How Massage Can Relieve Headaches

Most people experience headaches as a result of stress and muscle tension. For occasional headaches, over the counter drugs such as Tylenol will relieve pain. However, people who experience regular and intensive headaches should seek professional medical help to determine the cause and possible solution to relieve the pain.

Medical research has shown that there are complex chemical changes in the brain associated with pain. Tension headaches are associated with changing levels of serotonin, endorphins, and other chemicals that serve as neurotransmitters (substances that nerves use to send messages to one another)

The direct cause of a headache is debatable. It's possible that tensed muscles in the neck and scalp may trigger a headache in someone with altered neurochemical levels. On the other hand, the neck and scalp muscles my be tensing in response to these neurochemical changes. We know that massage therapy can ease muscle tension thus reducing the cause of headaches.

Shiatsu massage is a technique where pressure is applied by the fingers, thumb, and palm of the hand to acupuncture points can be effective in reducing headache pain. Trigger Point Therapy (TRP) is another form of massage therapy where pressure is applied to specific points along the trapezius muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscles. This type of massage therapy can relieve pain and induce the muscles to be in healthy positions that are less prone to pain. Another benefit of TRP is reduced stress levels and improved blood circulation making the individual more relaxed and refreshed.

When the above massage techniques are applied properly to relieve headaches, it can assist in reducing the number of doctor visits as well as reducing dependence on medication. Increasingly, people are realizing that natural health methodology is more beneficial than relying on pain medication.