Ease and prevent headaches naturally with trigger points, reflexology, and acupressure remedies.
Every year, 45 million people suffer from chronic headaches (28 million from migraines), and more than 10 million people visit a doctor or emergency room because of a headache, according to the Academy of Pain Medicine.
Whether caused by stress, muscle tension, eyestrain, sinuses, hormones, or your significant other (just kidding … sort of), a headache can stop you in your tracks if you’re not careful.
As someone who used to suffer from regular migraines, I can tell you that there are effective, drug-free touch-therapy remedies that can help with headaches.
Studies now indicate that massage therapy, especially stimulation of active trigger points, is helpful in relieving frequent chronic tension headaches. According to researchers leading one study: “The muscle-specific massage therapy technique used in this study has the potential to be a functional, non-pharmacological intervention for reducing the incidence of chronic tension headache.”
These touch-therapy remedies are very effective in relieving and preventing many headache symptoms, including pain, nausea, and pressure. People always ask me if remedies will take away their headaches immediately.
Although everyone is different, the instant relaxation that touch therapy brings has a way of decreasing pain very quickly and successfully.
I’ve found that if I can identify the signs of a headache coming on before it actually hits (i.e., pressure near my temples, zigzag lines in my peripheral vision, blurred vision—it’s different for everyone), then I can use one of the remedies to ward off a full-blown headache.
I’ve used the following remedies almost daily for many years, and I can honestly say that my headaches, which used to be quite debilitating, are a thing of the past. Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I had one!
Headache Trigger-Point Remedy
- Reach behind your head and place your thumbs on either side of the spine, just under the bony ridge (called the occipital ridge) at the base of your skull. Press firmly as you slowly tilt your head forward and back. As you lean your head back, you’ll feel your thumbs moving deeper.
Do this several times, then move your thumbs out toward your ears about one-half inch and repeat, dropping your head forward and backward. Keep the pressure firm. Do this until you reach the edge of your skull close to your ears. Trigger points in this suboccipital muscle group are the most common cause of tension headaches. - Next, place your index and middle fingers at the base of your skull, on either side of your neck, just below your ears, which is the top of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. Apply firm pressure for 10 seconds, then move your fingers down the muscle about one-half inch.
Again, apply pressure for 10 seconds and repeat all the way down the muscle until you reach the collarbone. Then, repeat the same pressure, hold, and release back up the SCM. The SCM has seven trigger points, making it one of the most highly concentrated trigger-point areas in the body.
Headache Reflexology Remedy
- Brain reflex point: This reflex point is located on the big toe of both feet, in the fleshy part behind the toenail. Pinch both big toes with your thumb on the pad of the toe and index finger on the nail for 10 seconds: release and repeat. You can also make small circles with your thumb in the flesh of the big toe. For more pressure, I recommend using plastic clips (like “chip clips” or even clothespins), which you can snap onto your big toes. Pressing here will release congested energy and ease your aching head.
- Eye reflex point: This reflex point is located in the area between the base of the second and third toes on both feet. Apply pressure with your thumbs for 10 seconds, release, and then make small circles with your thumbs. This can relieve headaches due to eyestrain.
- Neck reflex point: This reflex point is located at the base of the big toe on both feet. Apply pressure for 10 seconds, and then make small circles with your thumbs. This increases circulation to the neck and relieves headaches.
Headache Acupressure Remedy
- “Union Valley” points: Apply pressure to the web between your thumb and index finger (pinching it between your other thumb and index finger) for 10 seconds, then make small circles with your thumb in one direction, then the other for another 10 seconds. I like to do this two ways: first, with my thumb on the top of my hand and my index finger on the palm side, and then reversed, with my thumb on the palm side and index finger on top. Repeat, on the other hand. Firm pressure on this area releases tension from the head and neck.
- “Drilling Bamboo” points: With your index fingers, apply pressure to the indentations on either side of the area where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows for 10 seconds. Release and repeat. This helps to relieve headaches caused by eyestrain and sinus pain.
- “Gates of Consciousness” points: Bring your index and middle fingers to the back of your head and place them underneath the base of the skull, in the hollows on both sides of the neck, between the two vertical neck muscles. Press upward on both sides for 10 seconds, release, and repeat. You can apply fairly strong pressure.
Aromatherapy Recipe for Headaches
- 4 drops of spearmint oil
- 8 drops of lavender oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil
- 2 ounces of unscented natural oil
Before doing the headache remedies, I suggest rubbing a few drops of this powerful blend between your fingertips and inhaling the scent for a minute. As you do the remedies, the lingering scent on your fingertips will soothe your nerves. Be careful not to get too close to your eyes, as they may be sensitive to these essential oils.
Boost your headache relief techniques by incorporating aromatherapy into your practice—learn how to effectively use essential oils in massage therapy to elevate your offerings and client satisfaction in this guide from Massage Magazine.
Are you ready to expand your practice and protect your career with the coverage you deserve? Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive massage liability insurance for 500+ modalities, including reflexology, trigger-point therapy, and acupressure. Gain peace of mind knowing you’re covered while helping your clients relieve headaches and stress naturally.
With affordable rates and unmatched benefits, it’s time to make your protection a priority. Learn more about our coverage, explore the modalities included, or reach out to us today to secure your policy. Your future self will thank you!
FAQs About Headache and Migraine Relief Through Massage
Can a licensed massage therapist help with migraine relief?
Yes, a licensed massage therapist can use specialized techniques like trigger point massage and pressure point stimulation to help relieve migraine pain and migraine symptoms. These therapies target areas of muscle tension to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
How does massage therapy provide headache relief?
Massage therapy offers effective headache relief by addressing the root causes, such as muscle tension and stress. Techniques like pressure point therapy and trigger point massage work to relieve headache pain and promote relaxation, often preventing headaches from escalating.
What are pressure points, and how can they relieve tension?
Pressure points are specific areas on the body that, when stimulated, help relieve tension and decrease muscle tension. A licensed massage therapist can target these points to help relieve headache pain and other discomforts caused by stress or muscle tightness.
Can massage therapy help with recurrent tension-type headaches?
Absolutely. Massage therapy, particularly trigger point massage, is highly effective for managing recurrent tension-type headaches. By focusing on tight muscles and knots, massage helps relieve headache pain and reduce overall muscle tension.
How does trigger point massage work for headache and migraine symptoms?
Trigger point massage targets specific areas of muscle tightness to release knots and relieve pain. For headaches and migraines, it can reduce the intensity of migraine symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and nausea, while addressing the underlying muscle tension.
Can pressure point therapy help relieve headache pain caused by stress?
Yes, pressure point therapy is particularly effective for stress-induced headaches. By stimulating targeted points, it helps relieve headache pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, making it an excellent option for natural headache relief.
Why should I choose a licensed massage therapist for headache relief?
A licensed massage therapist has the training and expertise to safely and effectively address migraine pain, headache relief, and muscle tension. They can tailor techniques like trigger point massage and pressure point therapy to your specific needs for optimal results.
Can massage therapy decrease muscle tension associated with headaches?
Yes, massage therapy is a proven way to decrease muscle tension, a common trigger for headaches. By releasing tight muscles, it can help relieve tension and provide lasting headache relief.
Is massage effective for both migraines and tension headaches?
Definitely. Massage therapy helps with both migraine symptoms and recurrent tension-type headaches by addressing muscle tension and stimulating pressure points. It’s a natural way to relieve headache pain and prevent future occurrences.
About the Author
Michelle Ebbin is a renowned expert in touch therapy and natural wellness, and the founder of Basic Knead. She teaches touch therapy techniques to relieve stress, soothe the body and mind, and improve well-being. Ebbin is the author of THE TOUCH REMEDY: Hands-On Solutions to De-Stress Your Life (HarperElixir).
This article is adapted from THE TOUCH REMEDY: Hands-On Solutions to De-Stress Your Life, by Michelle Ebbin. Copyright © 2016 by Michelle Ebbin, published by HarperElixir, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Photos courtesy of HarperElixir/HarperCollins Publishers.
Family of Brands
