

This pressure buildup can be a result of a brain tumor, infection, or a condition known as hydrocephalus in which there is an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain. Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know (2019). Headache and vision changes can also result from increased pressure buildup in the brain.The effects of massage in patients with chronic tension headache. Effect of acupressure and trigger points in treating headache: A randomized controlled trial. Soothe & prevent headaches with the power of touch. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Researchers in this study found that those 10 intense massage sessions led to a lowered occurrence, duration, and intensity of headaches.ĭo you have migraine attacks too? There have also been studies on stimulating pressure points for migraine relief. The effects of the massages were then studied on a more long-term time frame. As in the smaller study, participants in this study received massages from certified massage practitioners. In a much older but slightly larger study from 1990, scientists looked at how 10 intense 1-hour massage treatments spread over 2 weeks might affect 21 women experiencing chronic headaches. The average length of a study participant’s headache also decreased by half during the treatment period from an average of 8 hours to an average of 4. By the end of the treatment period, the average number of headaches each study participant experienced fell from almost seven headaches per week to just two per week. In the study, the massages lowered the number of headaches in each study participant within the first week of treatment. In one small study from 2002, scientists investigated how massage might help four adults who were experiencing chronic tension headaches, defined as experiencing tension headaches two to three times per week for 6 months. This sometimes involves stimulating pressure points on the head. However, there are a few studies that have looked into how massage therapy on the head and shoulders can relieve headaches. There’s not too much science that supports the use of reflexology to treat headaches, and the studies we have are small and need to be expanded. The science behind pressure points and headaches
