Acupressure And Acupuncture For Migraines

Migraines tend to be one of the most incapacitating types of headaches, according to the World Health Organization. However, those who frequently suffer from migraines can choose from a variety of treatments that might help diminish or eliminate migraine headaches. In some cases, certain forms of nontraditional medicine such as acupressure or acupuncture might be most beneficial for headache relief, reports Migraine.com. Pursue alternative remedies for migraines only after consulting with your doctor.

Acupressure

Similar to acupuncture, acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapeutic technique that manipulates certain energy channels and meridians in the body to promote healing. However, unlike acupuncture, acupressure doesn't use needles to achieve relief and healing for migraines. Instead, pressure is applied to specific points on the body, including the palms, fingers and feet, to unblock 12 energy channels and encourage healing connections, according to Migraine.com. Acupressure not only can help relieve migraine headaches but also the accompanying symptoms of migraines, such as nausea or vomiting.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing method that involves the therapeutic placement of needles, which are applied to certain areas of the body to balance and unblock energy channels. Acupuncture needling procedures are also used to stimulate certain points on the body to promote healing. The technique is thought to trigger natural painkillers in the body and encourage better circulation, according to Migraine.com. Based on clinical trials, acupuncture might even help eliminate migraines, according to MayoClinic.com.

Acupressure Relief

Several acupressure points on the body are thought to aid in migraine pain relief, according to Migraine.com. These include acu-point 1, which is between the forefinger and the thumb; acu-point 7, which is an indented point at the wrist in line with the thumb; acu-point 12, which is in the large crease of the wrist and also in line with thumb; and acu-point 26, which is applied when the nostril is pinched. These and several meridian points, such as LI 4 located on your hand, are manipulated in acupressure for migraine headache relief because of their direct connection to the head, according to Alban Acupuncture. Acupressure therapy applied to these areas can help relieve the stress, tension and pain associated with migraine headaches, according to AcupressureOnline.org.

Acupuncture Relief

Along with certain lifestyle changes, acupuncture therapy might help thwart recurring migraine headaches, according to the Harvard Medical School health publication website. Although it’s not exactly clear how acupuncture works to relieve migraines, most advocates of the alternative treatment believe the technique stimulates muscles and circulation to promote healing while also releasing natural pain killers, or endorphins, in the body, and the therapy might help block neurotransmitters in the brain that deliver pain messages, according to Migraine.com. Similar to acupressure therapy, needling is applied to certain meridian points to relieve stress, tension and pain in the head, such as LI 4 on your hand and the ST 36 below your knee, according to Alban Acupuncture.

Warnings

If you experience severe or recurring headaches, check with your health care provider before participating in acupressure or acupuncture therapy for migraines, especially if you’re pregnant or have a heart condition or varicose veins, according to Migraine.com. Possible side effects include bruising and skin irritation.