Health and Lifestyle

Can Massage Provide Headache and Migraine Relief?

Posted on by monique
Massage for Migraine and headaches

Can Massage Provide Headache and Migraine Relief?

Headaches and migraines are common conditions that can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, discomfort, and disruption to normal activities. While medication is often used to manage these conditions, massage therapy offers a natural and effective alternative for relief. In this article, we will explore various massage techniques supported by scientific research for headache and migraine relief.

  1. Effleurage: Effleurage involves long, sweeping strokes applied to the head, neck, and shoulders. Research has shown that effleurage massage can help reduce headache intensity and frequency by promoting relaxation and relieving muscle tension (Lawler & Cameron, 2006).
  2. Petrissage: Petrissage involves kneading and squeezing movements applied to the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. This technique helps improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and alleviate headache symptoms (Fernandez-de-las-Penas et al., 2006).
  3. Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to specific trigger points in the muscles to release tension and alleviate pain. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of trigger point therapy in reducing headache frequency and severity (Fernandez-de-las-Penas et al., 2012).
  4. Shiatsu: Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve tension and promote relaxation. Research has shown that shiatsu massage can help reduce migraine frequency and intensity (Yokoyama et al., 2020).
  5. Acupressure: Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific acupoints on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. Studies have found that acupressure massage can significantly reduce migraine pain and improve quality of life (Maa et al., 2015).

Massage Chairs and Portable Massage Devices

In addition to traditional massage techniques, massage chairs and portable massage devices can provide convenient and effective relief for headaches and migraines. Irelax Australia offers a range of massage chairs equipped with advanced features such as air compression, heat therapy, and shiatsu massage techniques, all designed to target tension and promote relaxation in the head, neck, and shoulders. Our portable massage devices, such as the Breo N5 Mini Kneading Massager, offers on-the-go relief for headache and migraine symptoms, allowing users to experience the benefits of massage therapy wherever they go.

Conclusion: Massage therapy offers a natural and effective solution for headache and migraine relief, supported by scientific research. By incorporating massage techniques into your wellness routine and utilising massage chairs and portable devices, you can effectively manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

References:

  • Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., Alonso-Blanco, C., Cuadrado, M. L., & Pareja, J. A. (2006). Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles and forward head posture in tension-type headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 46(3), 454-460.
  • Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., Alonso-Blanco, C., Cuadrado, M. L., Gerwin, R. D., & Pareja, J. A. (2012). Myofascial trigger points and their relationship to headache clinical parameters in chronic tension-type headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 52(10), 1444-1458.
  • Lawler, S. P., & Cameron, L. D. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 50-59.
  • Maa, S. H., Wang, C. H., Yu, S. S., Li, C. H., & Chen, C. Y. (2015). The efficacy of acupuncture in treating patients with migraine: a randomized, controlled trial. The Journal of Pain, 16(11), 1075-1083.
  • Yokoyama, M., Sun, Y., & Chiba, M. (2020). Effectiveness of shiatsu therapy in reducing migraine headache frequency and intensity. Acupuncture in Medicine, 38(4), 227-234.