DIY Acupressure Massage For Headaches and Migraines
Pounding head, intense pressure and aching – feelings we all dread. Headaches can ruin a perfectly good day. To make matters worse, there are all kinds of different headaches you might be experiencing.
You might also suffer a migraine, a much more intense pain. It is helpful to be able to differentiate between what you are experiencing so that you are better equipped to solve the issue and find relief.
Headaches and Migraines No More! Try these DIY Acupressure Massage
The good news is that DIY acupressure massage is a great home remedy that you can practice for both headaches and migraines. Always remember that if you are suffering from a headache for several days you should contact your doctor.
Understanding Headaches Types
A headache can best be described as an unpleasant pain in your head causing pressure or aching. The pain can range from mild to severe and often occurs in your forehead, temples, and/or back of the neck.
Tension Headache: These are the most common type and are triggered by stress, muscle strain, and anxiety. They usually involve a dull, constant ache all over your head.
Cluster Headache: Severely painful headaches that occur on one side of the head. They come in clusters, meaning that you will experience cycles of headache attacks and then periods of relief.
Sinus Headache: These co-occur with sinus infection symptoms like fever, congestion and facial pressure. They can often be confused with migraines.
Thunderclap Headache: Very serious and severe! Develops in a minute or less and could be a symptom of serious medical conditions such as haemorrhage, aneurysm or stroke. Call for emergency help immediately if you experience a headache of this kind.
Understanding Migraines
Headaches and migraines are often confused with each other, however, they are very different ailments. People who experience chronic migraines will attest very strongly to that! Migraines are very intense and severe headaches that often come with additional symptoms to head pain.
Good To Read: Acupressure Massage DIY for Neck and Shoulder Pain
They typically affect only one side of the head; however, it is possible to experience pain on both sides. The intense pain and throbbing that come with a migraine make performing daily tasks extremely difficult.
Symptoms include:
Nausea/vomiting
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Pain behind one eye or ear
Seeing spots or flashing lights (auras)
Temporary vision loss
Two Categories:
Migraines without Auras
Migraines with Auras: An aura refers to the sensations a person might experience before they get a migraine attack, usually 10-30 minutes prior. These sensations can include feeling less mentally alert, seeing flashing lights or unusual lines/colour spots, tingling or numbness in areas of the body, and having an unusual sense of smell, taste or touch.
Migraine Triggers:
Emotional anxiety
Alcohol/caffeine
Lack of sleep
Contraceptives/hormonal changes
Massage Therapy to the Rescue!
Acupressure for Headaches and Migraines!
Headaches are a body’s warning signal that the brain may not be getting enough oxygen. Before first trying to repress the warning signal of a headache by taking aspirin or other medicines, try to relieve the stress with acupressure!
Try the following self-care routines either lying down or sitting in a comfortable spot. For more details on how to apply self acupressure massage, check out our handy tips here.
Isabelle and her team are amazing. They provide chair massage therapy at our offices and we are guaranteed a moment of bliss! Isabelle always helps in getting rid of some tight knots on my back. Very grateful for Katoka, they provide an outstanding service.
Isabelle and her team are amazing. They provide chair massage therapy at our offices and we are guaranteed a moment of bliss! Isabelle always helps in getting rid of some tight knots on my back. Very grateful for Katoka, they provide an outstanding service.
1. Palm Press the Temples:
GALLBLADDER MERIDIAN
Curve in the Temple Hairline or Qu Bin – GB7 & Suspended Hair or Xuan Li – GB6
Find your temples, the indentations on the sides of your head outside your eyebrows. Apply firm pressure inward with your palms and rotate your hands. Remember to breathe deeply and do so for one minute. It also helps to relieve neck pain.
2. Hold Base of Skull with Bridge of Nose:
BLADDER MERIDIAN
Bamboo Gathering or Zanzhu – BL2
Cup the base of your skull with one hand, thumb on one side and fingertips on the other. With your other hand, press the upper ridge of the eye socket near the bridge of your nose with your thumb and middle finger while your index finger gently touches between your eyebrows. Firmly press underneath the skull while tilting your head back and breathing deeply for one minute.
3. Press Acupressure point ST3 under your cheekbones:
STOMACH MERIDIAN
Great Crevice or Ju Liao – ST3
ST3 location is under your cheekbones directly below the centre of your eyes, parallel to the outer edges of your nostrils. Use your middle and index fingers to gradually press upwards on this point on both sides of your face. Keep your spine straight and breathe deeply through your nose as you gently hold these points. ST3 is also clinically used for conjunctivitis, nosebleeds, toothache, pain and swelling on the face.
4. Headache Point:
LARGE INTESTINE MERIDIAN
Joining Valley or Hegu – LI4
The webbing between your thumb and index finger is known as the "headache point". Find the highest spot of the muscle when you bring your thumb and index finger together. Then relax your fingers and grip this point with the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Apply pressure for one minute and massage. Repeat on the other hand. It is also clinically used for stress, facial pain, toothaches and neck pain.
*You can try almost all of these DIY massages right at your work desk!*
TIP: Lavender essential oil commonly used for stress relief and relaxation is also known to help treat headaches and migraines. Keep some on hand to smell or apply to your temples next time you are experiencing a headache!
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