Imagine going through your busy work schedule with a pounding headache. It’s so unnerving that you won’t even wish it on your worst enemy. Nursing a headache doesn’t just affect your productivity, it’s also guaranteed to wreak havoc on your emotions as well. If you’re looking for a fast and effective way to relieve the pain, without the help of your trusty medicine for headache and fever, here’s our short guide on how to ease your headaches through massage.
But first, how exactly can massage help the body, much more relieve a headache? According to studies, massage therapy helps the body cope with external stress by promoting physical relaxation. By inducing the relaxation response, the physical effects of stress like pain is significantly reduced. A massage can help you deal with tension and anxiety. It’s so effective that people who get a massage at least twice a month swear by its effects. So whether you’re suffering from a stress headache, or a full blown migraine, a massage might just be able to do the trick.
Here’s a basic technique that you can easily do right in the comforts of your own home. But before you get started, make sure that you don’t have any serious neck problems that you’re dealing with. It would be best to check first with your doctor, especially if you’re going through some form of physical therapy.
Step 1. Relax those neck muscles. Allow your head to drop until your chin and with your palms on the back of your head, press down gently. This way, you’ll be able to stretch your neck muscles without straining it. If you feel any hard knots, knead gently to soften them.
Step 2. Shake your head gently from side to side as your fingers softly knead down the back of your neck to your shoulders By this time, your neck should feel more relaxed.
Step 3. Work your fingers ups over your temples and ears, then back down to the neck again. Do this a couple of times to promote blood circulation in the area.
Step 4. Push your thumbs against different parts of your scalp and rotate firmly in small circles.
Step 5. Press the palms of your hands against the sides of your head and apply pressure at. Don’t press in, but rather, pull up the skin towards the top of your head. By this time, you should feel a bit more relaxed and alert.
Step 6. Alternate the earlier steps and see which ones work for you. Always make it a point to shake your head gently or roll it around to keep the neck muscles loose.
If you suddenly experience intense pain or discomfort at other parts of your body during the massage, stop immediately. But if you feel your headache seem to intensify, don’t panic. Just remember to breathe normally and continue on with the massage. It’s just a sign that your headache is about to peak and disappear.
Have you ever experienced the healing powers of a massage? How did it work for you? Feel free to share in the comments section below.