Pressure point therapy, or acupressure, is an effective way to relieve occasional and chronic headache pain. A study by the Department of Rehabilitation at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan concluded that one month of acupressure treatment was more effective in reducing chronic headaches than one month of muscle relaxant treatment. By pressing on pressure points in your hand, you can treat your own headaches in minutes.
Adjoining Valley
The Adjoining Valley pressure point, located on the fleshy skin between your thumb and index finger, is one of the most helpful and frequently prescribed pressure points in acupressure, according to the book, "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy" by Jack Forem and licensed acupuncturist Steve Shimer. Northwestern Health Sciences University recommends this point if you have a tension headache.
Form a claw shape with your right thumb and index finger. With your right hand, palm down and fingers extended, grab the fleshy skin between your left thumb and index finger. Squeeze the center of the webbing, pressing toward the bone on your left index finger. After one minute, release and repeat on your left hand. This point is not recommended for pregnant women as it may stimulate premature uterine contractions, the book's authors warn.
Thumb
The thumb represents the head in the acupressure, says Mildred Carter, author of "Body Reflexology." With your opposite thumb, press on the pad of the thumb for 20 to 30 seconds. Then squeeze each side of the thumb by pressing next to the nail. Feel for tender spots as you press these points around your thumb. If you find a tender spot, massage it with circular pressure. Repeat on your opposite thumb.
Fingers
Pressure points in your fingers can relieve different types of headaches. Press the tips of your fingers if you have a sinus headache. For a headache from eyestrain, massage the fingers at the point where they meet the hand at the knuckles. Using a rotating motion, massage the area between your index and middle fingers. Repeat any action on the opposite hand.
References
- PubMed.gov: Effect of Acupressure and Trigger Points in Treating Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy"; Jack Forem and Steve Shimer, L.Ac.; 1999
- Northwestern Health Sciences University: Tips for Relieving Tension Headaches Naturally
- PubMed.gov: Treatment of Headache Pain with Auto-Acupressure
