Page 48 - The-Complete-Guide-to-Migraine-Headaches_Neat

The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 49 of 87

17. Treating Migraine Headaches with Massage Therapy

There are specific points at the base of the neck and the temples that are

believed by some practitioners to be trigger points of migraine headaches.

Massaging these trigger points can help relieve some of the pain of migraine
headaches. When the pain subsides, the person can sleep better and this helps

them to cope better with migraine headaches. When undergoing a massage,
remember to be gentle.

If you experience any pain, stop immediately.

Always get a massage from a trained professional with the proper qualifications,

to avoid injury.

The basis of massage treatment is healing by touch. Hence, masseurs mostly use
their hands and feet for the massage. Masseurs use carefully applied pressure to

relieve the pressure on the trigger points and to bring respite to the individual.

A massage is beneficial because it improves blood circulation and digestion and

helps those with hypertension. To start with, you must undergo a massage a few
times a week for about two months.

There are different systems of massage therapy, each with its benefits.
Reflexology believes in massaging specific points on the soles of the feet that

correspond to the different areas of the body, to give relief from the pain of

migraine headaches.

Other massages include a head massage to soothe the nerves of the brain that
send the impulses of pain. You can undergo an acupressure massage or a deep
tissue massage, depending on the intensity of your pain. An individual suffering

from migraine headaches may benefit from massage therapy, provided a

qualified person does the massage.

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 49.