Headache relief
Are you tired of swallowing over-the-counter headache relief pills to no avail? Try a therapeutic massage! It is my understanding that headaches and migraines are not diseases in their own right, but symptoms of other underlying problems. They are your body’s way of waving a red flag and telling you that there’s a problem. Causes of headaches can include, but are not limited to, sinus congestion, stress, poor posture, hormonal changes, malnutrition, too much caffeine, dehydration, tension and food intolerances. Notice how I didn’t mention husbands, wives, parents, kids, and bosses? Hee, hee. Did you know that receiving a full-body massage on a regular basis can help reset your body’s system, thus decreasing both the frequency and intensity of your headaches?
In most cases, you can get a massage during an active headache, and experience at least some and probably complete pain relief. It is, however, advised against receiving a massage while you are experiencing a migraine, although it is perfectly okay to get massages routinely to reduce the effects of future migraines.
- For sinus headaches, your massage therapist can manipulate pressure points around the facial sinuses and at the base of the skull to alleviate sinus pain and pressure.
- In the event of a tension headache, have your massage therapist focus on your neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles for relief of pain around the eyes, temples, forehead, and/or the back of your head near the base of your skull.
- For pain that is mostly only around the eyes, and especially if you wear corrective eyewear or stare at a computer most of the time, you probably should schedule an appointment with your optometrist instead.
- If you suffer frequent headaches but can’t put your finger on their cause, try keeping a journal for a month or two. You may notice sleeping, eating, drinking, or exercise patterns for a few ideas that show when too much or not enough may be leading to your headaches.
- Please note that any pain severe enough to last for several days or wake you out of a deep sleep is NOT to be ignored. Call your physician immediately, take your headache journal with you, and see if the two of you can solve your headache puzzle together.
For the more common minor to moderate headaches, ask your local Beauty Brands massage therapist if he or she can help give you some much-needed relief! Call to make your appointment today!