Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Self

Suffering from headaches? A facial massage could be a solution

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Ask anyone who suffers from regular headaches: headache days are the longest days. There are countless treatment options available to ease the pain of the symptoms, but not many of them are free, all-natural, and easily accessible. Medications can take a while to work, and headache specialists are in high demand. Luckily, you can take your headache into your own hands (literally), and ease your symptoms with a little practice in self-massage. There are many online resources available for anyone interested in massage for headaches, so there’s no need to book an expensive spa appointment.

Facial massage for headaches

As reported in migraine.com, regular massages can treat many of the causes and symptoms of headaches, including muscle tension and pain. For some, it can even reduce the number of migraine attacks they experience overall. If you’re ready to set down the Tylenol and try something more natural and instant, read on to discover the benefits of facial massage for headaches. Of course, this isn’t to say you should stop your current regimen; it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying something new.

Recommended Videos

Although the effects of massage on headaches haven’t been heavily studied yet, the existing information looks promising. In 2006, a study concluded that migraine sufferers who received regular massages had up to a 34% reduction in headache episodes. The control group, who received no massages, only experienced up to a 7% decrease in symptoms. In case you needed more of a reason to take on this treatment, those who had massages also reported more restful sleep, lower heart rate, and decreased levels of anxiety and cortisol, also known as the stress hormone.

a woman touches her face and looks in the mirror
Andrea Piacquadio/ Pexels

The good news is that you don’t need to book an expensive appointment to reap the benefits of facial massage. With a little research and some practice, it’s absolutely possible to use self-massage to soothe your symptoms.

Related

According to Explore Integrative Medicine, an online resource from the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, acupressure is a method of massage that aims to activate the body’s self-regulating processes. This works by correcting an imbalance or blockage of energy in the body, which is called Qi (“chi”). When the qi flows freely, the body is able to return to a healthy, open, and relaxed state.

You’ll likely need to practice self-massage regularly for a while before you begin to experience these benefits. However, when done correctly, acupressure can relax the muscles, and the mind, within seconds. Explore Integrative Medicine reminds beginners to find a relaxing position, focus on your breathing, and use “deep, firm pressure” when massaging a pressure point. A circular or up and down motion is ideal when stimulating any point on your body.

Pressure points for headache

woman with massage
There are many pressure points that help ease the pain of headache symptoms and several others that can aid with headache prevention. You can find a full list of pressure points for headaches provided by Explore Integrative Medicine. Jade ThaiCatwalk/Shutterstock

One of the most popular is Gallbladder 20, or Feng Chi. To stimulate this point, which eases headaches, eye blurriness, low energy, and fatigue, locate the mastoid bone behind your ear. If you follow this spot to your neck, where the neck and skull meet, you can use your thumbs to massage the pressure point on each side of your neck. To do this, you’ll need to intertwine your fingers and place your palms on the back of your head, applying pressure toward the skull. For a visual example and more detailed directions, check out the Gallbladder 20 page from Explore Integrative Medicine.

Gallbladder 21, or Jian Jing, is another pressure point for headaches, though you might need to grab a friend to help with this one. To locate this point, you will pinch your shoulder muscle between your thumb and middle finger. Right in the middle of this spot, apply pressure for several seconds using your index finger or thumb. Explore Integrative Medicine cites a case study which revealed activating Gallbladder 21’s positive effects on chronic headaches and facial pain. Massaging this point can also relieve neck and shoulder tension, which can be a contributing factor for headaches.

Another pressure point in a different part of the body is Pericardium 6, or Nei Guan. This spot is located on the forearm, just below the wrist, and is helpful for nausea, headaches, carpal tunnel, and motion sickness. To activate this point, apply pressure about three finger-widths below the wrist in between the two tendons of the forearm, and massage for several seconds with moderate pressure.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring. 

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Our favorite snacks to nibble on while working from home
a businesswoman carries papers and folders in one arm, supports a cell phone to her ear with her shoulder, and eats a sandwich with the other hand

Get a pen and some paper ready because you're going to want to make a grocery list. Snacking is a classic work-time distraction we all can get behind, but what to pick for your next round of afternoon munchies? No worries, we're here to inspire you. From salty and sweet to savory and sour, this list has you covered. We picked these snacks with their nutritional benefits in mind, so nothing on this list will make you sluggish and sleepy when you need to be on your game.

As always, keep your personal dietary needs in mind when choosing your next favorite snack. Everything is best enjoyed in moderation and it's never a bad idea to double-check with your physician before making any huge changes to your diet. That being said, with a little culinary creativity, work can become a lot more delicious.
Pumpkin seeds
If you tend to reach for the nearest bag of chips when you're feeling peckish, try another crunchy, salty snack. Pumpkin seeds have the same satisfying texture but without a lot of the oils and fats that are in most potato chips. Whether raw or toasted, just add a pinch of salt and you're set! An even healthier and more rewarding option is to roast your own seeds if pumpkins are in season. It's definitely more work than grabbing a bag off the shelf, but you can add your own toppings and spices and make them exactly how you want.
Avocado
If loving avocado toast is wrong, we don't want to be right. This Instagram-able dish is not only delicious but healthy too! Avocados are fruits full of monounsaturated fats that encourage blood flow throughout the body and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Read more
These 5 exercises will help your body heal from diastasis recti
woman unrolling yoga mat

Diastasis recti is a condition characterized by the separation of the abdominal muscles. The Mayo Clinic defines diastasis recti as the occurrence when “the growing uterus stretches the muscles in the abdomen. While it certainly sounds alarming, it is very common among postpartum patients, and often heals on its own. It can also happen to middle-aged women and men, especially those who have undergone abdominal surgery or have a weak core.
Ab separation is normal during pregnancy because your uterus has to stretch to accommodate a baby. It can, unfortunately, remain long after a newborn has made the big debut. If this gap does not heal on its own, you may need to seek out physical therapy or consider surgery (in extreme cases).
Think you might have diastasis recti? There are a few simple ways to check. The most common symptom is a stubborn little bulge that will not go away. This is not the baby weight, but the location where abdominal muscles have separated from each other. Additionally, you will likely feel constantly bloated or experience back pain and core weakness, which leads to bad posture.
If you find yourself struggling to use your ab muscles and experience these other common symptoms, you should speak to your doctor or a physical therapist for an official diagnosis. In the meantime, there are many steps you can take at home.
If you suspect that you have diastasis recti, it's crucial to gradually and gently start strengthening your core.

Here are five diastasis recti exercises to try. Take it slow, and have patience with your changing body.

Read more
Banish headaches with these at-home facial massages
facial massage headaches woman pressure points face

Headaches are among the most common medical conditions worldwide. Because there are so many potential causes, finding the right remedy can often be a tricky and even elusive undertaking.

Fortunately, in many cases, two aspirin, a glass of water, and a good night’s sleep will do the trick. If this doesn't provide any relief, one very effective yet often overlooked method is the humble massage. For most types of headaches, migraines included, there is a face or head massage that can quell the throbbing inside your head.

Read more