How to Massage Away a Headache

Self-massage is a simple and effective way to relieve a tension headache.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chairs
• Sofas
• Hairbrush
• Chairs

1. Get comfortable. Lie back on a reclining chair or sofa.

2. Dim the lights. Bright light can intensify a headache.

3. Begin your massage with the areas above and around your ears. Place your hands on either side of your head; using the pads of your fingers, press down gently and move the skin back and forth about 1 inch.

4. Move your scalp rather than sliding your fingers across the skin.

5. Place the pads of your fingers on your temples. Press down gently and move your fingers in small circles.

6. Repeat this technique on the back of your neck. Pay particular attention to the area at the base of the skull.

7. Continue to massage your scalp in this way until you've covered your entire head. For areas that feel tense, try this acupressure technique: Grasp your skin between your thumb and forefinger and squeeze for 20 seconds. Release pressure for 10 seconds but do not remove your hand. Repeat this four times.

Tips & Warnings

• Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and the most responsive to massage.
• Brushing your hair massages your scalp and can bring some relief.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 8/8/2006 Sometimes I take a shower, it helps a lot and relieves the pain in your head. Tylenol makes pain go away for only an hour or so. Try something different. Head On works great, it's a gel that doesn't run and heats up then turns kind of cool (only for ages 10 and up). The best place to massage is above the eyebrows and in between the webs of your fingers.

on 6/30/2006 Connective Tissue Massage is a general term for a range of therapies that work to free the body's connective tissues and muscles to encourage them to function properly again. Among the conditions deep tissue bodywork treats are whiplash, low back and neck pain, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The goal of Connective Tissue Massage is to increase circulation to restricted areas, break down scar tissue and knots, relieve areas of pain, tension, and soreness, ease into the muscle tissue so that deeper layers can be affected, and improve mobility and range of motion. The work complements orthopedic, physical therapy, and chiropractic.

on 3/11/2006 Massage your earlobes, you will notice they are quite tender during a headache, the lay down and wrap your head in a heating pad. Relax and the headache will be gone! It's the best.

on 12/16/2005 I don't sing well at all, but I have found that if I turn on some easy listening and sing along I start to relax. This relaxation results in a lessening of the pain. Most especially if you are in your car!

on 12/30/2005 Rub your palms together vigorously before commencing the massage, rest your palms on your closed eyes. Do not forget to massage the shoulders. End the massage by keeping your warm palms on the eyes. Very soothing and relaxing.