Are you suffering from migraine? Head massaging can be very relaxing for getting rid of extreme migraine pain. Head massaging is an effective way to reduce the pain.
A migraine creates severe pain in the head. Light and sound become your enemy. Millions of people who suffer from migraine find relief to be more of a desperate need than a desire. The migraine pain can occur once in a while or every time you go out, travel, or there are some changes in your environment. Although the impact varies from person to person, a gentle head massage can give you great relief.
What is Migraine?
Before knowing about the techniques to get relief from the extreme pain due to migraine, you must know about the exact problem. Migraines are neurological conditions. These can be detected by severe and frequent headaches. You may also get nausea and vomiting due to migraines. This triggers when you are exposed to light or noise for a longer period. Blood flow is also impacted by migraine. You may get them once in a while or frequently, but they are extremely painful.
- Mood swings, cravings, and yawning can be the possible signs of migraine. This phase is known as the Prodrome.
- Next, you might feel visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots. This phase is just before the actual pain, known as an Aura.
- Then you get a Headache or acute pain. The sensation can be felt on both sides of the head, but the pain is more on one side.
- After the migraine pain is over, you feel drained and lazy. This phase is known as Postdrome.
Although medications are an effective way to get rid of migraine pain, try some complementary therapies for better results and instant relief.
Why Head Massage?
Head massage works magically to provide relief from the extreme migraine pain.
- By gently massaging the head area, the blood flow to the scalp and brain is stimulated. This improved blood circulation helps in normalising the blood vessels. The intensity of your pain reduces gradually.
- In case you are suffering from migraine, there will be pain in the neck, shoulder, and scalp along with the head region.
- This tension in these regions can increase the pain and worsen the migraine. Continuous massage helps in reducing the pain and relaxes your muscles in case they are contracted.
- The trigger point therapy, which includes massages to specific points in the head, neck and shoulders, provides relief from the pain. Putting proper pressure on the trigger can reduce the pain due .
- Migraine leads to an increase in stress, irritation and uneasiness. Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It decreases your stress by reducing the stress hormones like cortisol. Massaging also increases your. Endorphins act as a natural painkiller for your body.
Effective Head Massage Techniques:
To get a better experience of a head massage, you need to follow the instructions mentioned below-
- Dim the lights, or you may use the blackout curtains
- Reduce noise around you. Turn off the devices that create sound. You may use soft earplugs if required
- Keep yourself in a comfortable position, partially reclined for extra comfort.
- Staying hydrated is very important. During migraine pain, drink water frequently, it will keep your body fresh, hydrated and might reduce the pain.
- Do not use products with strong fragrance, like perfumes or massage oils.
What do you need before starting the head massage?
No special equipment for head massage is required. But these items mentioned below can enhance your experience –
- Use a small amount of unscented pain-relieving lotion or oil
- A cool compress for changing with massage techniques.
- In case you are self-massaging and fail in tracking the time, go for using a quiet timer. Otherwise, it is not required.
- For proper neck positioning, use a supportive pillow.
A few effective Head massage techniques include the following types;
- Temple Release
In this type of massage, the temporal region, which is the primary site for migraine pain and tension, is massaged properly.
For the temple Release method, you need to use your middle finger and your index finger. Start by applying low pressure to your temples. Gradually increase the pressure for 10 seconds. The pressure depends on the controlling capacity of the patient. You need to make a small circle, moving clockwise and then anticlockwise for 2 minutes.
- Scalp sweep method
This head massage method is very effective. You need to place your fingertips on your forehead and then apply slight pressure to it. Move your fingers gently, starting from the hairline to the base of the skull region. In case you have more pain in a specific region, then massage it well.
- Occipital Release
The occipital region covers the base of the skull, which contains nerves that lead to pain in the head when compressed.
For this method, you need to use your thumbs and knuckles. Place it in slight indentations in your skull or spine areas and then massage it gently. Apply pressure for a shorter amount of time, like only for 30 seconds. You need to repeat the same 3 to 5 times.
- Ear pull technique
As you know, your ears have reflex points. These points have connections with the brain. Massaging the ear gently can give you relief from a headache.
You need to hold your earlobes compressed between your index and thumb. Apply a little pressure, pull it downward and forward 5 seconds, and then release. Next, slowly pull your entire outer ear in and out.
- Massaging your third eye
Massaging the area between your eyebrows is very effective. This part is called the third eye. It is a powerful acupressure point. Massaging it helps in getting rid of a headache.
Keep your thumb or index finger on your third eye region and press it for a minute, and you will feel the difference.
- Crown Spiral Massage
You need to place your palms on each side of your head with fingers meeting at the crown. Now make small circular motions with your fingertips. You can eventually widen the circles and reduce them for more comfort. This helps in stimulating blood flow to the top of your head.
How to enhance your migration massage routine?
For many migraine-suffering patients, the cold compress therapy works great. You need to apply a cold compress to the head and neck. Few find applying the warm compress to the neck and shoulders during this process more effective.
Throughout your massage session, focus on your breathing pattern. You need to maintain slow and deep breathing. Inhale and hold for a count of 4, and then exhale. Repeat this to control your breathing speed. Practice meditation along with a head massage to reduce migraine.
Add the head massage session to your daily routine. In case you are prone to migraine, regular massage reduces the frequency and intensity of the pain.
You need to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration often triggers migraine and sometimes leads to migraine.
Take care of your food habits. Do not eat a lot of junk food. Follow a proper balanced diet. Ensure a regular sleeping pattern and add physical exercise to your daily routine.
Do you need professional healthcare support for migraine?
Do not rush to the doctor as soon as you encounter migraines. Start by doing the DIY medications available in your home. Reduce your stress, change your daily routine and relax for 1 to 2 hours and provide rest to your body.
Head massage is an effective solution for getting rid of extreme migraine pain.
In case none of the above-mentioned techniques work, and you continue facing severe headaches due to migraine, rush to a doctor. Symptoms like severe headache, stiffness in the neck, weakness, numbness, or double vision need to be addressed.
If massaging doesn’t work, you need to reach out to a doctor. You may also consult an acupressure specialist or a physical therapist. Chronic migraine can seriously affect your health, personal life, and work life. You must take this issue seriously and take proper medications.
Head Massage is a great way to deal with it, but in case of severe pain and prolonged migraine issues, you must consult a doctor.
Medications and professional head massage therapies can help you get rid of migraine-related pain.