Massage Therapy For Migraines

By Amber Mills.

A severe, throbbing head, nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound are just a few of the signs/symptoms that migraine sufferers can experience. Some migraines creep up with no warning. Others will give a days notice that they are on their way. According to the American Migraine Foundation, about 12% of the population suffers from migraines. Migraine sufferers are more at risk for developing anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and fatigue.[1]

According to a study from The Touch Research Institute, twenty-six adults with migraines received two 30-minute massages, over five weeks, and reported a decrease in pain, more headache free days, better sleep and had an increase in serotonin levels.[2] Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can trigger migraine headaches, so adequate sleep is important if you suffer from migraines.[3] Massage helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system allows you to calm down and relax, which will allow for more hours of sleep at night.

There is no cure for migraine headaches and medications don’t work for everyone. So, if you are a migraine sufferer, then perhaps it is time you give massage a try. It just might decrease the frequency and duration of your migraine attacks and allow you to get back to the things you enjoy!

[1] http://www.americanmigrainefoundation.org/about-migraine/
[2] http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/AdultMassage.html
[3] http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/do-your-sleep-habits-trigger-migraines

Amber Mills – Curriculum Director

“It is my hope that our students walk away from Soma with confidence in their clinical massage skills and their ability to naturally help the body heal.”