A Natural Way to Treat Migraines: Massage Therapy

Anyone who has ever suffered from a migraine headache would readily agree that this is far more than just a simple “headache.” Migraines are best known for causing moderate to severe, intense pain and throbbing in the head, as well as accompanied by some amount of nausea and light sensitivity. They are often preceded by flashes of light, blind spots or even tingling in the arm or leg.

Needless to say, migraine headaches can completely interrupt your ability to function well on a day-to-day basis. What can help relieve a migraine? Is there something that could put a stop to the regularity of a migraine? This is where massage therapy enters in as your knight in shining armor!

The Triggers of Migraines

Though the precise reason behind why individuals suffer from migraines isn’t precisely known, there are many things that may contribute to them, including:

• Hormonal changes. Women who experience migraine headaches sometimes find that they are related to the changes in estrogen levels that occur before or during menstruation, during pregnancy or during menopause.
• Certain foods and food additives. Some foods, like aged cheeses, processed items, sodium, and some food additives, like aspartame and monosodium glutamate, may possibly trigger a migraine headache.
• Alcoholic and highly caffeinated drinks. Migraine headaches can definitely be triggered by the use of alcoholic or highly caffeinated drinks. While some believe that drinking coffee can help open up blood vessels and decrease a headache, for some it could do the opposite.
• Stress. Those who regularly suffer from migraine headaches often admit that they lead very stressful lives.
• Intense sensory stimuli. Individuals who are highly sensitive to sensory stimuli can find that bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells can all contribute to migraines.
• Extreme physical exertion. Migraine headaches are sometimes triggered by physical exertion that is above the normal and puts stress on different parts of the body, including the muscles of the brain.
• Changes in sleeping patterns. When individuals suddenly change their sleeping patterns, such as when they are traveling and experience jet lag–they may experience migraines.
• Environmental changes. Drastic changes in weather and barometric pressure may lead to migraines in some individuals.
• Medications. There are certain medications that can cause or contribute to migraine headaches.

This may seem disheartening to hear, but knowing possible triggers can help to lower the possibility of getting a migraine. Finding a way, any way, to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by these headaches can understandably be very welcome, but even the approved use of migraine-reducing medications may only serve to provide one with temporary relief. What is a more workable and consistent solution then? Fortunately, you can use massage therapy for migraine relief and get even better, longer-lasting results than through the use of medication alone!

Massage Therapy for Migraines

While there can certainly be a host of other contributing factors, migraine headaches are often largely caused by muscle tension. It is for this reason that a massage treatment for a migraine can be so wonderfully effective–the pressing, stroking, kneading, and rubbing of a professional massage therapist can reduce muscle tension and allow the individual to experience deep and lasting relief! Massage therapy can also improve circulation and the body’s natural detoxification process, which may assist in resolving some of the root causes of migraine headaches so that they don’t persist. Immediately after receiving massage therapy, a migraine sufferer may experience:

• Reduced headache pain
• Reduced headache intensity
• Reduced duration and frequency of headaches
• Reduced perception of headache pain
• Reduced tension
• Reduced need for medication to relieve headaches and headache pain
• Better, deeper, more relaxing, and more rejuvenating sleep

Many people who are suffering from migraines actually prefer massage therapy over traditional medication because they not only relieve the pain and tension related to these headaches, they assist the entire body in relaxing and repairing so as to protect against future migraine headaches. Regular massage therapy can:

• Cause the release of the natural chemical serotonin, which works wonders to relieve migraine headache pain.
• Block the body’s pain signals naturally.
• Promote better circulation, which can relieve pain in areas that are suffering from reduced blood flow.
• Relieve muscle spasms and tension that can contribute to painful headaches.
• Decrease cortisol levels and increase endorphins, which causes a reduction of stress and an increase in the feeling of happiness.

In order to reap the best possible benefits from massage therapy, it’s important to seek professional treatment from licensed and experienced massage therapists. To achieve the best results all depends on the correct application of pressure to the correct points in the body, which is why choosing a spa to relieve your migraine is highly beneficial. When too much pressure is applied it can exacerbate the condition and cause additional discomfort, which may occur when one is receiving a massage from a non-professional (but well-intentioned) friend.

At Botanica Day Spa, we love taking such great care of anyone who walks into our spa for help. Whether it’s for a massage, facial, hair removal, beauty enhancements, and more, the staff at Botanica will pamper you until you leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! Call us today at 727-441-1711 to book your massage appointment now! You don’t have to suffer from migraines by choosing Botanica to help you treat them naturally using massage therapy!

Love,

Gen