You are in the middle of a hectic workday when a migraine hits. You may be debilitated by the intensity of the pain and nausea. Whether you rely on migraine medications and want to add a natural and effective technique to curb your pain, or whether you're searching for an alternative treatment option, the ancient Chinese technique of acupressure may help you to significantly alleviate migraine pain.
While common, migraines are a serious medical problem and their symptoms can mimic those of other serious neurological conditions. Seek the guidance of your physician to develop your migraine treatment plan.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, dates back some 5,000 years. Hundreds of vital energy points in a person’s body running along axes, or meridians, form the basis of acupressure. Chi, or life force, flows along the meridians and through the energy points. Because blocked or excess chi at specific energy points can manifest itself as physical problems, applying pressure to these points offers therapeutic value. Acupressure has found its way into modern Western medicine based on the premise that massaging pressure points can relieve muscle tension and release endorphins, hormones that have a natural pain-dulling effect.
Basic Acupressure Guidelines
In order for acupressure to be effective, apply firm pressure to every point. During a migraine attack the pressure points are often very sensitive. Begin massaging the pressure point and gradually increase pressure until you reach the greatest pressure you can tolerate. The amount of pressure should be firm but not so hard that it causes pain. Perform acupressure in a quiet, dark room where you can sit comfortably or lie down. Close your eyes and focus on breathing deeply. While you can practice acupressure on yourself, you may find it more soothing to have someone massage your acupressure spots when you are suffering from migraine.
Technique
Visualize each acupressure point as the size of the width of three fingers. Don't be concerned with the precise location of the point. Apply pressure with the thumb or the pads of your fingers, pressing firmly into the point and massaging it in a small, circular motion using slow and deliberate movements. Apply pressure to a single point until you feel a softening, or release of tension of the muscle or tissue. This will usually happen after 1 or 2 minutes.
Acupressure Points on the Head
The simplest acupressure technique for migraine relief is an all-over head massage, very similar to the way that you massage your scalp while washing your hair. Target the GB20 points, on either side of the neck at the indentation right below where the base of the skull and neck muscles meet, for migraine relief. Use the thumbs of both hands to apply pressure to the points while focusing on deep breathing. Also massage the point on the skull just behind the ears in the hollow space on its outer edges.
Acupressure Points on the Face and Hand
The face contains a set of acupressure points for migraine relief. Locate the BL2 point where the edge of the eyebrow meets the bridge of the nose; the GB5 point corresponds to the temples. Identifying and massaging points of tension along the bridge of the nose and along the bony depressions underneath the eyes is helpful.
You won't find all acupressure points for migraines on the head. The depression formed at the location where your thumb and index finger meet, known as LI4, is an acupressure point for migraines that affect primarily the front of your head.
References
- “American Journal of Chinese Medicine”; Effect of Acupressure and Trigger Points in Treating Headache; L. L. Hsieh, H. H. Liou, L. H. Lee, T. H. Chen, A. M. Yen; Vol. 38; 2010
- "Medical Acupuncture"; Infrared Thermographic Visualization of the Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Meridian Points; V. Narongpunt et al.; Vol. 16, no. 2; 2001.
- Remedies 4: Acupressure Self-Help for Headaches
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