|
|
|
| Free E-magazine |
| Subscribe to our Free E-Magazine on Acupressure. |
| Learn More |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Home > Cure through Acupressure > Headaches and Migraine
| |
| | Headaches and Migraine
| |
| |
Headaches
Two common causes of headache pain can explain and differentiate two common types of headaches, tension-type and migraine headaches. Tension may strain muscles of the face, neck, and scalp, leading to the tight, pressing pain sensation of tension-type headaches. Swelling and stretching of the blood vessels in the head cause vascular headache pain. A migraine headache is the principal form of vascular headaches. The bones of the skull and tissues of the brain cannot generate pain sensations because they do not contain pain-sensitive nerve fibers.
The most powerful acupressure point for headache is Gallbladder 20, located immediately below the prominent ridges at the rear base of the skull on both sides of the skull in the depression between the skull and the vertical neck muscles. Rubbing these points and the surrounding one-square-inch area steadily for three to five minutes, using firm pressure at 90 degrees to the skin is often effective by itself in decreasing headache pain.
Many times a headache can be caused by something as simple as stress or eyestrain problems. If that`s the case try acupressure point B10. This point can be found about one-half inch below the base of the skull. More exact, it`s located on the ropy muscles one-half inch outward from either side of the spine. Unlike in the last two points, this point should only be stimulated on one side at a time. Try pressing on the spot with the hand from the opposite side of the body by reaching behind the neck with the opposite hand. Press firmly for one to three minutes while breathing slowly and deeply. You can also employ imaging techniques for even more relief by envisioning the tension falling away and the headache decreasing.
Migraine
 Migraine headaches are recurrent, moderate-to-severe episodes of head pain that may be induced by a variety of triggers. Migraine occurs as the result of an electrochemical imbalance in the brain that causes successive narrowing of blood vessels followed by expansion of blood vessels. This results in blurry vision, a progressive headache and creates a period of discomfort and anxiety. Migrain headaches are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting and may require a few hours of rest in a cool, dark place to subside. Prescribed drugs decrease blood flow and bring relief. However, tension and congested energy from a migraine headache can be released with simple acupressure massage.
To begin the massage for migraine headaches, you will need to sit in a comfortable chair or lie down; choose a dark and dimly lit area, as the oncoming or current migraine headache has likely made you sensitive to light.
Begin the massage procedure at the center of your forehead between your eyebrows, applying tension to the tenderest points.
Start with the top of the head, and apply pressure with your middle and index finger pressing down gently on the middle of your head.
| |
| |
|
