As a massage therapist, this is a tip I dish out frequently because it’s simple and effective. I suggest this specifically for tension headaches. The kind that usually surfaces after a poor night’s sleep, eye strain, tense muscles, and stress factors.
What Will Pulling Hair Accomplish?
First, let me describe the landscape; Fascia is the connective tissue that covers bones, tendons, and muscles, and it’s pretty much interwoven everywhere. The skull is covered in fascia, cranial nerves, muscles, and other gooey things :). When it is healthy (fascia), it’s pliable. Certain conditions can change its consistency and make it denser. Tense or inflamed neck and shoulder muscles will contribute to the health of fascia. In pulling your hair, you’ll be lifting the scalp and underlying fascia creating space. This will help relieve inflamed structures, giving a pathway for fluids to move.
The Technique
- Start by sitting in a comfortable position in a quiet area.
- Take a broad amount of hair beginning at the base of the skull (or anywhere else that works for you).
- Pull gently – at first diagonally, then in all directions, gradually increasing tension.
- Breathe deeply, rhythmically.
- Continue to the next section, pulling row by row.
That is all, simple and effective! You can try adding aromatherapy to enhance the treatment. Many times muscles in the neck and shoulder area harbor trigger points that refer pain to the skull area. If you are a frequent headache sufferer, seeing a massage therapist skilled in trigger point therapy can help you manage them holistically without relying on over-the-counter medication. Send me a message if you’re seeking for a massage therapist and live in NYC or Westchester!
Thanks for reading!
Stand Tall, Breathe Deep!
Corina
Integrative Fitness Therapy 