Both our physical and mental health can be affected by today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Hectic schedules, poor eating habits, and sleep deficiency can impact the brain’s capacity to effectively deal with stress. This scenario can trigger migraines in vulnerable people, which can make completing daily chores and activities extremely difficult. Check out these 5 acupressure points for migraines and neck pain.
The article below is a guest post written by Henna Sammy. Check out her bio below.
Acupressure, if done correctly and with the right amount of force, can release stress and reduce headache pain. The person performing acupressure should not only be competent in acupressure, but ideally in reflexology, as well. Following are the acupressure points for migraines:
Acupressure Points For Migraines
1* Union Valley:
This acupressure point is said to be the best headache buster if done correctly. It can decrease the pain associated with migraines within a couple of minutes, providing significant relief. The acupressure point of the Union Valley is located between the thumb and index finger. Begin the process by:
- Pinching the area between the thumb and index finger for 10 seconds. Precaution: too much pressure should not be applied while pinching.
- Small circles should then be made in the thumb area in one direction, followed by the opposite direction. 10 seconds in each direction is sufficient.
- For best results, the process should be completed on both hands.
- Tension in the head and neck should be released by using these pressure points. When tension is released, pain should be significantly decreased since tension is the number one culprit of headache pain.
2* The Third Eye Point:
As the name suggests, this point is located between the eyes. Modern researchers have given the Third Eye point a new name, which is a combination of letters and numbers: GV 24.5. It is found on the point where the eyebrows are connected to the nose and forehead.
This pressure point gives excellent relief from headache and sinus congestion. It can be done using the following method:
- Firmly press the acupressure point for a minute or two, massaging the point in a circular motion.
3* Drilling Bamboo:
This is considered the best acupressure point for eye strain and sinus problems. It gives a feeling of releasing a load off the forehead. The points are located where the nose to forehead bridge intersects with the ridges of the eyebrows. Here’s how to do it:
- Using the index finger or thumb, firmly apply pressure on the point to get a relaxing effect.
- Press for no longer than 10-15 seconds.
- Release the pressure and repeat the procedure every 2-3 minutes.
4* Wind Mansion:
This is a must-do acupressure point for migraines, stiff necks, and mental stress. The name of this point is Wind Mansion because this part of the body is the fastest to detect wind streams around the body. The new name given for the point is GV 16.
It’s location is located between the center of the back of the head halfway between the ears and the spine. It can be found as the hollow space under the base of the skull. Method of performing this is as follows:
- A deep and firm pressure should be applied to this point for not less than a minute, and not more than 1 1/2 minutes.
5* Feng Chi/ Gates of Consciousness:
Feng Chi, also known as the Gates of Consciousness is a must for those suffering from migraines. This brings great relief for headache pain caused by tension. The points can be found in the hollow of both sides of the neck below the base of the skull.
The current scientific name for the points is GB 20. After forming a cap on the head with the hands, the thumbs should be placed on the hollow of the neck. The procedure is as follows:
- The thumbs should be used to apply a deep and firm pressure for 4-5 minutes
- Deep breaths should be taken while performing pressing the points
- This method of releasing and applying pressure can be done for up to a maximum of 3 minutes.
Give these acupressure points for migraines a try next time you feel that old familiar headache pain coming on…
Author Bio:
Henna is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
Sources:
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-pain-and-headaches
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427801/