Massage for migraines is one of the most effective and fastest ways to combat an attack of cephalalgia. Painful sensations arise due to a narrowing of the vascular lumen, provoked by various reasons - spasm of the smooth muscles of the vascular wall, disruption of neurohumoral regulation of vascular tone, hormonal imbalances.
Provoking factors: bad habits, nervous and physical stress, hunger, lack of sleep, unfavorable environmental conditions. In women, migraine cephalgic syndrome often occurs during pregnancy, before the onset of menstruation or menopause - conditions that are accompanied by hormonal changes in the body.
The effectiveness of massage for migraines
Statistics show that about 17% of men and 30% of women on the planet regularly face the problem of headaches. Massage for migraines at home is a safe, proven remedy that will quickly relieve discomfort. Experts are confident that if you practice migraine massage daily, you can prevent attacks of cephalalgia.
Impact on active points relieves physical fatigue, promotes relaxation and relaxation of muscles. If pain in the head occurs due to prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position or muscle strain, it is enough to perform a few simple techniques to restore good health.
Head massage for migraines was used by Chinese healers hundreds of years ago. Mentions of massage techniques are found in manuscripts dating back more than 25 centuries. The most famous historical manuscript sources: “Nei Jing” (IX century BC), “Kung Fu” (XXVII century BC). The main advantage of the method is the absence of harmful effects on the body and side effects in comparison with pharmaceutical painkillers. It is worth noting the general healing effect that massage has on the body.
Magnetic devices against migraines
How to treat migraine with magnetic pulses? This method of treatment was recently discovered. Typically used for “classic” migraine (with aura). Scientists have proven that the effect of magnetic pulses on the occipital region of the head eliminates one of the mechanisms for the development of pathology - depression of the cerebral cortex.
Externally, the device resembles a hair dryer and is considered safe for the body. The effect is achieved by using the device during the onset of the aura.
What is migraine? How to relieve pain: massage, pills, folk remedies. Migraine treatment at home on Diet4Health.ru.
Our life consists of everyday little things that in one way or another affect our well-being, mood and productivity. I didn’t get enough sleep - my head hurts; I drank coffee to improve the situation and cheer myself up - I became irritable. I really want to foresee everything, but I just can’t. Moreover, everyone around, as usual, gives advice: gluten in bread - don’t go near it, it will kill you; A chocolate bar in your pocket is a direct path to tooth loss. We collect the most popular questions about health, nutrition, diseases and give answers to them that will allow you to better understand what is good for your health.
Types of massage
The simplest way to massage your head, best suited for beginners, is to repeat the usual movements, as if you were lathering your hair with shampoo. Doctors advise taking a few drops of argan oil, which is widely used for hair care, and rubbing it into the scalp with light massage movements. If desired, it is easy to master professional massage techniques. To eliminate painful sensations, the following types of massage are used:
- Classic in the neck and shoulder area.
- Acupressure (point).
- In the face and eye area.
Treatment of migraines with massage is a common practice that gives quick results. If the pain in the head is associated with diseases of the brain and other organs, the analgesic effect of the procedure is temporary. In cases where cephalgic syndrome develops against the background of overwork, severe fatigue, or stress, it is often possible to completely get rid of unpleasant sensations with the help of massage techniques.
Classical
For migraines, a massage of the neck and collar area is usually performed, involving the shoulders. During migraine attacks, you can try massage yourself. If you cannot completely cover the desired area, it is better to take the help of loved ones. The basic principles of this procedure:
- Performing massaging movements in the direction of the lymphatic and blood ducts, along the movement of lymph and blood.
- The duration of exposure is at least 10 minutes.
- The procedure begins and ends with stroking.
If pain in the head is caused by impaired blood flow, pinching of elements of the circulatory system, or osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, warming and tonic techniques are indicated. If the cause of cephalic attacks is associated with spasms of blood vessels, a relaxing, soothing technique is used. Basic techniques:
- Stroking. It has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, reduces the excitability of the respiratory system. With prolonged use it gives an analgesic effect.
- Snuggling. Intense, slightly pressing effect on the deep layers of the epidermis. Tones the nervous system, increases the speed of blood and lymph movement through the ducts.
- Kneading. Active effect on the superficial and deep muscle layer. Stimulates blood flow, which improves blood supply to brain tissue, normalizes well-being, and increases intellectual and physical performance.
- Light blows. Patting or gentle blows with the edge of the palm accelerate blood flow, activate blood flow to the treated area, and increase the contractility of muscle fibers. The strikes will be performed at a fast pace.
- Trituration. There are straight and spiral execution techniques. Congestion in the muscles is eliminated, the elasticity and softness of muscle fibers increases, and blood supply to tissues improves.
If the headache is caused by overstrain of the eye muscles, a special technique is used. Massage of the face and head for migraines is performed slowly, without sudden movements. The facial muscles are strong and mobile. Their density and hardness increases when a person experiences negative emotions - anger, rage, aggression, which provokes an attack of cephalgia. The facial massage technique involves sequential execution of massage techniques in the following areas:
- Jaw and chin.
- Direction from the lower jaw to the ears.
- The area in front of the ears and behind the ears.
- Impact on the point between the eyebrows.
- Line from the bridge of the nose to the temples and cheekbones.
- A line from the bridge of the nose along the eyebrows.
- Forehead covering the temporal zone.
Having treated the face area, move on to the side, back and front surfaces of the neck. Develop tense muscles to a state of softness and pliability. Eye massage will help get rid of pain associated with overstrain of the eye muscles. How to do:
- Remove glasses and contact lenses.
- First, it is better to do eye exercises, which include rapid blinking of the eyelids, rotational movements of the eyeballs, moving them alternately to the right, left, up and down.
- Close your eyes, cover them from the light with the palms of your hands without pressure. Remain in this position for 3-5 minutes.
- Use your fingertips to easily massage your closed eyes.
- Blink both eyes alternately (keep the second eye closed during the period of motor activity of the first).
- Perform rotational massage movements with your hands around the eye sockets.
During the procedure, maintain calm, deep, measured breathing, capturing the diaphragm. To prevent unpleasant skin sensations, massage oil can be applied to the face, neck and shoulders. Lavender, mint, rosemary, marjoram aromatic oils help relieve headaches. A few drops of one of them can be added to the base massage oil. As an alternative, you can use an aroma lamp during the massage procedure.
Spot
Acupressure for migraines is performed by pressing the fingertips on biologically active points. By adjusting the pressure and selecting certain points, different therapeutic effects are achieved. The technique has been widely practiced since ancient times in Asian countries - China, Japan, India.
For headaches and migraines, acupressure is done mainly in the area of the head, neck, upper and lower extremities. To achieve the desired result, each point is worked on sequentially. Experts say that even impact on 2-5 points will bring significant and quick relief. When pressing on massage points for migraines, you should avoid sudden movements.
Double, symmetrical points are massaged simultaneously. During the procedure, for the best effect, it is advisable to close your eyes, abstract yourself from the outside world, and relax. The impact on each point lasts 3-5 minutes. Experts recommend conducting an acupressure session in a darkened room, in silence, or with light, slow music that promotes relaxation.
Migraine symptoms in adults and children
Before asking the doctor the question: “How to treat migraine?” - You need to know about its symptoms. The disease can occur in several forms. “Classic” and “simple” migraines are most often observed. In the first case, the pain syndrome is preceded by a specific condition - an aura. The classic form of migraine occurs in a third of patients. An aura is a condition that occurs 20-30 minutes before an attack. It is characterized by changes in vision (loss of visual fields, temporary blindness), loss of sensitivity, flickering in the eyes. The simple form of migraine has the same clinical picture as the classic one, but there is no aura. Symptoms of the disease include:
- Intolerance to loud sounds and bright lights.
- Severe pain on one side of the head, less often in the back of the head, forehead, temples. For some people, discomfort spreads over the entire surface of the skull. The pain is throbbing and acute.
- Nausea not associated with eating. Vomiting is less common.
- Loss of strength, drowsiness.
- General weakness.
If these symptoms appear at intervals of 3-4 times a month, migraine should be suspected. A specialist in this field - a neurologist - will tell you how to relieve pain. For treatment, both traditional methods and medications are used.
Active points for migraine treatment
To correctly find points on the body to massage against migraines, experts use a kind of length measure - cun, which varies from person to person. To determine cun, bend the middle finger. The required value is equal to the length of the phalanx. What points are recommended to massage for migraines:
- Xuan-li. The guideline is the intersection of a horizontal line, mentally drawn along the top points of the ears, and a vertical line coming out of the side parting on the head. From their intersection, step back 1.5 cm in the direction of the back of the head.
- Feng chi. Parallel located in the occipital cavity.
- Tai-yang. They are located in parallel in the temporal zone, where hair growth begins.
- Yi-feng. Located under the jaw.
- Heh-gu. It is located on the inner surface of the palm in the space between the thumb and index finger (the reference point is the metacarpal bones of the indicated fingers).
- Yu-yao. Parallel located in the middle of the eyebrow arches.
- Qing-ming. They are located parallel to the bridge of the nose and the nearest corner of the eye.
- Kun-lun. They are located in the ankle area, in the hollow between the calcaneal tendon and the lateral malleolus.
- Zhi-yin. Parallel to the side of the feet, slightly (0.1 cun) below the nail plate of the little toes.
- Le-que. Step back from the wrist fold above 1.5 cun, focusing on the area of the base of the thumb on the back of the hand.
- Tzu-san-li. Measure 3 cun towards the foot from the popliteal fossa, then measure 1 cun moving towards the lateral side of the shin.
Stimulation of points responsible for the internal regulation of the nervous system helps reduce pain. Systematic influence on the mechanisms of occurrence of cephalgic syndrome leads to a stable analgesic effect. Patients note a decrease in pain in the head and neck area.
Help from an osteopath in case of migraine
You can cure the appearance of unpleasant sensations using an osteopathic approach. The source of pain is concentrated in the neck area. Location of the vertebrae connecting to the bones of the skull. Painful sensations of osteoarthritis provoke arterial contraction. Therefore, intolerable headaches occur. The blood flow can be normalized and the general condition of the blood vessels can be improved using the unique method of an osteopathic specialist.
The complex technique of osteopathy eliminates the appearance of the source of the disease. In this case, migraine is a violation of blood circulation in the brain, causing disorder of the nervous system. The osteopath treats using a patented method of cranial treatment. As a result, a person gets rid of dizziness, vegetative dystonia syndrome, attention function is restored, high blood pressure, insomnia are eliminated, and there is no noise in the head or ears.
Thanks to osteopathy, rhythmic metabolism occurs in the body, and blood supply to problem areas of the brain returns to normal. The patient feels well. Reviews from people who have completed the sessions indicate complete relief from severe headaches.
Point technique
Impact on biologically active points (BAP) allows you to get rid of many diseases and discomfort, and headaches are no exception. Acupressure for headache pain is part of the treatment, and is performed with the pad of the index or middle finger. The main techniques are stroking, rubbing, vibration and kneading.
Stroking is a circular motion performed by the end phalanx of the finger. The technique does not allow the formation of skin folds. Energetic and intermittent movements are stimulating, while light gliding is calming. Pressure is carried out using force directed from top to bottom. Typically this technique uses the pad of the thumb or index finger. Rubbing differs from stroking by greater pressure.
Acupressure for headaches
Vibrations can be continuous or intermittent. Intermittent is a series of rhythmic strikes, and continuous is carried out for 5-15 seconds without lifting the fingertip from the surface of the skin. Tapping is similar to vibration and involves rhythmic impact on a point.
Conducting an acupressure session requires compliance with the following rules:
- all rotations are performed in a horizontal plane clockwise;
- stroking can be either slow or fast, but should take place at the same pace;
- when stroking with simultaneous rotation, slight pressure is allowed;
- deep pressure should not be prolonged;
- When acting on the scalp, the hands move in the direction of hair growth.
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In acupressure, rough, sharp, strong pressure, prolonged and intense patting, scratching and applying pressure to the point with the nail plate are unacceptable. During the procedure, you must be careful and stop the session if pain or burning occurs in the treatment area.
Massage points on the head
The location of the BAP can be determined using special atlases, and the area of the skin with the point is characterized by greater sensitivity to touch and increased temperature. When you press the point, you often feel pain, tingling, or a feeling similar to a mild electric shock. The distance and position of the points are determined by the term cun, the value of which is usually 3.3 cm. However, for individual calculations, the size of the thumb is used. The total width of the four fingers of an adult's palm is 3 tsun.
Massage points on the head are located:
- Tsuan-Zhu - symmetrically at the beginning of the eyebrows near the bridge of the nose;
- Mei-Chun - 2 tsun above the previous point;
- Yu-Yao - one cun above the midpoint of the eyebrows;
- Yan-Bai is a cut above Yu-Yao;
- Yin-Tang - in the center of the line drawn between the inner edges of the eyebrows;
- Toi-Wei - in the hollow at the temples, a tsun from the hairline;
- Shen Ting is 3 cun above the bridge of the nose.
The points can be massaged in any order, and it is not necessary to influence them all in one session. It is enough to choose 3-4 BATs, the processing of which will take from 3 to 4 minutes.
Massage points on the body
There are several points on the human body that help improve well-being, cope with headaches, and normalize blood pressure.
He-Gu is a point located symmetrically on the back of the hand in the depression between the index and thumb. It is massaged on each palm alternately for several minutes.
Tzu-San-Li is on his leg. In order to find it, place the palm on the knee so that the fingers look down. The point lies on the line from the little finger to the Achilles tendon, on the outside of the ankle in a small depression.
Several more points are located at the base of the elbow fold. During the session, the massaged hand rests on the table, and the palm is placed on its surface.
On the big toes, you can massage a point located 3 mm from the nail plate on the inside.
There are also several points on the foot to work on. They lie between the 2nd and 3rd toes at the base and between the joints of the 4th and 5th metatarsals.
All points are paired, and the impact on them must be simultaneous and uniform. It is more convenient to work out BATs on the legs from a sitting position.
Osteopathy for tinnitus
Thanks to the manipulations of an osteopath, tinnitus is relieved. This is achieved by eliminating vertebral disorders, reducing muscle tension in the cervical spine. Oxygen is supplied to the blood vessels of the head.
The specialist improves the functioning of the skull bones, which influence the movements of the cerebral cortex, and its functioning improves.
The work of an osteopath is aimed at the remaining parts of the spine. The main task of which is to restore the functionality of organs. The technique is recommended for patients of any age category.
Contraindications
Massage is a physiotherapy procedure that has a number of contraindications. The main thing is to diagnose and establish the main cause of the disease, after which the path to treatment for migraine is determined. The doctor also prescribes the type of massage, its intensity, duration and frequency of courses.
The main contraindications include:
- acute inflammatory processes;
- chronic diseases of blood vessels, heart and blood;
- violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of exposure;
- mental illnesses;
- fungal infections;
- postoperative period;
- feverish condition;
- oncology;
- exacerbation of chronic processes.
For older people, massage for migraines should not include prolonged and intense exposure. With increased intracranial pressure, finger movements should be smooth, slow and careful. Any tonic effect is prohibited.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of massage are:
- availability;
- possibility of independent use;
- a small list of contraindications;
- local and general positive effect on the body.
The procedure also has its disadvantages, they relate to acupressure. Mastering this technique requires a more serious and attentive approach, an accurate search for active points. It is also necessary to take into account that one active point can affect several organs and systems. If acupressure performed independently does not bring results or leads to a worsening of the condition, then it is better to seek the help of a specialist.
We looked at a remedy for relief during migraine attacks and headaches in general, basic techniques, which points to massage during migraines and how to do it. It is worth adopting the method as a generally accessible and safe option for a therapeutic and prophylactic agent.
Osteopathic recommendations for headaches
For prevention purposes, you need to adhere to lifestyle corrections:
- full sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time. This also applies to weekends. Sleep duration should not be less than seven hours. If possible, a day's rest will be beneficial. Gradually you need to accustom yourself to the regime;
- proper nutrition. Eat small meals up to six times a day. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid coffee, alcohol, fatty meats;
- physical exercises, gymnastics. If most of the time is spent at the computer, you can take breaks and warm up;
- medical preparations. Incorrectly selected medications provoke migraine attacks. Consulting a doctor will not be superfluous;
- do exercises aimed at relaxing the diaphragm.
