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Banish Stress Headaches

posted by Annie B. Bond Aug 12, 2007 4:51 pm
Banish Stress Headaches
8 comments

Adapted from The Yoga Facelift by Marie-Veronique Nadeau (Conari Press, 2007).

Ahhh, the tension headache. We instinctively bring our fingertips to our temples in an effort to ease away the pain. And it works, if only for a minute. For longer-lasting relief we found this simple and effective massage that goes beyond the temples.

Place the index and middle fingers of both hands in the middle of your forehead. Rub your forehead by making v-shapes out from the center.

Now raise your scalp and forehead by lifting your brows slightly with your fingertips. Hold that position while you massage your forehead in short, upward strokes towards your hairline. Release. Alternate v-shapes and stroking six times.

Move your fingers across your brow to your temples, pausing there to give your temples a gentle massage. This is an area where we hold stress and tension that can often lead to headaches.

Then move your fingers to the corners of your eyes and massage gently.

Move your fingers down to the hinge of your jaw muscles. Then move your fingers along your jawline, massaging firmly.

Move your fingers down to your collarbone. Then, turning your head to the right, massage both side of your neck with firm upward strokes. Turn your head to the left and repeat the massage on the left side of your neck.

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8 comments

8 comments

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8 comments add your comment
Becca Tebon

I also like to apply ice or a cold compress. I also use an all natural pain ointment (similiar in theory to an arthritis cream). I can get migraines that last 4 days........ I love the all natural, non-toxic cream.... Someone also told me to take my patented vitamins ... I thought it was crazy... waa-laa — headeache gone. Had 5 kids on the beach chasing birds 2 hours later!

Raine Plouai

This article is amazingly accurate. I have been sitting down listening to people argue all day, and this almost automatically calmed me. I have a feeling I will be doing this most everyday. :D
I also found that a little earlobe massage did me well, too, if anyone finds that useful. Icense (of course) relaxes me even further. Perfect for when coming home after a stressful day at work. :)

Becca Tebon

Perfect timing ... i've had a headache ALL day! It worked!!!

Marilynne B.

Thanks for this. It feels wonderful.

Kathryn H.

good stuff!

Mary Hall

After hunching over a desk crunching numbers all day, this was a great way to relieve some tension and made me more aware of the tension I was holding in these muscles. I added a little ear lobe massage for an extra boost. Thanks!

Donna G.

I'm not sure what "feathering" means. What I think it means is very light, quick strokes. But, I'm not sure and I would be interested in reading a better explanation of this.

Jaine S.

I found these directions VERY hard to follow... I cant seem to figure out (finger out) the motions given. Perhaps I am a gimp? Help!
LJ

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