Headaches are a common medical condition. They may be a symptom of an underlying health problem or they may occur for no identifiable reason. Headaches can be mild and come and go, or they can be severe and persistent. Here are some massages that can help relieve the most common headaches.
What causes headaches? Types of headaches and where they come from
Headaches are one of the most common medical conditions in the world. While there are many different types of headaches, the most common types are tension headaches and migraines.
Many people experience headaches due to stress or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. These muscles pull on the vertebrae in the neck, which can cause headaches. Migraines can also be caused by strong smells, bright lights, loud noises, lack of sleep and certain foods.
Other typical causes of headaches include:
- Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, excessive sugar, etc.)
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal factors
- Eyesight problems
- Excessive use of screens (mobile phones, monitors, etc).
- Poor posture
- Dehydration
- Hunger
Why you shouldn't ignore a headache, especially if it lasts more than 2 days
Migraines are a very common cause of prolonged pain. They are difficult to diagnose but, fortunately, there are many treatment options available. If you find that your headache does not resolve, you should consult a doctor.
If you have a migraine headache and it has been going on for more than 2 days without any relief, it's time to consider causes other than a migraine and make an appointment with your doctor. Some common reasons for prolonged headaches include high blood pressure, sinusitis and overuse of certain medications. People often experience this type of headache when their blood vessels expand to accommodate increased activity or stress levels. However, if you have high blood pressure or any other medical condition that can be made worse by stress, you may also have chronic migraine.
Massages are effective in relieving headaches at home.
Headaches are a common problem and it is no wonder that people are trying to find different solutions for them. Massages, in general, have been proven to be very effective in relieving migraines. Due to their therapeutic properties, people suffering from chronic headaches or migraines often have massages. In addition, massage is commonly used as a form of treatment for other types of pain syndromes and conditions, such as fibromyalgia and low back pain.
The following are some of the benefits of massage that contribute to the relief of migraine headaches:
- Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety levels.
- Improves sleep quality.
- Massage improves immune function.
- Massage reduces tension in the muscles.
How to perform a head self-massage for headache relief
Self-massage is one of the best ways to relieve stress and tension in the head, neck or shoulders. It is also good for headaches and migraines. You can do it with your own hands or with a massage tool called a shiatsu ball. This treatment can be done anywhere, anytime, as long as you set aside 10 minutes to do it.
Locate where your head hurts by lightly rubbing the base of your neck, shoulders, back of your neck, jaw, temples, under your eyelids and eyebrows. Once you have located the sore spots, press lightly on them until you feel the discomfort gradually subside. This should be done gently and should not cause additional pain. You can use a little olive oil or coconut oil for the face especially.
Some concrete steps you can take are
- Massaging the temples is an excellent way to relieve pressure and tension in the skull. Use circular movements for about 20 seconds with your fingers on the temples, pausing for 20 seconds, and repeating the process at least three times.
- Make slow, gentle, circular movements with your neck. This will help to release tension.
Request the attention of a professional at in-home massages
If you prefer to be treated by a certified professional massage therapist, our experts can customise your session to focus on your headache condition.
Book your session today at home and at the time of your choice, in a super easy way with our mobile app or through our web platform. This way you avoid having to drive to a SPA in the traffic of Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Cancun or Guadalajara.
Other home tips for headache relief
It wouldn't be a bad idea to try some of these alternative home remedies for headaches. They are not as immediate as pills, but they can still help relieve the pain.
One of the most common home remedies for headaches is a hot or cold compress. It's simple: just find a pack you like and apply it to the problem area. There are different types of cold packs you can buy depending on your needs, including chemical-free packs that don't need refrigeration and microwaveable packs that heat up in seconds. The other option is to use a hot compress with steeped green tea bags; this will also provide temporary relief.
Additionally, staying hydrated is essential for migraine relief. Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important ways to reduce migraines. Drinking enough water helps maintain healthy blood pressure and prevents headaches and migraines. Adequate hydration also helps prevent constipation, which can cause pressure in the lower abdomen and trigger migraines.
On the other hand, meditation is an incredible tool for improving the quality of life. It can be used as a way to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as a remedy for headaches.
