Headache is a common health issue people tend to face. The main causes of headaches can be stress, fatigue, and migraine. People often take painkillers when they have headaches. However, frequent headaches can affect your health and lifestyle, and so is relying always on painkillers. So, what is the safer option to get rid of headaches, you ask? Acupressure comes to your rescue!
During acupressure, you put pressure on certain places in your body. These places are called acupoints. By stimulating these acupoints, you can increase blood flow, relax your muscles, and get rid of headaches and other problems. These points, which have their roots in reflexology and acupressure, are thought to naturally relieve pain by promoting blood flow, calming muscles, and lowering stress.
Let's explore pressure points for head pain, an efficient, drug-free way to relieve headaches brought on by stress, tension, or sinus congestion.
Table Of Contents
1. What Pressure Points Relieve A Headache? 8 Pressure Points For Head Pain
2. How Do You Put Pressure To Get Rid Of A Headache?
3. Expert’s Advice
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References
What Pressure Points Relieve A Headache? 8 Pressure Points For Head Pain
When it comes to headaches, some of the most common places to find pressure points are muscles on each side of the spine where the skull base encounters, the cavity on the skull base, upper neck area to the shoulders, halfway along the back of the calf; and on the area (web) between the thumb and the index finger.
The most common acupressure points for instant headache relief are:
1. Union Valley
The strap between the thumb and forefinger contains the Union Valley acupoint, also known as large intestine 4 (LI 4). It is believed that this acupoint can assist in alleviating headaches as well as other symptoms, including exhaustion and stress.
How To Do:
- Gently grip the pressure for a minute or two using the thumb and forefinger on the opposite hand.
- You may have to repeat it several times throughout the day to get relief from headaches.
2. The Third Eye
The third eye of the acupoint, Yin Tang, or the ruling vessel 24.5 (GV 24.5), is in the bridge of the nose between the eyebrows. This pressure point can treat headaches, eye problems, and stress.
How To Do:
- Use a thumb or forefinger to gently massage it by circular movement.
3. Drilling Bamboo
Drilling bamboo acupoint is an offset on both sides of the nasal bridge, where they meet the ridge of your eyebrows. It can alleviate several problems, including headaches, eye pain, and fatigue, and can also be used to relax colds or flu symptoms.
How To Do:
- Use your thumb and forefinger to push and massage UB 2 points for a few seconds.
4. Gates Of Consciousness
There are pressure points on both sides of the neck, right below the base of the skull, that are associated with consciousness and also known as GB 20. It is believed that the stimulation of this point supports the Qi flow and relieves blockages that can cause pain or other problems.
How To Do:
- Use your middle fingers or thumb to apply firm, steady pressure on the gates of consciousness pressure points.
- Massage in small circles, holding your head for grip, for 1–2 minutes while breathing deeply.
Also Read: Struggling to Breathe? Check Out These 7 Effective Acupressure Points for Breathing Difficulties
5. Taiyang
The old HN5, or Taiyang acupoint, is situated in the temple, in the hollow that separates the outer edge of the eye from the start of the hairline. This point is frequently used to treat headaches, especially those originating in the temples or around the eyes.
How To Do:
- Use your index and medium fingers to massage the area in circular movement for several minutes.
- You can feel a pulsating feeling at a massage of this point, which is normal.
- If you have headaches, pressure on this acupoint can help relieve your pain.
6. Wind Mansion
The acupoint wind mansion, also known as ruling vessel 16 (GV 16), is situated in the cavity or concave close to the middle base of the skull on the back of the neck. This point is frequently used to ease stress, stiff necks, and headaches. It can also help fight the issue of sore throat, red eyes, and other symptoms of colds and flu.
How To Do:
- Carefully put pressure on this acupoint for one to two minutes. You should feel a sense of relaxation and pain relief.
- If you feel no relief after two minutes, move your fingers a little higher or lower until you find a more sensitive place.
- Once you find the right place that you think is effective, keep a gentle pressure while breathing deeply.
7. Windscreen
The windscreen or San Jiao 17 (SJ 17) Acupoint is under the crash, depressed between the angle of the jaws and the mastoid. It is used to treat temporomandibular joint issues, headaches, vertigo or dizziness, and tinnitus (ear ringing). The windscreen can relieve pain and tension in the head, neck, and shoulders. It is also useful for relieving stress and anxiety.
How To Do:
- Use a thumb or index finger to exert fine pressure to a point for 1-2 minutes.
- You may feel a feeling of warmth or tingling in the area. This shows that the point is stimulated effectively.
Also Read: 10 Cervical Strengthening Exercises For Neck Stability And Flexibility
8. Acupoint 7: Lu-7
The point is located on the line with the thumb in a small depression. In traditional Chinese medicine, this is also an important pressure point for the lungs.
How To Do:
- Turn your hands together (A) and touch the upper wrist using the index finger.
- You remember the position of the point, relax your hands, and exert pressure.
Also Read: How to Handle Early Pregnancy Headaches (Without Losing Your Mind!)?
Where Do You Put Pressure To Get Rid Of A Headache?
Acupressure is a brilliant technique for headaches, migraines, and many other conditions. By learning how to stimulate pressure points, you can lessen mild or minor symptoms and cut down on the need for prescription drugs. Pressure points often provide relief immediately, something that many medicines cannot do. One major advantage of acupressure is that you can do it yourself at the specific pressure points on your body.
Follow these steps to learn where exactly to put pressure to get rid of a headache:
- Locate the acupressure point using a diagram.
- Use a thumb or index finger to massage the acupoint with deep and stable pressure.
- Massage the point in a circular or up-and-down motion for one to two minutes.
- When using acupressure, focus on nothing but massaging a point. Close your eyes and inhale slowly.
- Repeat acupressure as often as you would like.
If you want to use acupressure for a particular problem, always seek the advice of a licensed acupuncturist who is trained in acupressure.
Make sure you are in a safe place when you do acupressure. Do not apply acupressure during any activity where your safety may be endangered. For example, do not try acupressure while driving.
Also Read: 6 Acupressure Points For Varicose Veins To Boost Circulation & Reduce Discomfort!
Expert Advice
Skipping meals, dehydration, stress, weather changes, or hormonal changes can cause headaches. As an expert, I would recommend that you focus on water intake and a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are good for the brain. At the same time, you can also perform acupressure several times a day until symptoms improve.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Acupressure can be an effective treatment along with other headache medicines, such as over-the-counter or prescription medicines. The pressure points for headaches can be found on the hands, head, and legs. Pressure on these areas could help alleviate symptoms related to headaches and migraines, including pain, nausea, and the frequency of headaches.
Remember, it’s not just about alleviating discomfort; it’s about nurturing your well-being and fostering a deeper connection with your body.
FAQs
1. What is the fastest way to cure head pain?
The fastest way to alleviate a headache is usually to take over-the-counter relief from pain, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, while resting in a quiet, dark room and applying cold compression on your forehead or temples. If the pain is related to tension, a head massage can also help.
2. Does acupressure cause any side effects?
While doing acupressure, it is normal to feel some pain when you do a massage. But if it hurts too much, stop the massage right away. Avoid acupressure in areas where you have skin problems such as dermatitis, sunburn, stitches or rash. Also, the area prone to lymphedema should be avoided, and some acupoints should not be used during pregnancy.
References
- https://www.nwhealth.edu/news/dr-renee-talks-tension-headaches-and-pressure-points-with-popsugar/
- https://www.indiatv.in/health/headaches-tips-four-hidden-acupressure-points-in-body-relief-from-headaches-2022-11-26-906414
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-pain-and-headaches
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/migraine-relief-pressure-points-5205811
- https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/4-acupressure-points-to-relieve-headache--nausea-and-anxiety.h00-159463212.html
- https://www.inlinechiropractic.co.nz/pressure-points-for-headaches/
- https://www.migraineagain.com/pressure-points-for-headaches-and-nausea/
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