Types of Massage

• There are several different massage techniques that are effective on migraine sufferers. These different types of massages include shiatsu--which is a type of acupressure massage--deep tissue massage, neuromuscular or craniosacral massage and reflexology or pressure point massages.
  
  

Shiatsu Massage

• Shiatsu is also known as acupressure massage and focuses on placing pressure on tender spots and key pressure points on the body. While it is recommended to get a shiatsu massage done by a professional, for maximum benefits, you can also perform this type of massage at home. The Associated Content gives three easy steps to performing shiatsu at home. Begin the shiatsu massage procedure at the center of your forehead between your eyebrows, applying tension to the most tender points. Start with the top of the head and apply pressure with your middle and index finger pressing down gently on the middle of your head. Apply pressure to the base of your skull right above your spine with your thumb and middle finger. You can either pulse the pressure or push down and hold for a count of five, relieve and repeat.
  
  

Deep Tissue Massage

• Deep tissue massage is very effective on migraine and headache sufferers who develop their migraines from tense and overactive muscles. Deep tissue massage should be performed by a licensed massage therapist. During a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist will release the tension in your muscles by using deepening pressure to relax and loosen those areas.
  
  

Neuromuscular or Craniosacral Massage

• Neuromuscular massage is also known as trigger-point therapy. Much like shiatsu massage, it focuses on trigger and pressure points, then puts pressure on those spots to release nerve compression and relax the nerves in those trigger points.
  
  Craniosacral massage is also similar to neuromuscular and shiatsu massage but focuses only on the skull and scalp. You can perform a type of craniosacral massage on yourself, at home, by massaging your left and right temples in either a circular or sweeping motion.
  
  

Reflexology

• As a last resort you might try reflexology. Reflexology is the idea that the foot is divided into different sections that correspond with different parts of the body. By massaging a specific part of the foot you should feel relief in that corresponding part of the body. Reflexology should be performed by a licensed professional.