How massages can help treat migraines and headaches; focusing on Indian Head Massage, Acupressure, and Hot Stone Massage

Massage therapy helps treat headaches and migraines in a range of different ways. When done regularly, targeted massage techniques can help lower stress hormones such as cortisol, calm the nervous system, and raise your overall headache threshold. But why are these massage techniques so effective at treating neurological disorders such as headaches and migraines? We’ve put together this article to go into the details and explain the science behind it.

What is Indian Head Massage?

Indian Head Massage originated in India approximately 2000 BC and was developed by holy men from the Himalayan region of India. An Indian Head Massage works on the upper back, shoulder blades, and shoulders, and helps to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and reduce pain in such areas that are common for holding tension. Flowing motions focused towards the neck area help to massage, relax, and stretch this area. The massage also includes focused time on the scalp and face to target acupressure points around the forehead and eyes, a technique which helps to reduce stiffness, headaches, and eyestrain.

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice where physical pressure is applied to specific trigger points along the body’s energy pathways, which are believed to be connected to various organs and systems. This massage technique involves finger or palm pressure to these areas to stimulate energy flow, restore the body’s energy, and relieve pain and stress. Acupressure is a completely non-invasive and drug-free TCM therapy to promote natural healing and relieve symptoms such as headaches and migraines.

What is Hot Stone Therapy?

Hot Stone Therapy is a form of geothermal hydrotherapy, as it uses smooth, heated stones that are warmed in water to retain heat. During the treatment, the hot stones are placed on specific areas of the body (often along the spine), and the practitioner uses different gliding massage strokes. The combination of heat and massage can induce a pleasant state of relaxation and reduce both muscle pain and stress for the patient. The warm massage movements help to increase blood circulation, something which improves sleep quality.

How do these three massage techniques help reduce headaches and migraines?

There is a plethora of different health benefits that Indian Head, Acupressure, and Hot Stone Massage bring. Combining the three therapies can reduce headaches and migraines because they release built-up muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the nervous system. The knock-on effect interrupts the pain cycle, promotes the release of pain-relieving endorphins, and helps to reduce stress. These benefits help to relieve common head-related ailments such as headaches and migraines.

While Acupressure techniques work by applying firm physical pressure to specific trigger points, the technique also helps to release endorphins because the pressure stimulates sensory nerves. This helps the nervous system block pain signals and include a deep sense of relaxation. Hot Stone Therapy further complements treatment because of its effect on the local blood circulation and its ability to deeply relax any tense muscles, something which calms the central nervous system overall. These three health effects combine to relax the body and reduce pain on an ongoing basis, thus reducing headaches and migraines.

Conclusion:

At Back2Wellbeing, we offer award-winning massage therapy to clients across Dorset and beyond. Our specialist massage therapists can combine two or all three massage techniques in a session tailored completely to you and your health. We regularly combine massage techniques for our repeat customers, and we would be delighted to hear more about your health needs and your favourite massage techniques to deliver the best possible results for you.

Book one of our Treatments Today!

Tailor your massage experience with Back2Wellbeing today by calling Back2Wellbeing at 01202 805334 or by requesting an appointment here. All you need to do is tell us which combination of treatments you’d like at what date and time, and we will arrange everything at one of our clinics.

We’re proud to offer affordable, scientifically based massage and pain therapy for all aches and pains, including headaches and migraines, in Bournemouth, Dorset, and nearby locations.

Book an appointment today

Our other services include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Sports Massage, and Swedish Massage.