Self massage for Headache Relief

Are you one of the millions of people out there who suffer from migrane and headache? If so, then you know just how debilitating they can be. The pounding pain, nausea, the sensitivity to light and sound- it’s enough to make anyone want to crawl under a rock and hide.

So I am going to offer you some remedies that you can use for migraine and headache relief.

Now I am not a doctor and these are only proven remedies and exercises that may help you without any side effect. if you experience frequent or severe headaches, be sure to consult with your doctor.

By learning a few simple techniques, you can use the power of touch to use self massage for headache relief and ease your pain and prevent future headaches from occurring. So, give it a try and see how it works for you! 

And remember, if you experience frequent or severe headaches, be sure to consult with your doctor.

These are natural things you can do now. Self massage, drinking more good water, and some better breathing exercises. You can do them right now  in the comfort of your own home, without relying on medications or expensive treatments. And a lot of what I will be teaching you about is self massage.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Self-massage? That sounds kind of weird.” But hear me out. Massage has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of ailments, including headaches and migraine.

And by learning a few simple techniques, you can use the power of touch to ease your migraine pain and prevent future headaches from occurring.

So, let’s get started! First we will talk about Hydration, Acupressure points and then Self-massage and we will finish off with some yogic breathing.

1. Hydration:

Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines or exacerbate existing ones. When your body is dehydrated, it can cause your blood volume to decrease, leading to less oxygen and blood flow to your brain, which can result in a headache.

A study published in Journal of Clinical Neuroscience significant negative correlation between daily water intake and migraine headache characteristics.

The results showed that the severity of migraines, pain, headaches frequency and duration of headaches were significantly lower in those who consumed more water.

Additionally, being hydrated can cause the blood vessels in your brain to widen, which can make the brain operate better.. Staying hydrated can help promote proper blood flow and oxygenation in your brain.

When you hydrate, your body can function optimally, and several other benefits come along with it. Proper hydration can help boost your energy levels, promote healthy skin, and aid in digestion.

Additionally, adequate hydration can help regulate your body’s temperature and prevent heat-related headaches.

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent way to promote hydration and relieve headaches and migraines. Apple cider vinegar has a high potassium content, which can help regulate fluid balance in the body. It also contains acetic acid, which can help the body absorb water more efficiently.

Drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water can help replenish fluids in the body and reduce dehydration-related headaches and migraines.

But how much should you hydrate? The standard recommendation is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, or about 2 liters of water.

However, the actual amount of water you need can vary depending on your body weight, physical activity level, and climate. A general rule of thumb is to drink enough water to keep your urine pale yellow or clear.

2. Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing technique that has been practiced for thousands of years, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing.

Through the use of finger pressure on these specific acupoints, acupressure aims to restore balance, relieve pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

A study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine suggests that 1 month of acupressure treatment is more effective in reducing chronic headache than 1 month of muscle relaxant treatment.

Let’s start with a pressure point LI-4.

Pressure point LI-4 is also called Hegu (her-goo). It is found on the back of your hand. It is between the base of your thumb and index (pointer) finger. Doing acupressure on this point can help with pain and headaches.

  1. Once you have found the pressure point, you can relax your hand and keep it in a comfortable position. Press down on this point with your thumb. Move your thumb in a circle while applying pressure. 
  2. You can move it in clockwise and counterclockwise circles. Start gently before building up firmness. Do this for 30 seconds both directions  AND then for 4 breaths.
  3. Be firm when applying pressure, but do not press so hard that it hurts. You may feel some aching or tenderness, but it should not be painful. If you feel any pain, you’re pressing down too hard.

Repeat steps 1 to 3 on your other hand.

3. Scalp Massage:

Now this sounds elementary, but there are techniques I will be sharing to help this part of the headache solution to be comfortable, soft and relaxing, and how to intimately connect to your own skull, skin and brain, nerves.

I will show you massage techniques that you can use on yourself to relieve tension, or to share with others.

Softly softly to start with.

One of the most effective areas to massage for headache relief is the scalp.

You can start by placing your fingertips at the base of your skull and gently rub in circular motions. Then work your way up towards the crown of your head, massaging your scalp as you go.

Be gentle and start soft it may be just enough to place your hands there, close your eyes and watch the breath. Are you serious about doing this and really letting go? Well, lay down and let the muscles release.

This very simple exercise of self massage will help relieve headache and migraine pain.

4. Temple Massage:

Another effective area to massage for headache and migraine relief is the temples.

And another softly softly massage.

Now gently and softly start by placing your fingertips at the temples and applying gentle pressure. Move your fingers in circular motions, using your thumbs to apply extra pressure as needed.

Don’t be in a rush, have a break for a moment, feel the effects of this massage, this is a powerful relief that can be felt immediately.

Gently circle the fingertips in both directions.

5. Ear and Neck Massage

Can you read this whilst gently massaging your ears. 

In traditional Chinese medicine, the ears are believed to be a microcosm of the entire body. Each part of the ear corresponds to a specific organ or body part, and by massaging the ears, one can stimulate the flow of Qi (life force energy) throughout the body and promote healing.

Legend has it that the practice of ear massage dates back to ancient China, where it was used by imperial doctors to treat a wide range of ailments. According to the legend, there was once a young prince who suffered from frequent headaches and could not find relief from any of the traditional remedies.

One day, a wise old sage came to the palace and offered to treat the prince using a special technique he had learned from the gods. The sage proceeded to gently massage the prince’s ears, using a combination of pressure points and strokes.

To the amazement of the court, the prince’s headache disappeared within minutes, and he felt a renewed sense of energy and vitality. From that day forward, ear massage became a widely recognized and respected healing practice in China, and was used by doctors and laypeople alike to treat a variety of ailments.

Today, the practice of ear massage is still widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, and has gained popularity around the world as a natural and effective method of pain relief and relaxation. Whether you believe in the legend or not, there’s no denying the benefits of massaging your ears for headache relief and overall well-being

By learning a few simple techniques, drinking more water, you can use the technique of self massage for headache and migraine

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Patrick Ryan
Patrick Ryan

20 years of practicing Yoga, Taiji and Body Awareness exercises will have given me something of the art to pass on to you. I will help you transform your life with these ancient practices.

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