For tension-type headaches, the common kind that feels like a tight band and often starts in the neck, shoulders or jaw, massage may help many people. Migraines are different: between attacks, massage may ease neck tension and help some people unwind, but it does not replace migraine care from your doctor. A few headaches need a doctor first, and the signs are below.
The short answer
Tension-type headache: a dull, pressing band, often with a stiff neck or tight jaw. Massage may help.
Migraine: often throbbing and one-sided, with light and sound hard to bear. Massage may help between attacks only.
Shape the session: Target on the neck, shoulders and upper back, plus a Scalp Massage.
See a doctor first: a sudden, severe or unusual headache.
Tension headache or migraine?
A tension-type headache is usually a dull, pressing ache on both sides of the head, often with a stiff neck, tight shoulders or a clenched jaw. It tends to follow long hours at a desk, a stressful week or short sleep.
A migraine is often a throbbing pain on one side of the head. It can bring nausea and make light, sound and smells hard to bear, and some people see flashing lights before it starts. An attack can last hours or days. Many people get both, and your doctor can help you tell them apart.
How massage may help tension headaches
Tension headaches are often tied to tight muscles in the neck, the base of the skull, the shoulders and the upper back. Slow, steady work on those areas may help them loosen, and your head may feel clearer afterward. Ways to shape a body massage:
Target: choose up to three areas, such as the neck, shoulders and upper back, and only those are worked.
Scalp Massage: slow, unhurried work across the scalp, at medium firmness.
Steam eye mask: a gently heated mask over your eyes for the length of your service.
Firm is not always better. If you brace or hold your breath, ask for less pressure; you can change it at any time.
What massage can and cannot do for migraine
Migraine involves the brain and nerves, not only tight muscles. Between attacks, massage may help some people unwind and ease the neck and shoulder tension that often comes with it. It is not a way to stop an attack, and it does not replace your doctor's care.
During an attack, many people find touch, scents and light hard to bear, so rest and your usual treatment come first. If strong scents are a trigger for you, skip the essential oils and say so when you book.
See a doctor first if
The headache is sudden and severe, the worst you have had.
It follows a blow to the head.
It comes with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking or seeing.
Your headaches are new, changing or getting more frequent, especially after age 50.
You are pregnant and have a headache with swelling or changes in your vision.
From Dr. Nick, DAOM L.Ac.
In Chinese medicine, the base of the skull is a classic place to work a headache. Slow, patient pressure there tends to do more than force.
Common questions
Can a massage give me a headache?
Now and then, a mild headache can follow firm work on the neck and shoulders, or simply not drinking enough. It usually passes with water and rest. More on what is normal after a massage.
Should I get a massage during a migraine?
Usually not. Rest and your usual treatment come first. Book between attacks.
What should I book for tension headaches?
A body massage with Target on the neck, shoulders and upper back, and a Scalp Massage if you like. Sixty minutes gives time for all of it.
Can I skip the scented oils?
Yes. Essential oils are an add-on, so they are only used if you choose them.
Book your massage
Serenity Zen has studios in West Covina and Diamond Bar. Open daily, 10 AM to 9 PM.