Westwinds Massage and Wellness

Acupuncture for headaches does more than temporarily stop the pain. Research supports the use of acupuncture for reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Acupuncture may help by:

• Relaxing tight muscles
• Calming the nervous system
• Improving circulation

Many patients notice cumulative improvements over several treatments.

Massage does much more than just help you relax.

Research suggests massage therapy may help:

✓ Reduce muscle tension
✓ Improve circulation
✓ Increase neck mobility
✓ Decrease stress hormones
✓ Improve sleep

When muscles relax, headache frequency and intensity often decrease.

Stress doesn't just affect your mind—it affects your muscles.

Over time, this tension becomes persistent and may contribute to chronic headaches.

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Jaw
• Upper back

Over time, this tension becomes persistent and may create trigger points (seen as "X" on the images). These active trigger points all have unique referral patterns that often occur in the head. This can contribute to headaches.

Regular massage and acupuncture help interrupt this cycle before it becomes chronic.

Do you have:

✓ Jaw clicking?
✓ Teeth grinding?
✓ Facial pain?
✓ Morning headaches?

Your TMJ may be contributing.

The muscles used for chewing connect directly with muscles in your neck and head.

Treating jaw tension can dramatically reduce headache frequency in many people.

Many headaches actually begin with muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

Tight muscles can:

• Restrict movement
• Irritate nerves
• Create trigger points
• Refer pain into the head

Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension while acupuncture may help calm irritated nerves and decrease pain.

Not every severe headache is a migraine.

Tension Headache
✓ Tight band around the head
✓ Neck stiffness
✓ Muscle tightness
✓ Usually mild to moderate

Migraine
✓ Throbbing pain
✓ Often one side
✓ Nausea
✓ Light and sound sensitivity

Different headaches require different treatment strategies. Understanding which type you experience is the first step toward effective relief.

Many people believe headaches are simply something they have to live with.

They're not! Recurring headaches often have underlying causes including:

• Neck muscle tension
• TMJ dysfunction
• Stress
• Poor posture
• Muscle trigger points

At Westwinds Massage & Wellness, we work to identify the source—not simply mask the symptoms. If headaches are affecting your work, family time, or sleep, it may be time to investigate the cause.

Book your assessment today.

Neck tension is frequently a cause or contributor to headaches. Getting the neck muscles released in a good massage can help provide relief to headaches.

Need a break from the weather? Book with us today! Link in bio for info and booking times.