Really good migraine tips

 Really good migraine tips

One of the therapies I regularly use with clients – Indian head massage – can be used to support the prevention of migraines.

Let me tell you that the Hindi word for head massage is champi or champisage, which is where the word ‘shampoo’ comes from. Families and barbers in India have routinely used champi for over 4,000 years. The massage works on arms, shoulders, upper back, neck, scalp, eyes, ears and face and typically lasts between 20-45 minutes. It can be tailored to the client’s preference. Clients are left with a sense , of utter well-being, with tensions in the upper body, neck and head alleviated and a clear, calm frame of mind.
 
For migraine sufferers the main benefits are in the prevention of attacks. 
 
There is often a correlation between migraine attacks occurring and tension in the upper body, stress and anxiety,  reduced blood flow to the brain, and disturbed sleep - all of which can be alleviated by Indian head massage.
 
Clinical trials on patients suffering with migraine showed an increase in serotonin levels following massage.   Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that is important in reducing pain. It could be deduced that a relaxing massage can therefore help reduce migraine frequency and levels of pain. Tension often causes reduced blood flow to the brain, which can cause neck muscles to tighten. Massage combats this, promoting blood flow and relaxing the neck. Massage also releases natural endorphins which reduce pain and promote a feel-good factor. The pulse is also lowered and breathing slows during massage, calming the body and mind.
 
I would not advise Indian head massage  during an attack to alleviate symptoms as the massage can be too deep. Perhaps some gentle self massage may feel beneficial instead - using acupressure with thumbs gently in the hollows between the neck muscles below the base of the skull. Or try gently leaning your head back, breathing deeply while pressing between your thumb and forefinger with the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand for one minute, and repeat with the other hand.
 
Lots of water is important after massage treatments and also avoid tea and coffee following – this is often a trigger for migraine sufferers also.
 
Prevention is better than cure. Massage isn't capable of curing a serious illness like migraine - but it can provide welcome relief from the symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, sleep problems and stress, as well as back pain, headache, muscle pain and some forms of chronic pain. 
 
If however, you are feeling routinely stressed and this is triggering migraine attacks perhaps it would be useful for you to find out more about stress management techniques  or stress coaching, in order to change the situation causing the stress in the long-term.
 
I hope this information is useful and if you try an Indian head massage  it will help promote your well-being and reduce the occurrence or severity of your migraines.
 
For more information on managing migraines try this link:
http://stopthemigrainemadness.com/blog
 
Please contact me with any comments or questions.
Pauline McKittrick
ReallyGoodLIfe
Tel. 07708 544 120
www.reallygoodlife.org