How To Massage Away A Headache

Step 1: Getting started

Try to find a quiet space where you can lower the lights, since bright lighting can aggravate a headache. Make yourself as comfortable as possible, either sitting or lying down, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

Step 2: Scalp massage

With the finger tips of both hands, firmly massage the scalp by making small circles all over the head, focusing on the areas around the ears and at the base of the skull.

Continue this for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Neck massage

Bring the hands to the back of the neck with fingers together and start massaging the muscles on each side of the spinal column. Take your time, work your way down the neck and then back up again. Repeat this 5 times

Step 4: Facial pressure points

Now bring the hands around front and make loose fists with thumbs extended and pointing upwards. Place the thumbs at the bridge of the nose and apply light pressure for about 30 seconds.

Move the thumbs to the centre of the eyebrows and continue the upward pressure. Hold for 30 seconds then move to the outer corners of the eyes and apply pressure for another 30 seconds. Finally, bring the thumbs to the underside of the cheekbones directly below the eye and hold for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Temple massage

Now bring the hands to the side of the face and place the index and middle fingers on the temples. With light pressure, begin to make circles with the pads of the fingers, moving downwards at the front and then back up. This should be done slowly with each circle lasting about 3 seconds. Continue this for 1 or 2 minutes.

Without removing the fingers from the temples, extend the thumbs and place them one the upper jaw, just under the cheekbones. Maintain a slight pressure as you allow the jaw to relax, and slowly move the thumbs down, giving a light stretch between the temples and jaw.

Step 6: Other pressure points

Remember that many pressure points are not recommended for pregnant women, so check with your doctor if you think you may be.

Start by using the thumb and forefinger of one hand to pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, close to the base of the fingers. Hold this for about a minute and then switch hands.

If it is a sinus headache, you can apply strong pressure to the pads of the fingertips with the thumb. Start with the index finger, and continue with the pressure for about a minute, moving the thumb in small circles. You may even feel small granular objects that are slightly painful. This is normal but if it is too painful, move on to the next finger.

Finish all the fingers of one hand, then repeat on the other hand.

You can repeat this process on the toes as well if it is convenient. Finally, grasp the small toe on each foot, and apply thumb pressure to the lower outside corner of the nail. Hold this for about a minute.