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Writer's pictureAera Barnette

Treat Your Migraines Naturally: The Power of Regular Massage Therapy and Self-Care

Updated: Oct 25, 2023


A man in a blue button up shirt at his office with a lapto open infront of him. He is leaned forward, pushing up his glasses, to pinch the bridge of his nose because he has a migraine.


Migraines are more than just headaches; they're debilitating, painful, and often disrupt daily life. The quest for relief has led many migraine sufferers down the path of medications and invasive procedures like Botox. While these interventions can help, there's a natural and holistic approach that can potentially reduce your need for them: regular massage therapy. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of massage therapy, particularly intra-oral massage, for migraine management and why self-massage techniques should become a part of your at-home migraine care routine.

The Power of Massage Therapy for Migraines


1. Lessening the Need for Medication


Migraine medication, such as Imatrex, can provide relief, but it often comes with unwanted side effects. Regular massage therapy offers an alternative. It helps by:


- Reducing Muscle Tension: Migraines are often triggered or exacerbated by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Massage therapy can release this tension, providing relief without the need for medication.


- Improving Blood Circulation: Massage increases blood flow to the affected areas, which can reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.


- Relaxing the Nervous System: Migraine pain is often associated with an overactive nervous system. Massage therapy induces a state of relaxation, calming the nervous system and potentially preventing migraine attacks.


2. The Magic of Intra-Oral Massage


Intra-oral massage is a specialized technique that targets muscles inside the mouth and jaw. It's particularly effective in reducing migraine pain and can even prevent migraines from taking hold. A skilled therapist like Aera Barnette, LMT, can perform intra-oral massage with precision, offering relief by:


- Releasing Jaw Tension: Many migraines are linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Intra-oral massage can alleviate tension and pain in the jaw, reducing migraine frequency.


- Easing Neck and Shoulder Pain: Intra-oral massage is often accompanied by neck and shoulder work, further reducing the muscular tension responsible for migraines.


The Unwanted Side Effects of Medication and Potential Risks of Botox


Before you rely on medications like Imatrex or consider Botox for migraine management, it's important to understand the potential drawbacks:


Unwanted Side Effects of Medication (e.g., Imatrex):


1. Dizziness

2. Fatigue

3. Nausea 4. Adverse Effects 5. Allergic Reaction 6. Medication & Supplement Interactions


Unwanted Potential Risks of Using Botox for Migraines:


1. Muscle Weakness: Botox can cause temporary muscle weakness or paralysis in the injected areas.

2. Needle-related injuries: Aside from needle phobia, there could be real injuries sustained to the nerves in the face. This could result in more pain and discomfort .

3. Cost: Botox treatments can be expensive and require regular maintenance. You may be locked in to ongoing payment plans and may lose money if you stop before your package ends. 4. Duration: Botox works for long periods of time and you may decide you do not like it but still have to wait for it to wear off.


The Power of Preventative Care


A woman in a green hoody jacket zipped up outside with a beautiful sky over here. She has her arms raised up in celebration.


It's crucial to consider migraine management as a preventative care tool, even when you're feeling better. Regular massage therapy, including intra-oral massage, can be a vital part of your wellness routine, potentially reducing the need for medications and invasive procedures, ultimately saving you time and money.


Book Your Appointment at Bodywork with Aera


Are you ready to take control of your migraines naturally? Aera Barnette, LMT, is here to guide you on your journey towards wellness. Book your appointment today at Bodywork with Aera's website and experience the transformative benefits of massage therapy.


COVID-19 Safety Measures To ensure the safety of all clients, masks are still required in the clinic. However, a negative COVID-19 test will allow masks to be removed for the intra-oral and migraine treatment protocol. Additionally, telehealth appointments are available to teach self-massage techniques for managing migraine symptoms at home. Your health and safety are our top priorities.


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