We all love a good massage, but did you know that within the broad range of massage styles are techniques you can do for yourself?
SELF MASSAGE TIPS
Migraines are severe headaches that can include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last from a few hours to several days, with the pain sometimes being so severe that it significantly interferes with your daily life. Sufferers sometimes experience warning signs that indicate the onset of a migraine and this is the best time to do these self massage techniques to help alleviate and minimise migraine pain.
You can do these techniques standing up or sitting down. Take a big breath in and exhale: as the breath leaves your body, let yourself completely relax. Now either
press the Hegu point
The Hegu point is the fleshy part between the base of the index finger and thumb. Squeeze it firmly with the thumb and index finger of your other hand for 10 seconds, relax and repeat four more times.
Thumb circle the area for 10 seconds, relax and repeat four more times.
Now repeat the same sequence on the other hand.
press the thumbs in the corners of the eyebrows
Press with the upturned pad of your thumbs into the inner corner of the eye socket, just under the brow. Hold for 10 seconds and then relax, then repeat four more times.
pinch the eyebrows
From the inner corners of your eyebrows, pinch all the way along to the outer edge and then repeat – do this five times.
press the third eye chakra
The Anja Chakra, or third eye, is easy to find – just draw an imaginary line between your eyebrows and in the centre measure one finger width up. Place the three middle fingers of both hands vertically on this spot and lightly press for 20 seconds.
circle your temples
With the pads of the three middle fingers, massage your temples in slow, therapeutic circles. You can work backwards and forwards along the sides of your skull.
open the Gates of Consciousness
Take your fingertips to the back of your head, just below the occipital ridge of the skull (the region where the base of the skull meets the spine): in the middle you’ll find a small hollow.
Draw the fingertips out a short distance and you’ll find another hollow on either side, known as the Gates of Consciousness in acupressure – they’re also known as GB20 in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Place your thumbs in the hollows, rest your fingertips on the back of your skull, take a deep breath in and as you exhale press your thumbs in. Begin pressing with gentle pressure for 10 – 20 seconds. This area can be quite sensitive, so work with care.
Now move your thumbs slightly further out and you’ll find two more hollows – repeat the same action again.
Finally move your thumbs back to the Gates of Consciousness and press once more.
You can also tilt your head back or make thumb circles as you press the points for a more intense experience.
“shampoo” your head
Using the pads of your fingers, ‘shampoo’ all over your skull to massage it – this is great way to release tension and it feels amazing.
MASSAGE STYLES
All these techniques are tried and tested methods to help with headaches, and sufferers often find that being able to manage and even alleviate their own symptoms helps with the cycle of stress and pain that can be a feature of headaches. If you need the input and care of an expert, here are some styles of massage and how they can help you, both with headaches and other common conditions:
Deep Tissue Massage
This is an intense treatment that’s great for restoring elasticity to the deeper structures of the musculoskeletal system by relaxing and lengthening muscles, increasing circulation and reducing generalised tension brought on by stress or overuse. Firm strokes and compressions are applied with the hands, elbows and forearms.
Sports Massage
This helps treat common sporting conditions but is great for anybody who is physically active: by preparing and maintaining body tissues, stimulating circulation and helping promote a faster recovery, it enables you to train or perform again as soon as possible. A variety of techniques including Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Work, Muscle Energy Technique and Soft Tissue Release are selected and tailored to your individual requirements.
Thai Yoga Massage
Traditional Thai Yoga Massage is both preventive and therapeutic. It can help prevent illness, improve the immune system, increase energy and reduce stress. It can also be used to alleviate headaches, back pain, and stiffness in the shoulders and neck. It is a holistic treatment that restores vital energy and helps balance our mental and emotional wellbeing. Often a deep sense of calm and peace is experienced during and after a treatment.
Indian Head Massage
This is an ancient treatment which is focused on the back, shoulders, neck, head and face. It’s great for helping alleviate headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain. It boosts the body’s ability to fight infection by stimulating the lymphatic system and can also relieve anxiety and stress.
Louis Divine is a professional massage therapist and teacher specialising in Deep Tissue, Sports, Thai Yoga and Indian Head Massage. He’s highly skilled with a confident, relaxed approach that immediately puts you at ease – helping you to overcome the aches, pains, stresses and strains of modern life. His massage treatments tend to stiff and aching muscles, alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety, help maintain a healthy immune system and stimulate the natural flow of energy – bringing a sense of balance and harmony to your whole being. Click here for Louis’ full schedule.
If you’re not sure what type of treatment you’d like, just book in for a general massage and we can discuss it during the pre-treatment consultation.
