Pressure massage may help relieve tension headaches

A recent study has revealed that a 30-minute massage could actually help diminish the pain caused by tension headaches—the most common type of headache which is often described as a constant pressure, as if the head were being squeezed by a tight band.

According to this new research published by the American Journal of Manipulative Physiological and Therapeutics, a 30-minute massage on trigger points resulted in an enhanced autonomic nervous system regulation in patients suffering from tension headaches.

Researchers have observed a significant improvement in the psychological state of patients who had a massage. Likewise, patients reported relief from pain within just 24 hours after the massage. This suggests that applying pressure on the pain-causing trigger points may be an effective method of treatment.

The massage helped relieve stress and anxiety, both known to trigger tension headaches. Other known triggers, according to the Mayo Clinic, include depression, poor posture, and jaw clenching.

A 30-minute massage is yet another natural replacement for aspirin and other traditional, pain relieving medications. Other natural alternatives known to reduce pain caused by tension headache are breathing and relaxation techniques, acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic manipulation.

Taking herbs and supplements such as feverfew, peppermint, passionflower, gingko, cayenne, valerian and chamomile may also be beneficial.