an allergic response.
Studies suggest that stress is directly linked to raised levels of eosinophils and histamines, and when a stressed individual is exposed to allergens there is a more pronounced effect. By managing allergies c responses, massage can provide relief from sinus and allergic headaches.
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Massage For Tension Headaches
by Katrina JenkinsJan 25, 2021
The tension headache. That tightening ache that stems from your knotted neck and wraps around your head. You feel like youre wearing an undersized invisible headband, and you wish the thing would just snap in half. You were stressed before the onset, and you become more stressed as the invisible band tightens.
What are you going to do? You can lay down to rest since rest is good for just about everything. But if the headache stems from sore neck muscles, a bit of rest isnt going to smooth out those adhesions by itself. You could take some pain medications, but that wont treat the stress that caused and/or followed the ache. If you want to address both the root and symptoms of the tension headache, bodywork is an ideal first step!
What Causes Headaches And Migraine
According to the Massage Therapists Guide to Pathology: By far the most common type of headache people experience , these are triggered by muscular tension, bony misalignment, postural patterns, eyestrain, temporomandibular joint disorders, myofascial pain syndrome, ligament irritation, or other musculosketetal imbalances.
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Massage Therapy To Relax The Hands
Here are several moves that will relieve the strain from pounding the keyboard all day.
- Stretch your hands and fingers out. Rub each finger from the base to the tip, gently pulling and twisting each finger as you go.
- Next, rest your left hand, palm upward, on your lap. Squeeze the fleshy part of your palm between your right thumb and index finger, moving from your wrist to the base of your thumb.
- Now squeeze that web between your left index finger and thumb several times, looking for any tender points.
- Then rub the entire palm with your right thumb, applying firm pressure and using gliding strokes from the wrist to the base of each finger.
- Repeat this process on your right hand.
“Massaging the hands is not only great for the hands but can help to relieve headaches as well,” Grust says. The hands, like the feet, contain reflexology points that correspond to the entire body, including the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and sinuses.