How to massage for migraines

Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on June 12, 2025
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Migraine is a common clinical symptom in medical practice. Sometimes patients may experience pain on the left side of their head, sometimes on the right, or sometimes at the back of the skull. Based on the specific condition of the patient, we can choose to perform massages. For instance, if the pain is on the left side, we can massage certain acupuncture points on the left side and the tips of the ears, as well as the "Lugou" point. Additionally, using our five fingers to comb from the front to the back of the head may also alleviate the migraine on the left side. Of course, massaging certain parts on the left side of the body, such as the "Waiguan" and "Fengchi" points, can also help reduce the symptoms of migraine.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can migraines be cured completely?

Migraine cannot be cured fundamentally, and in fact, many diseases in clinical practice cannot be cured completely, just like the common cold. Even though a cold can be treated and overcome, it's still possible to catch a cold again in the future. Thus, it is said that migraines cannot be fundamentally cured. When a migraine occurs, symptomatic oral painkillers can be used for treatment. Normally, the main focus should be on preventing the occurrence of migraines; if prevention is successful and there are no further episodes, then it can be considered as effectively cured. Migraine episodes are related to staying up late, so it's best to avoid staying up late and overworking. Furthermore, certain foods should be avoided, such as those containing nitrates, leftovers, pickled salty vegetables that contain nitrites. Good preventative measures against migraines can also be considered as a fundamental cure. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Neurology
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Can migraines be hereditary?

Migraines are not hereditary and are not considered genetic diseases. The onset of migraines is mainly associated with staying up late, fatigue, and the consumption of certain foods that can trigger migraines, such as foods containing nitrites. This includes pickled vegetables, overnight foods, leftover meals, and leftover vegetables, as these contain nitrites, which can trigger migraine attacks. Other triggers include certain dairy products and red wine. To reduce the frequency of migraine episodes, it is advisable to avoid these foods and not to stay up late. When a migraine attack occurs, temporary relief can be sought through oral painkillers. Regular scheduling and avoiding the aforementioned foods can significantly reduce the number of migraine episodes. Therefore, migraines are not hereditary and do not constitute a genetic disease. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Can I wash my hair if I have a migraine?

Patients with migraines should avoid washing their hair during an attack. Water that is too hot or too cold can stimulate the dilation or spasm of cerebral blood vessels, potentially worsening migraine symptoms. Therefore, it is advised not to wash hair during a migraine attack, though it is fine during remission periods. During a migraine attack, symptomatic oral pain relievers and medications to alleviate vascular spasms can be used for treatment. It is important to prevent migraines by avoiding staying up late and overexertion. Additionally, certain foods known to trigger migraines should be avoided, including foods containing nitrites such as leftovers, pickled vegetables, and other preserved foods which may contain nitrites. Foods like red wine and cheese can also trigger migraines and should be consumed with caution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
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What should I do about migraines?

Patients with migraines can temporarily take oral painkillers to alleviate the symptoms, provided that it has been confirmed as a migraine attack, and not a headache caused by acute cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Typically, before a migraine attack, there may be an aura symptom involving changes in vision, followed by unilateral headache. These symptoms can recur, usually lasting several hours, and they can subside on their own without medication. These are the symptoms of migraines. Generally, migraines do not pose a significant health risk, so patients can temporarily treat it with symptomatic oral pain relief. During remission, it is advisable to take preventive measures such as avoiding staying up late, not overworking, and reducing the frequency of migraine attacks as much as possible.

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How many days can a migraine recover?

For most cases of migraines, patients generally recover within three days. If migraine-specific medications are administered, recovery can be faster, with symptoms significantly alleviated within a day. If a migraine persists for more than three days without recovery, it is known as a status migraine, and specific migraine medications need to be used, such as ergot preparations or triptan drugs, which are effective. Some patients with prolonged migraine duration may need sedatives and drugs to reduce intracranial pressure for symptomatic treatment. Patients with migraines must ensure adequate rest, ensure good sleep, and maintain stable emotions. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)