Headache relief does not necessarily mean you have to pop open a bottle of ibuprofen, though this conventional method is an effective remedy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers some natural pain relief remedies to ease the pain of a headache, including the age-old practice of manipulating pressure points throughout your body, consuming teas made from Chinese herbs, and practicing the slow, flowing movements of tai chi. Consult your doctor before you begin any form of alternative medicine to treat your headaches.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture manipulate the pressure points in your body--acupressure uses the hands, and acupuncture uses very thin needles--to realign your body's energy, called the qi. When your qi, pronounced "chee," is not in alignment, you may experience discomfort or pain in areas of your body. The TCM practices of applying pressure can help your headache disappear, if performed correctly. Aurora Healthcare suggests that you apply pressure as many times a day as needed, for up to five minutes at a time, to relieve your head pain.
The first point is called Feng-chi, and is located below the large bone of your skull called the occipital bone. Place one thumb about 1 1/2 inches to the left of this bone, and the other thumb 1 1/2 inches to the right. Press firmly and gently massage the area in a circular motion.
Another pressure point that can help your headache is not located in your head at all, but is on your hand. The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies calls this point Union Valley; another Chinese name is Ho-ku. Find the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and index finger. Traveling inward on your hand, locate the bones between these two fingers. Apply pressure at the base of your index finger bone and massage.
Chinese Herbal Remedies
Chinese herbal remedies can also be used, under the supervision of a medical professional, to alleviate headache pain. According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Page, in order to choose the right herbs to treat your pain, you need to be able to classify your symptoms. Terms that can help your practitioner know which herbs will be beneficial include "sharp," "splitting," a "heavy feeling," and a "swollen sensation." Your herbalist will then classify your symptoms into a "pattern" that is treated with herbs, including chrysanthemum, and Chinese herbs chuan xiong, bai zhi, qiang huo, and chuan xiong. Depending on your condition, you may be directed to brew a medicinal tea with the herbs, or to take supplements in a tablet form.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a Chinese exercise similar to yoga, that brings the body and mind together to heal. UCLA researchers have found that the slow movements of tai chi can ease the physical pain of tension headaches, as well as help you perceive pain differently--most importantly, you will perceive that your pain has lessened. Tai chi strengthens the body through exercise and at the same time, helps you focus on your breathing and your mind's activities. If you are interested in trying tai chi as a non-medicated headache treatment, ask your doctor if he can refer you to a beginner's class.
References
- Chinese Medicine News: Tai Chi Relieves Tension Headache
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Page: Averting Headaches With Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
- Alternative Medicine Zone: Headache Relief Using Acupressure
- Aurora Healthcare: Acupressure/Finger Acupuncture Techniques for Headaches
- Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies: Ten Highly Effective Acupressure Points
