Many massage techniques have been shown to aid those who suffer from migraines and chronic headaches. When it comes to headache management, it is definitely a matter of “different strokes for different folks.” What works for one client may not work at all for another, or may bring only minor relief. Depending on the type and frequency of headaches, you may choose from one or more techniques to bring relief.

Reflexology may be used to relieve migraine pain.

Some questions to ask:

• Where does the pain usually begin? Is it in a particular location in the head almost every time?
• Where do you generally carry your tension? (Some people may not know this; for regular clients, you’ll probably have a good idea of their chronic tension areas)
• What triggers usually set off a migraine attack?
• What triggers usually set of a non-migraine headache?
• Do you have any kind of warning signs, such as an aura?
• Do you have an aversion to being touched when you have a headache? Or do tolerate deep tissue work well at these times?
• Would you be interested in developing and learning a self-massage routine that could bring quick relief at the onset of a headache?

A bit of experimentation may be required to help you find the best set of techniques for each client. If you suffer from migraines and are looking for a massage therapist who can help you manage your pain, ask your massage therapist about these techniques.

Deep-tissue massage is probably the best-known technique for relieving headache pain as well as other chronic pain conditions. This will help relax the muscles in the body through pressure and stretching. The therapist will focus on areas of the body that frequently carry tension or those feel tight and uncomfortable. A session begins with lighter pressure, gradually deepening to release the tension. This is an especially effective means of relieving migraines if they are a result of tension carried in one or two areas, generally the neck and shoulders.

A similar technique is Neuromuscular massage. Like deep tissue massage, it does require deeper work rather than light touch. Pressure is applied to “trigger points,” which are specific areas within a muscle that often feel painful to the touch when pressed. Working these individual spots is often painful at first, until a sudden release of pain or tension is felt.

Applying pressure to the feet through Reflexology may not seem like a good therapy for headaches, but is often quick and effective. This technique uses a “map” of pressure points on the soles of the feet. Each part of the body is related to a different point on the foot, and by applying direct pressure to those points, the therapist aims to alleviate pain and other symptoms. This is one technique that many people can use for themselves when a headache or migraine begins. Reflexology may also be applied to the hands or ears, making it easier to do in a work situation where you may not wish to remove your shoes.

A related technique is acupressure, which also uses a sort of map to relate one body part to a specific point. Fore migraines, these points are simple to learn, and you can generally apply the pressure yourself as needed. The technique involves applying pressure with the fingertips to specific points on the head and neck or the hands.

Some massage therapists may also be trained in craniosacral therapy, in which pressure is applied primarily to the skull and scalp. It focuses more on soothing the nerve endings than on releasing muscle tension.

If you are not a massage therapist and would like to try massage for relief from migraines or chronic headaches, begin by checking with your doctor. Then find a qualified practitioner who is willing to help you experiment with different techniques and teach you a routine you can use as needed. Even though books are available on self-massage, reflexology and acupressure, you will probably need guidance on finding the points and applying the pressure .

One good self-massage routine was described by Anna Hart. Her article describes migraine pressure points and how to apply the right pressure to each one. For migraine sufferers, this routine may help lessen the pain at the onset of an attack.

Other articles in this series:
Massage Therapy Shown to Reduce Tension Headaches
Massage for Migraines