When you are suffering from a headache, you may have a natural inclination to rub or hold your head, massage your neck, or try to stretch out your shoulders. An acupuncturist or acupressure therapist can turn seemingly random rubbing into a purposeful point massage. If you suffer from migraines or severe headaches, be sure to discuss point therapy with your physician before proceeding. Additionally, acupressure should be performed on clean, unbroken skin.
Headache Causes
According to the book "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy," headaches are a common health complaint, generally indicating a problem elsewhere in the body. The book lists indigestion, constipation, poor posture, muscle tension, fatigue and stress as common causes. Some headaches do stem from the head itself, with conditions such as sinus congestion and allergic reactions.
Eastern philosophies believe in energy lines, or meridians, throughout the body that allow energy, or qi, to circulate, fueling our physiological organ systems. The energy actually pools in specific areas called points, and can become stagnated or stuck. Acupressure is thought to help relieve such stagnation, relieving pain and pressure.
Large Intestine 4
Large intestine 4 is considered a "master" point for headaches. It is located in the middle of the mound formed between the thumb and index finger when you squeeze all of your fingers together, according to "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy." This point is known in Chinese medicine to relieve headaches and other disorders of the face. "Acupuressure's Potent Points" recommends pressing this point for a minute at a time. Both books state that pregnant women should not use this point.
Gallbladder 20
Another "master" point, gallbladder 20 is located on the back of the lower part of the head. Acupuncture.com states that it is used to relieve pain and says that it can help with colds, dizziness and congestion as well as headaches.
"Acupressure's Potent Points" describes its location as being on either side of the cervical vertebrae, in the hollows at the base of the skull. Your therapist will typically use their thumbs to stimulate this point, and may tilt your head forward and back while they ask you to breathe deeply. Always alert your practitioner to any discomfort in your head and neck when stimulating this point.
Tai Yang
Tai Yang is considered an "extra point," and is not associated with any particular energy meridian. According to acupuncture.com, it is especially useful for headaches. It is located about a finger's width outside the outer edge of the eye socket, in a depression. "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy" states that this point can be pressed with the middle finger, and massaged in a circle.
Gallbladder 41
This point can be used for tension headaches, and is located on the foot. It is found by finding the space between the little and fourth toes, a little less than halfway between the ankle bone and the webbing between toes, according to "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy." It can be stimulated with fingers, and "Acupressure's Potent Points" even says rubbing with the opposite heel can be effective as well.
Point for Frontal Headaches
If your headache is centered in the front of your head or forehead area, your practitioner may decide to stimulate Governor's Vessel 23.
"Healing with Pressure Point Therapy" describes its location as being in line with the nose, one finger's width inside the hairline. If your hair has receded, locate the point where your hair used to be, and go from there. Be sure to ask questions and give feedback to your practitioner while he is administering acupressure.
References
- "Healing with Pressure Point Therapy"; Forem, Jack and Shimer, Steve, L.Ac.; 1999
- "Acupressure's Potent Points"; Gach, Michael Reed; 1990
- Acupuncture.com: Gallbladder 20
- Acupuncture.com: Tai Yang
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