Migraines can be complicated. Two people can use the same word, “migraine,” and have very different triggers, symptoms, and patterns. That is why the first useful step is often observation rather than guessing.
Migraine massage therapy and aromatherapy
If migraines are recurring, consider keeping a simple journal. Each time one happens, write down what your day looked like: what you ate, how you slept, how much screen time you had, whether lighting was intense, how stressful the day felt, where you went, and anything that was different from your normal routine.
Over time, a pattern may become easier to see. For one person, the trigger might be certain foods or additives. For another, it may be stress, poor sleep, lighting, dehydration, allergies, or a combination of factors. A journal will not diagnose the problem, but it can give you and your healthcare provider better information.
How massage therapy may help
Massage therapy does not treat the medical cause of migraine. What it may help with is the muscular tension that often builds around the neck, shoulders, scalp, jaw, and upper back. During a session, we can work together to identify areas of active tension and use appropriate massage techniques to help soften contracted tissue and reduce stress in the body.
For some clients, this kind of work may support relaxation, body awareness, and comfort between medical visits. Pressure, positioning, and session goals should always be adjusted to the person in front of me, especially when headache or migraine symptoms are present.
Aromatherapy considerations
As a Clinically Certified Aromatherapy Practitioner (CCAP), I use essential oils with safety, dilution, and individual sensitivity in mind. If you are interested in adding aromatherapy to a massage session, let me know before we begin. I can explain which essential oils I would consider, why I would choose them, and what precautions matter for your situation.
Essential oils are not automatically safe just because they are natural. They must be selected and diluted carefully, and they may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have allergies, asthma, fragrance sensitivity, pregnancy-related concerns, medication interactions, or a complex medical history, those details matter.
When to seek medical care
If your migraines are new, severe, changing, or accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, confusion, vision changes, fever, fainting, or the “worst headache” you have ever experienced, seek medical attention promptly. A licensed healthcare provider is the right professional to diagnose migraine and rule out other conditions.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent, or treat any medical condition, and it is not a substitute for care from a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
All massage therapy treatments and plans at Massage by Bertone follow the codes and guidelines of the American Massage Therapy Association, including its migraine-related resources: AMTA. Services are provided within the scope of practice established by the New York and New Jersey State Boards of Massage Therapy.
