Massage for migraine

Granted, massage is relaxing and safe.  But can it help with migraines?  A small study carried out by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida suggests it can.

The Study

Participants were randomly assigned to two groups.  

The twelve people in the first group received twice weekly massages for five weeks.  In this thirty minute massage, the therapist kneaded muscles in the back of the neck, the base of the skull, and the head.  

Those in the second group (14 people) were not treated.  Throughout, both groups took their migraine prescriptions and kept logs of their pain.

Findings

Results?  The massaged participants reported fewer sleep disturbances and headaches.  Almost 60% of them went the entire month headache free, as opposed to 40% of the control group.

To learn more, check under headache at the institute's Web site: 

www.miami.edu/touch-research