Manage Migraines with Massage
What are migraines?
Migraine is among the most common illnesses in the world, affecting around 12% of the United States population and 14% of the global population. It is the result of abnormal brain activity affecting circulation and chemical composition in the brain, leading to a debilitating, throbbing pain typically felt on only one side of the head.
A migraine can be triggered by a variety of factors including:
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- Eye strain
- Hormonal changes
- Environmental factors like altitude and humidity
A migraine can make it impossible to be productive during the day and difficult to get enough sleep at night. There are countless drugs on the market designed to help prevent migraines and manage migraine pain, but they are often ineffective and can cause harmful side effects.
One of the most popular migraine-relieving medications on the market, almotriptan, has been known to have an adverse effect on circulation, serotonin production, and even to cause gastrointestinal problems. Furthermore, almotriptan and other drugs in its category are not recommended for people with a history of heart problems like angina and hypertension.
Massage for Migraines
Massage Therapy can be a great way to manage migraine pain and frequency naturally, without foreign chemical compounds like almotriptan. A massage uses controlled pressure to relax muscles and improve circulation, and while Massage Therapy cannot make a migraine disappear, the improved flow of blood to the tissues causing discomfort can help relieve debilitating migraine pains.
Regular Massage Therapy can also help lower the frequency of recurring migraines by stimulating hormone production, promoting better sleep, and most importantly, relieving stress. Stress is perhaps the most common trigger of all types of headaches.
While Massage Therapy will not stop your migraines indefinitely, it can certainly help relieve migraine pain and help prevent common migraine triggers. If you suffer from migraines, ask your doctor if regular Massage Therapy might be right for you.