What Massage Can Do For You

The benefits of a relaxing massage are many, including these:

• Slower heart rate
• Decreased pain levels
• Increased blood circulation
• Decreased muscle tension
• Decreased blood pressure
• Lowered stress levels
• End of ongoing stress reactions
• Increased level of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones
• Improved circulation of the lymph, the milky white fluid that carries away impurities and waste 

There’s no proven correlation between massage and headache prevention or relief. But, since stress is a major cause of headaches, it makes sense that a stress reliever like massage should be helpful in a headache management plan. It certainly seems to ease my tension headaches. If I’ve got a headache at the beginning of a massage, by the end it’s either gone or markedly reduced. Even if I don’t have a headache, after an hour of massage, my rock-like neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles are loose and tension free. That’s got to do something to keep my headaches at bay, at least for a while.

Finding A Qualified Massage Therapist

To find a massage therapist, try asking your friends, physical therapist, or chiropractor. For a certified massage therapist.

Self-Massage For Headache Management

If you don’t have the time or the money to get a professional massage or you simply prefer to do it yourself, here are few simple techniques for self-massage that can help you manage your headaches:

Gently turn your head to one side, then the other, to stretch your neck muscles a little bit. Then gently shake your head, if it doesn’t make the pain worse, and use your fingers and thumbs to massage the back of your head and neck.

• If tense neck muscles are contributing to your problem, sit in a comfortable chair and gently let your head drop until your chin almost touches your neck. Then gently massage the muscles on the back of your neck. Pay extra attention to any knots you feel.
• Massage both sides of your upper head, from your temples to the area directly over your ears. Using fingers or thumbs, massage with a circular motion.
• Place the palms of your hands on the sides of your head, with the bottoms of the palms at temple level. Press in slightly, then move your hands slowly in a circular motion: up to your crown, toward the
  back of your head, then back down to starting position. Repeat 5 times.

Another self-massage technique involves the traditional Chinese medicine concept of meridians (the invisible channels in the body that transport the qi). Headaches in the temples, forehead, and back of the head are believed to stem from blockages in the gall bladder meridian, which runs from the fourth toe up the body to the top of the head. Clearing energy blockages in this meridian may help reduce headache pain or eliminate it altogether. To do so, you’ll need to massage the meridian at a specific point on the outer thighs.

You can find that point by standing straight with your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Without reaching or stretching in any way, touch each middle finger to its corresponding position on the outer thigh. The spot that you naturally touch is close to the spot you need to massage, but you may have to probe around a little to find just the right place. It should be a little tender if you’re in the midst of a headache. Firmly massage the spot using a circular motion for 10 seconds, then stop for 10 seconds. Repeat several times, using this onand-
off pattern.

If you have a migraine headache, rather than massaging the spot, gently brush it with your fingertips, using the 10-second on-and-off pattern.


See Also:

• Getting the Most Out Of Your Massage
• Massage Therapy

Getting the Most Out Of Your Massage

Whether you get a massage at an exclusive spa, at a gym, at your chiropractor’s office, or in your own home, take charge of the experience. Get the relaxation process started in advance by taking a warm
bath or shower to loosen up your muscles. Try to schedule the session so you don’t have to rush directly from work to the massage (all stressed out) or jump back into things immediately afterward. Leave
some time to wind down beforehand and enjoy the great feeling of relaxation when the massage is finished.

Begin your session by telling the therapist exactly what’s bothering you, which kinds of massage techniques you like, and which you don’t like. If you don’t know, ask questions; find out what he or she intends
to do and why, and clearly state what sounds good to you. Once the massage begins, focus on relaxing completely. Let your mind drift into a dreamlike state. Some therapists are like your friendly neighborhood bartender, willing to chat with you and listen to anything you want to say. If you find that enjoyable, chat away.
But don’t feel you have to. If you’d rather remain silent (or even fall asleep), do it. If possible, give your therapist some feedback during the massage. Let him or her know what hurts, what feels good, where
you’d like more or less massage, and so on.

Once your massage is finished, take it easy. Lie on the table for a few minutes before jumping up and getting dressed. If you can, lounge around for a while before returning to the “real world.” If you happen to be getting your massage at a spa, stay for a while to enjoy the amenities (e.g., Jacuzzi, pool, sunroom, and so on).

Also, be sure to drink plenty of water after your massage to help your body flush out toxins. Massage stimulates the circulation of lymph, the body’s waste material and drinking lots of water will help
wash these wastes away more quickly.

See  also:

• Massage Therapy