Tension Headaches + Migraines + Chronic Sinusitus

Massage will not cure your headache, but studies have shown that regular ​remedial massage can reduce the severity and frequency of tension and migraine headaches and sinusitus. Acupressure, cranial fascial release, trigger point release, and muscle relaxation can encourage deeper relaxation, and release the body’s natural pain-killing endorphins. Massaging the head, neck, face and shoulders can encourage blood flow to the muscles that may be increasing pain activity in migraine and tension headaches.

Benefits of Head + Neck massage for headaches

Both tension headaches and migraines have been effectively treated by massage therapy. Not only can massage help relieve headache pain, but it can also help to reduce the severity and the frequency of headaches from occurring. 
 
Massage can help loosen chronically tight muscles and taught bands of tissue. This helps with muscle balance and neck alignment. Also, loosening the muscles that attach to the base of the skull (sub-occipitals) can relieve the tension that travel up the back of the head and into the eye and the ‘vice-like’ constricting headaches so many people suffer from.
 
Massage therapy has also shown to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, increase endorphins and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system - therefore promoting relaxation. Because of this hormone effect, massage therapy may also reduce stress and anxiety, and improve the quality of your sleep.  

This type of massage can provide a variety of benefits, including:​     
  • Decreases occurrences and severity of headaches,
  • Reduce the frequency of stress induced migraines
  • Reduce the frequency and severity of sinusitus
  • Can reduce muscle spasms and trigger points
  • Can help alleviate pain, and decrease pain referrals into the neck and head
  • Allows you to maintain a healthier level of relaxation and stress-relief
  • Lowers frequency of sleep disturbances and distress symptoms

What is a Tension Headache?

Most of us will experience headaches at some point in our lives, the most common being an episodic tension headache. A tension headache is characterised by mild to moderate pressing, tightening, dull pain on both sides of the head. It can feel like a band tightening around your head. Tension headaches can last from half an hour to several days at a time.

Tension headaches are caused by muscle contraction in the head and neck, which may be triggered by a number of physical and emotional stressors:
  • Sensory overstimulation
  • Bad posture
  • Eyestrain
  • Dehydration
  • Sleeping with the neck in a bad position
  • Fatigue or overexertion
  • Depression, stress, and anxiety​
If a tension headache lasts for at least 15 days per month, this known as a chronic tension-type headache. These headaches are persistent and can be disabling, with pain ranging from mild to severe. People with these headaches often use a preventative medication, and most likely will find regular massage helpful in keeping pain levels down and less frequent.  

How do I know my Headache is a Migraine?

A migraine is a disabling neurological disorder that causes moderate to severe recurring headaches experienced as throbbing pain typically on one side of the head. The 'common migraine' is without a prelude aura and a 'classic migraine' is with aura. An aura is a warning sign of the headache and other symptoms that can shortly follow, and may last between 5-30 minutes before the headache begins. Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, numbness and tingling in the body, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, smell and touch.

There is no consensus among experts about what causes migraines, but they tend to run in families. What works for one migraineur might not work for another for treatment. There may be a period of trial and error with your doctor to figure out triggers, suitable medications, and lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular massage into your wellness plan to lessen severity and frequency of the migraine.


If headaches a affecting your quality of life, consider massage therapy as part of your regular wellness plan.

For a deeper treatment, consider an Ayurvedic Head + Face Massage: a deeply remedial and therapeutic treatment using oils, hydrotherapy, craniosacral and acupressure to relieve symptoms of pain.

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Anne the RMT

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relax. massage therapy
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