Massage Techniques to Relieve Headaches

May 28, 2025

Massage as a natural solution for headaches

Headaches affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact their quality of life. Whether it's tension headaches, migraines, or cluster headaches, the pain can be debilitating and disrupt daily activities. Fortunately, therapeutic massage offers a natural and effective approach to relieving this pain without the systematic use of medication.

In this article, we explore the different massage techniques specifically designed to soothe headaches, their mechanisms of action, and how to perform or receive them for optimal relief.

Understanding the Different Types of Headaches

Before discussing massage techniques, it is essential to understand the main types of headaches and their characteristics:

Tension headaches

Characteristics : Constant, oppressive pain, feeling of a tight band around the head
Main causes : Stress, poor posture, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, eye strain
Response to massage : Excellent, often rapid relief

Migraines

Features : Throbbing pain, often unilateral, sensitivity to light and noise, sometimes nausea
Main causes : Genetic, hormonal, environmental and dietary factors
Response to massage : Variable, more effective in prevention or at the very beginning of the crisis

Cervicogenic headaches

Characteristics : Pain starting in the neck and radiating to the forehead
Main causes : Dysfunctions of the cervical vertebrae, deep muscle tension
Response to massage : Very good, especially with techniques targeting the cervical region

How does massage work on headaches?

Therapeutic massage acts on several physiological mechanisms involved in headaches:

Muscle Relaxation : Relaxes tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and scalp
Circulatory improvement : Promotes blood supply and oxygenation of tissues
Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system : Induces a state of deep relaxation
Release of endorphins : These natural pain relievers reduce the perception of pain
Stress Reduction : Decreases cortisol and adrenaline levels

Targeted massage techniques for different types of headaches

Pressure Point Massage for Tension Headaches

This approach is inspired by acupressure and targets specific points to quickly relieve pain:

Temporal points

Located on the temples, on each side of the head:

Place your index or middle fingers on your temples, in the hollow between the outer end of your eyebrows and your ears.
Apply moderate pressure and make small circular movements
Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply.

Occipital points

Located at the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the spine:

Place your thumbs in these hollows, just below the hairline
Apply firm but comfortable pressure upwards (towards the eyes)
Hold for 1 to 2 minutes, breathing deeply.

Point LI4 (Hegu)

This powerful acupressure point is located on the hand:

Locate the point in the hollow between the thumb and index finger, where the thumb and index finger bones meet
Press firmly with the thumb of the other hand for 1 minute
Alternate both hands

Important note: This point is contraindicated in pregnant women because it can stimulate uterine contractions.

Scalp Massage for Migraines

This technique helps to relax the scalp muscles and improve blood circulation:

Place your fingers spread out on the scalp
Apply firm pressure and use small circular motions
Gradually move from the front to the back of the head
Pay special attention to the hairline and occipital area

To intensify the effects, you can add a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil diluted in a carrier oil.

Cervical massage for cervicogenic headaches

This approach targets deep muscle tension in the neck that radiates to the head:

Trapezius massage

Sit comfortably with your back straight.
Place your hands on your shoulders, fingers facing back
Squeeze and knead the muscles between your fingers and palms
Work gradually from the base of the neck towards the shoulders

Stretching and massage of the SCOM (Sterno-Cleido-Occipito-Mastoid)

This important muscle connects the sternum and clavicle to the occiput and mastoid process:

Turn your head slightly to one side
Locate the muscle that pops out on the opposite side of the neck
Gently massage this muscle from top to bottom using rubbing motions
Repeat on the other side

Suboccipital massage

Lie on your back, place a tennis ball or massage ball under the base of your skull
Let the weight of your head put pressure on the ball
Use gentle nodding motions to massage this area

Complete massage protocols according to the type of headache

Protocol for tension headaches

Recommended 15-20 minute sequence:

Start with a 5-minute shoulder and upper back massage
Continue with a massage of the neck and base of the skull for 5 minutes
Massage into scalp for 3-5 minutes
Finish by applying pressure to the temporal and occipital points for 2-3 minutes

Migraine Protocol

Ideally practiced at the first signs of a migraine:

Sit in a quiet, dark room
Apply a cold compress to the forehead or temples
Gently massage the LI4 points for 2-3 minutes
Perform a very light scalp massage, avoiding excessive pressure
Finish with a gentle foot massage to promote general relaxation

Protocol for cervicogenic headaches

Sequence specifically targeting the cervical region:

Start with warm compressions on the neck and shoulders
Deeply massage the trapezius and paravertebral muscles
Gently work the SCOM on each side
Perform a deep suboccipital massage
Finish with gentle neck stretches (gentle tilts and rotations)

Practical tips to optimize the effectiveness of massage

Recommended frequency and duration

For prevention : 1-2 weekly sessions of 20-30 minutes
In the acute phase : Short sessions (5-10 minutes) several times a day
Self-massage : Practice 5-10 minutes daily, ideally in the morning and evening

Complementary essential oils

Certain essential oils can amplify the effects of massage:

Peppermint : Analgesic and refreshing effect, particularly effective for migraines
Lavender : Relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties
Basil : Powerful muscle relaxant, ideal for neck tension

Important: Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba) to a maximum of 2-3% and test on a small area of skin before use.

Precautions and contraindications

Massage can relieve many headaches, but some situations require precautions:

Consult a doctor if your headaches are sudden, severe, or accompanied by neurological symptoms
Avoid massage if you have fever, infection, or acute inflammation.
Adjust the pressure in case of osteoporosis, circulatory problems or taking anticoagulants
In the case of severe migraine in the acute phase, favor very gentle techniques

The professional approach at Massage Bien-Être Relax Pro

At Massage Bien-Être Relax Pro, our therapists are specially trained in massage techniques targeting different types of headaches. We offer personalized protocols that combine multiple approaches for optimal relief.

Our initial assessment allows us to identify triggers specific to each individual and adapt our techniques accordingly. We also work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive management of chronic headaches.

Please contact us to discover how our specialized massage techniques can help you reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches, and significantly improve your quality of life.