As per the Massage Therapy Association of America, a recent study showed that individuals who receive regular massage had fewer migraines and better quality of sleep compared to their counterparts. It has been found that regular massage therapy reduces the occurrence of headache, reduces sleep disturbances and aids in reducing stress and anxiety levels. All these benefits are attributed to the increase in serotonin, due to massage, which in turn regulates appetite, sleep and mood.
Benefits Of Massage For Migraine
Massage therapy tends to play two beneficial roles in the management of migraines.
Cold Stone Massage For Migraines
Experts have advised that use of cold stone therapy for treatment of migraines is highly effective, when used in congruence with hot stone treatment.
- Hot stones should be used below the shoulder blades and on the upper chest muscles, as it aids in loosening the muscles in these areas.However, getting heat closer to the head or the neck could actually aggravate tension headaches and migraines. Instead cold stone therapy can be used for the head and the neck, to manage migraine.
- Using cold stones with ice can aid in soothing the nerves in the head. Cold stones can be placed on the forehead, the anterior part of the neck, just about the Adam’s apple and on the nape of the neck on the posterior aspect.
Cure For Migraine
Double blind, placebo controlled studies have shown that the identification, detection, and the complete removal of the offending food from the diet, will eliminate or significantly reduce the symptoms and intensity of the stack.
Experts say, food allergies and intolerance to certain foods stimulate a migraine attack, as a result of platelets releasing serotonin and histamine.
What is Migraine?
- A migraine is a vascular type headache that is characterized by, sharp, pounding, throbbing pain, especially on 1 side of the head (hemi-crania).
Causes of Migraine
- Initiation of an episode of migraine occurs due to the accumulation of stressors over a period of time. (Common migraine triggers are – work stress, emotional tumult, dietary errors, food allergies, and hormonal changes).
- These factors affect the serotonin metabolism, which stimulates a cascade of events, resulting in a headache.
- Stressors release various chemicals, such as, – histamine, serotonin, and tyramine, that change the way, blood vessels dilate and contract.
Symptoms of Migraine
- Typically the pain begins on one side of the head. It may localize there or spread all over.
- The pain is pounding and throbbing.
- Occasionally, the attack is preceded by certain symptoms – flashes of light, blurring of vision, disorientation, tingling numbness in the body, anxiety, fatigue. They are warning symptoms, signaling an attack.
- Then the headache begins.
- Associated with nausea and vomiting.
- Urination increases.
- Cannot bear the least noise or light.
- The symptoms abate after a good sleep.
Diet for Migraine:
- Never stay hungry for too long periods of time. Eating at appropriate meal timings, prevents hypoglycemia, stabilizes the blood vessels, and thus staves off a migraine attack.
- Be sure to eat regularly, with small snacks between meals.
- Avoid refined and denatured food stuffs.
- Focus on whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Herbs like, garlic, ginger, thyme, and parsley also have considerable therapeutic value.
Herbs to Treat Migraine:
- Willow bark: A mixture of willow bark, peppermint and chamomile, brewed in to a tea is a very beneficial remedy for headaches, even severe ones.
- Peppermint: Peppermint works wonderfully for migraines. Tea extracts are the best way to utilize the herb.
- Primrose: A primrose supplement assists in pain amelioration. It is rich in phenylalanine, which is a pain relieving compound.
- Lavender: The essential oil of lavender flowers is a potent pain reliever. Inhaling the oil deeply, and gently rubbing the oil (mixed with a carrier), in to the temples, the occiput, and the nape of the neck, yields good results.
- Health benefits of Bay: A tea prepared from bay leaves is beneficial to cure a throbbing head.
Watch out!
- Certain histamine releasing foods, such as, cheese, chocolate, beer, canned figs, pickled fish, wine, brewer’s yeast, beer, and food additives, should be steadily avoided.
- This dietary modification, not only relieves the symptoms of the migraine, but also, reduces the frequency of the attacks.
- Related Topics
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- Severe Migraine Symptoms: Extreme Migraine Headache Relief Treatment
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- Cold Shower Benefits: Advantages of Taking Cold Showers Therapy
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