Acupuncture massage for migraine attacks

Effect of massage for migraine

Massage is a unique technique that allows you to influence a wide variety of human systems and organs. In addition to relaxing muscles and improving the condition of the skin, it is able to stimulate blood circulation, the functioning of the nervous and lymphatic systems.

Head massage for migraines is primarily aimed at improving blood flow in the brain area. In turn, this contributes to the expansion and nutrition of blood vessels. Additional effects include:

• Feeling of relaxation;
• Relieving fatigue;
• Stimulation of the glands of the head;
• The body's production of histamine and acetylcholine;
• Removing dead cells from the scalp.

It is also important that massage ensures a flow of oxygen to the organs. Thus, massage, which is carried out on the surface of the head, can not only alleviate the migraine condition, but also have a positive effect on the functioning of the brain as a whole. The patient may experience improved memory and concentration.

Massage of the cervical-collar area allows the patient to relieve pain in the head, neck and along the spinal table.

Spot

Biological points and how to find them?

There are points on every person’s body that, when directly impacted, activate organs and systems.

The most actively used points for headaches and migraines are:

1. In the center of the temple (on both sides).
2. The point between the upper lip and nose.
3. Above the bridge of the nose (third eye).
4. Earlobe.
5. Cervical zone - between the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae.
6. Palm (the point between the index and thumb is stimulated).

A specialist will be able to show specific points , who will also demonstrate how to massage them correctly for migraines.

Distinctive features

Chinese medicine has been studying this direct relationship for centuries and has proven that by influencing biological points, the functioning of a particular organ improves. By massaging different points you can avoid diseases of human systems and organs.

Massage of biological active points is also effective for migraines and not only relieves pain, but also tones human organs and tissues, preventing exacerbations and the occurrence of other diseases.

Rules

The rules for performing a head massage for migraines are as follows:

1. The massage therapist's hands must be clean.
2. Movements are neat and smooth.
3. The pressure is light in the first stages.
4. You can stay for no more than a minute at one point.
5. Paired points are massaged simultaneously.
6. The patient should be relaxed and in the correct position.
7. The intensity increases only as prescribed by a doctor.

Techniques and techniques

There are several main types of acupressure:

• using applicators;
• acupuncture;
• fingers.

Acupuncture is a minimally invasive procedure and is performed only by specialists. Other types can be carried out independently when indicated.

You need to use your fingers to influence the point for 5-6 seconds , making rotational movements clockwise.

Strength should increase gradually. After reaching maximum pressure, you should massage the point for another 1-2 seconds. Then the cycle goes in reverse order. At one point the impact should be 3-4 minutes. With each cycle the impact needs to be increased.

Learn more about acupressure for migraine relief in this video:

Features and techniques of massage for migraines

Massage helps relieve pain during an attack, making it an indispensable option during severe headaches. But, regardless of whether the procedure is carried out independently or with the help of a qualified massage therapist, at home or in a massage room, it is important that certain requirements are met. These include:

• No massage action should cause pain or deterioration in the patient’s condition;
• It is necessary to alternate impact techniques: stroking, rubbing, tapping, kneading;
• The patient should be as relaxed as possible during the procedure. It is best if another person performs the massage;
• The room in which the procedure is carried out should not be stuffy. It’s good if you can provide an influx of fresh air, twilight and silence. You can also place aromatherapy candles in the room;
• Hygiene is important.

If the massage is not performed during the attack itself, but for preventive purposes, it is worth choosing a time when the patient can allocate several hours to sleep.

When performing a massage, it is necessary to alternate exposure techniques

Classical

Classic massage has virtually no contraindications, so it can be used even by pregnant women and children. His technique, unlike the spot one, is very simple:

• The space behind the ears is massaged for 3-5 minutes. First it should be tapping movements, and then circular;
• The temples are massaged in a circular motion in a clockwise direction;
• The forehead area is massaged with circular and rubbing movements for 3-4 minutes;
• Movements in the crown area are carried out not with the fingers, but with the palms. They are also performed in a circle and may include light pressure. The total procedure time is no more than 5 minutes.

Can also be done:

• Circular movements between the eyebrows;
• Massaging movements from the superciliary line to the temples;
• Massaging movements from the eyebrow space to the hairline;
• Circular movements in the direction from the forehead to the back of the head;
• Massaging movements in the outer corner of the eye;
• Tapping the cervical-collar area with the edge of the hand.

All movements should be moderately intense.
If unpleasant sensations arise, it is better to switch to a softer effect through stroking and rubbing. During the procedure, the use of oils or massage brushes is allowed. For the back of the head, shoulders and neck, it is best to use warming ointments. This will help enhance the relaxing and pain-relieving effect.

During the procedure, the use of special massage oils is allowed

Spot

Acupressure for migraines has a very good result, as it is aimed at stimulating certain areas that are responsible for the general condition of the body. In total, 10 points are allocated for this procedure, which are located both in the back of the head and in the front. Movements can be carried out with one, two or three fingers at the same time.

The basic rules of acupressure include:

• It is better to start with relaxing stroking movements, and then move on to acupressure. The session should also be completed with stroking;
• It is necessary to start and end the massage at one point;
• You can simultaneously massage two points located symmetrically;
• It is necessary to assume the most relaxed state;
• The duration of exposure to one point should not last longer than a minute.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that acupressure massage is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can provoke premature birth.

Points of influence are located as follows:

• On the outer surface of the forearm in a depression. Has a symmetrical point;
• Near the temple at the hairline. Has a symmetrical point;
• Near the outer corner of the eye in a depression. Has a symmetrical point;
• Near the inner corner of the eye 2 mm closer to the nose. Has a symmetrical point;
• In the area of ​​the outer end of the eyebrow. Has a symmetrical point.

It is necessary to massage the points during migraines very carefully, avoiding painful sensations in the patient. If pain occurs or general health deteriorates, the procedure must be interrupted.

The temples are massaged in a circular motion in a clockwise direction.

Simple

When a doctor has diagnosed migraine, the type of massage will depend on the main causes of the disease.

When is it shown?

Massage for migraines can be:

• relieving pain symptoms;
• preventing an attack.

In any case, the doctor will recommend different types of mechanical stimulation. If pain occurs suddenly, the following will be taken into account:

1. Presence of other chronic diseases.
2. Patient's age.
3. The main cause of the pain symptom.
4. Features of physiology.
5. Genotype.

The doctor may prescribe a light massage of the neck area or stroking from the top of the head to the shoulders, since exacerbation of migraine in the form of pain occurs due to dilation of the carotid artery. These manipulations will bring her tissues to a normal state.

Important aspects to consider

To prevent massage from causing harm, the following requirements must be met:

• it should only be performed by a specialist;
• hands must be clean;
• Do not use scented oils;
• the room must first be ventilated;
• the patient must lie on a special couch;
• The duration of the session is determined by the doctor.

It is advisable to have a tonometer nearby to monitor the patient's pressure.

Contraindications

If there is an inflammatory process in the patient’s body and the temperature is elevated, this is the main contraindication.

Also, massage should not be done:

• without a doctor's prescription;
• on one's own;
• for any skin diseases;
• with bleeding;
• at high blood pressure.

Any manipulations related to human health must be carried out by a specialist or they must be carried out under his supervision.

How is it done, can I do it myself?

Classic massage for migraines includes the following actions (you can perform it yourself at home):

1. You need to start from the back of the head - carefully massage the skin on the head for 3 minutes, movements are smooth, directed away from the ears. Then rub the area in a circular motion for a couple of minutes until the skin becomes slightly red.
2. Place your index and middle fingers on your temples and make circular movements 10 times in each direction.
3. Next you need to massage your forehead with both hands in a circular motion.
4. Place your hands on the crown of your head, palms down, and make circular movements for 5 minutes, pressing lightly.
5. Take a wooden comb and smoothly comb your hair in different directions for 20 minutes.

To prevent attacks, a full body massage will help to activate blood circulation and increase overall tone.

The technique for performing a regular massage is as follows:

Acupuncture

As you can see, influencing certain points on the head can help eliminate migraine attacks. But sometimes simple massage actions are not enough. In this case, the patient may be offered acupuncture or, in other words, acupuncture.

The essence of this procedure is to insert thin needles into the necessary points to irritate the neurons present there, resulting in:

• Blood renewal;
• Stimulation of the nervous system;
• Stabilization of hormonal levels.

Acupuncture performed during an attack can eliminate pain from the first session. If you carry out procedures between attacks, you can expect the likelihood of their reduction or even complete elimination.

Acupuncture is performed only by trained, qualified individuals using special, sterile, very fine needles. Under no circumstances should you carry out such a procedure yourself at home.

Massage for migraines at home

Massage for hemicrania at home is quite acceptable. Moreover, the patient can perform it independently. If the patient does not have experience in performing massage actions, then it is better to limit himself to the classic option in the form of kneading and stroking the entire surface of the head and neck.

In order to carry out acupressure, the patient must initially familiarize himself with information about the correct location of the points. Otherwise, the procedure may not only not have a positive effect, but also aggravate the situation. You can get advice from a professional massage therapist or chiropractor.

The remaining requirements for procedures carried out at home are similar to those carried out in a specialized massage room:

• A room provided with fresh air and free from bright lights and loud sounds;
• Compliance with hygiene rules;
• Comfortable place for the patient: bed, chair, couch.

After the procedure, the patient is recommended to sleep so that the body can rest and recover as much as possible.

Special massagers and applicators can simplify the procedure. It is better to purchase them in specialized stores and after consulting a doctor. They allow you to better influence the massaged area, as well as stimulate the necessary points.

Shiatsu

This Japanese type of impact on bio-points is performed with the fingers using pressure of varying strength and duration, the following methods are also used:

• light tapping;
• pressing;
• circular rotations;
• vibrations;
• rubbing;
• longitudinal and transverse strokes.

What makes it special?

This type is different in that it can be used at home without outside help . It will not only relieve pain, but can also help prevent another attack.

Japanese experts are confident that by applying periodic pressure on certain points of the body, you can save yourself from serious diseases, as well as prevent their development in the early stages.

The number of approaches, intensity and duration of Shiatsu massage should be discussed with your doctor.

This technique not only relieves migraine pain, but also:

• increases immunity;
• harmonizes the internal state;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• relieves stress.

Requirements

A properly performed massage will contribute to the patient's recovery. But for this you must meet a number of requirements:

1. Conduct sessions at least two hours before after meals.
2. With a gradual increase in intensity.
3. The total duration is as prescribed by the doctor, but not more than 40 minutes.
4. Maintain sterility of hands and office.
5. Comfortable relaxed patient position.
6. Setting up for recovery.

Restrictions

Contraindications are approximately the same as for other types of massage for migraines:

• malignant tumors;
• infection and inflammation;
• elevated temperature;
• any disease in the acute stage;
• skin problems.

How to do?

Pressure is applied with the pad of the thumb placed perpendicular to the surface of the skin. Sometimes the index and middle fingers are used.

The duration of pressing on the selected point is up to 7 seconds. If in the neck area, then no more than 5 seconds.

During an attack

Japanese Shiatsu acupressure during a migraine attack is performed at certain points on the face, feet, and hands.

Using pressure and spiral movements clockwise for 5-7 seconds, you can relieve yourself of pain.

The exposure time for each zone is 3-5 minutes:

simultaneously at points that are located above the middle of the eyebrows at the same distance from the scalp and the eyebrow line.

First with soft stroking, then move on to pressing and massaging clockwise two points at the same time;

• in the hollow of the temple - with two thumbs of both hands at once;
• an active point on the top of the head, which is located (conditionally) at the intersection of the midline of the head and the line that connects the upper tips of the ears.
  Another 4 points are located at a distance of 2 fingers below, above and on the sides of the main point. It’s better to put pressure on all 5 at once;
• point above the bridge of the nose;
• active massaging circular movements on the crown;
• the point between the nose and upper lip;
• points on the feet - pads of the big toes;
• The procedure is carried out by experienced massage therapists to eliminate the consequences of injuries and normalize the functioning of several systems at once.

To prevent headaches

In addition to applying fingers to individual areas, Japanese Shiatsu massage of the whole body is practiced - this helps to touch all the vital points of the body and prevent the development of diseases of various systems and organs, and prevent the development of migraine attacks.

So, for example, by massaging the feet using the Shiatsu method, we relieve ourselves not only of migraines, but also diseases of the joints or lower extremities, as well as problems with:

• respiratory tract;
• digestive tract;
• heart;
• kidneys.

In any case, you should first consult a doctor, he will determine which massage method you need for migraines.

And in order to prevent the disease from developing, visit a massage therapist for preventive purposes , this way you will protect yourself as much as possible from the unpleasant manifestations of migraines.

source

Contraindications for massage

Despite all the benefits of massage, it is not always possible. Basically, contraindications are associated with imperfections of the cardiovascular system, since physical impact on the head area can provoke a worsening of existing pathological phenomena.

Thus, massage treatments for migraines are not recommended for people who have:

• Heart failure;
• Thrombosis;
• Blood diseases;
• Oncological neoplasms, even if they are benign;
• Cases of previous heart attack;
• Mental disorders.

Pregnancy, as mentioned above, is a contraindication to the acupressure technique. But the classic version of massage is only permissible if it does not pose a potential threat to the woman and the fetus.

For those patients for whom massage is not recommended, the attending physician can select appropriate physical therapy procedures.

Recommendations before the procedure

It is not recommended to prescribe a massage for yourself for migraines , since the area and intensity of the massage can only be determined by a doctor after diagnosis and identification of the main treatment complex, which may consist of:

Each person has his own physiological characteristics. And the manifestations of migraine in different people are also specific. What is indicated by one is contraindicated by others.

Therefore, you should not give a massage like your neighbor - you need to undergo diagnostics and determine whether massage is indicated at all.

If a doctor prescribes this type of procedure, then it should be done by a specialist who has certain knowledge:

• which areas to massage;
• how intense;
• how many times a day;
• for pain relief or prevention, etc.