Massage, a common method of relieving migraine headaches, can be done by a professional, or you can do it yourself using this technique.

A light massage combined with the pressure points of the migraine will provide the greatest relief. You just need a few simple points on how to massage a migraine.

Defining the migraine pressure point

It is important to know the migraine pressure point (s) that are giving you relief. A migraine pressure point is a point on your body that, when pressed, will decrease the pain in your head. Surprisingly, a migraine pressure point is not necessarily the point that hurts the most.

A migraine pressure point can be pressed and released slowly and rhythmically, and deliberately massaged for relief. This will release congested energy and blood from your head and ease your pain.

Migraine pressure point technique

You will treat every migraine pressure point with these simple steps.

* Use only the pads of the thumbs or the first two fingers, never the ends.

* Keep the pressure light to moderate, depending on how sensitive the point is to the touch.

* Press hard enough that you can feel the hardness or tension under your thumb or fingers.

* If a migraine pressure point hurts so bad that you can’t breathe deeply, apply less pressure to that point.

* Let your fingers sink into the migraine pressure point while gradually applying pressure. Feel your thumb or finger move smoothly, gradually deeper and deeper.

* While your thumb or finger is as deep as you like, massage the tip with small circular motions of your finger.

* Keep your thumb or finger on the pressure point of the migraine until you feel a movement or change there. It may feel softer or warmer.

* Now slowly gradually release the migraine pressure point until your thumb or finger leaves the skin.

* Repeat several times at the same point.

Migraine pressure point locations

Remember to be firm, but gentle. Insufficient pressure at a migraine pressure point will not be effective; too much pressure will strain the surrounding muscles.

Here are some migraine pressure point locations to get you started. Start with the first and work your way through each point, consciously relaxing as you do so.

1. Migraine pressure point at the base of the skull

Locate the bony base of your skull at the back. Place the thumb pads under the base of the skull, each thumb about 1 inch from the spine. Holding your thumbs against the colon, tilt your head slightly back. Now push up gradually, counting to 10 and breathing deeply as you do so. When you reach the deepest point, massage with small circular movements of the thumbs, still maintaining pressure. When you feel a change in the point, slowly release the pressure, counting to 10. Repeat 5 times.

2. Migraine pressure point in the middle of the forehead

This migraine pressure point is in the middle of the forehead, right between the eyebrows. Using the migraine pressure point technique described above, and your thumbs or one of the first two fingers, press inward gradually, counting to 10 and taking deep breaths as you do so. When you reach the deepest point, massage in small circular movements, still maintaining pressure. As you feel a change in the point, slowly release the pressure, counting to 10 as you do so. Repeat 10 times.

3. Migraine pressure point in the corners of the eyes

Feel the face in the outer corners of your eyes. Move your fingers away from the eyes until you find the spots just behind the bone. Using the migraine pressure point technique and one or two fingertips, gradually apply pressure inward, counting to 10 and breathing deeply as you do so. When you reach the deepest point, massage in small circular movements, still maintaining pressure. As you feel a change in the point, slowly release the pressure, counting to 10 as you do so. Repeat 10 times.

4. Migraine pressure point on the hand

Surprisingly, he has a migraine pressure point on each hand. It is the fleshy part between the thumb and forefinger. Using the pad of the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, gradually squeeze the top of this migraine pressure point, counting to 10 and taking deep breaths. When you reach the deepest point, massage in small circular movements, still maintaining pressure. As you feel a change in the point, slowly release the pressure, counting to 10 as you do so. Repeat 10 times.

5. Migraine pressure point on foot

The last point that you will use to eliminate migraine headaches is at the top of each foot. Locate where the bones meet between your big toe and your second toe. Using your thumb or fingertips, press down gradually, counting to 10 and taking deep breaths as you do so. When you reach the deepest point, massage in small circular movements, still maintaining pressure. As you feel a change in the point, slowly release the pressure, again counting to 10. Repeat 10 times.

Different bodies respond differently to pressure points. These should work for you. For information on additional migraine pressure points, consult a local shiatsu practitioner. A professional will also be able to give you a complete treatment to relieve or prevent migraines.