If you’ve are like most people, headaches are a common occurrence. If you pay close attention to your body, you can begin to recognize the signs of a headache in the early stages. It is during these times that it is most easy to stop the headache using massage techniques.
Begin by finding a dark, quiet place to relax for about 15 minutes. At best go someplace with dim lights as bright lights will exacerbate a headache. Sit down, remove glasses if you wear them, loosen your hair if it is pulled back, and close your eyes and breathe deeply to relax yourself.
Begin the massage with your scalp. Press your fingertips against your scalp, moving them in small circles. Don’t rub your fingers over your scalp. Instead, press firmly enough so that the skin moves along with your fingers. Massage the base of your scalp, and the area around your ears. Continue massaging your scalp for at least two minutes.
Many headaches begin as tension in the neck and shoulders. To relax these muscles, rub your neck on either side of your spine, lingering wherever you feel any tenderness. Next, stretch your neck by pulling your head to one side with your hand and pulling down on your shoulder. If you pull the head with your right hand, pull down on your left shoulder with your left hand. Do each side. Also roll your neck to relieve any built up tension.
Massage your face, especially if you suspect your headache is stemming from sinus issues. Start between your eyes, rubbing the bridge of your nose gently. Rub your fingers over your eyebrows several times, ending at your temples which you should rub in small circles. Next, rub the sinus area beneath your eyes (cheekbones) to relieve any congestion you may have. Repeat this process several times.
To be more inconspicuous, try massaging your hands to relieve your headache. Supposedly, massage your fingers (and even your toes) to relieve headaches.
When your massage is complete, drink a large glass of water. I found these techniques years ago, and use them regularly. If my headache persists, I check my back for tension by stretching to determine if any part of my back is stiff. If it find that it is, I use a massage chair for a few minutes or I lie on the floor and place a small tennis size ball under where the pain is for a minute. This always relaxes the muscle and I can get back to work.