QuestionI am a 34 year old woman who recently began experiencing tension migraines. In addition to working with a neurologist, I am also receiving chiro treatment. My chiro recommended getting massages.
I received the first massage I have ever had this week. The massage was 50 minutes and focused solely on my back and neck. After the massage, I felt very sick. I was dizzy, unable to drive myself home, nauseous, shaky, I felt faint, and my pupils were the size of pin heads. My migraine was the worst it has ever been and even travelled to the front part of my head.
Is my response a normal reaction to having a massage? And, if not, do you have an explanation for what I experienced? I don't know if it matters, but the masseuse who worked on me was just out of college and I was her first client.
AnswerHi Dena
I am sorry to hear of your experience with your first massage. I can however share with you my insights regarding your reaction.
When a person receives a massage thousands of nerve receptors in the skin become active sending messages to the nervous system of "this feels good". The release of neurotransmitters into your peripheral nervous system are now reporting to the central nervous system, this is your spinal cord and brain. In the case of migraine suffers it's possible that massage is over stimulating an already active and fatigued central nervous system. This may explain the dizziness, nausea and weakness.
Your body is in a state of constant tension and massage may not at first be the most effective in your healing. I have two suggestions for you:
Cranio Sacral Therapy was discovered by an Osteopath named John Upledger. For 20 years he has trained therapists of all career paths this amazing technique. It is very gentle slow moving and non obtrusive. I was trained in 1997 in Boston and I have helped many migraine and headache suffers reduce the level and occurance, some with the guidance of self help techniques were free altogether.
The second is Reiki. A Japanese relaxation technique that is gentle, non-obtrusive and slow moving as well. I have been teaching Reiki for 8 years and I have personally witnessed amazing results with just a few sessions.
My suggestion as I do with all migraine sufferers is to find a way to relax with therapies that are non-obtrusive.
I am so confident about the success rate of these two healing modalities, that when you find a therapist in your area, book an appointment, receive a session and found it to be of little value, I will pay for the session!
Sessions generally run around $65-$85 per hour.
Regarding the first time massage therapist, well let's just say please do not benchmark massage from a novice. Migraine sufferers require seasoned professionals to assist them in their healing process and recovery.
To your healing and recovery
John Nickolas
