In my previous post about headaches, I discussed about the different types and their treatment, you can find this article here, today however I'll be talking about something even more exciting for my natural medics
What is Acupressure and Pressure Points?
Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine. Just like acupuncture, it involves stimulating pressure points along meridian lines (energy lines in the body). But unlike acupuncture which uses tiny needless and pins, acupressure applies physical pressure.
Reflexologists believe that there are certain areas of the body which are sensitive and are believed to stimulate pain relief in the body, these areas are called Pressure Points. These points when touched in a particular way, relief pain, improve health and bring balance to the body.
According to the Australian Government's Department of Health reflexology is "a system of applying pressure, usually to the feet, which practitioners believe stimulates energy and releases 'blockages' in specific areas that cause pain or illness."
Acupressure Points For Headache Relief
Headaches are experienced by most of us and can be very uncomfortable. However, stimulating these pressure points can help in relieving these headaches.
1] The Third Eye
The third eye is the area between the two eyebrows and where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead.
The third eye can be stimulated using the index finger to apply constant pressure or by massaging gently for a minute or two. This is thought to help in the relieve of headache, eye strain and anxiety.
2] Drilling Bamboo
Drilling bamboos are a pair of indentations that sit inside each eyebrows, where the bridge of the nose meet the eyebrows.
In order to stimulate these points for the relief of headaches, use both index fingers to apply pressure on both sides simultaneously. Hold for 10 secs and release, then do this again or you can alternatively stimulate these points.
3] Gates of consciousness
The gates of consciousness are a pair of pressure points that sit at the skull base in the hollow spaces between the two vertical neck muscles.
These points are activated by using the index and middle fingers of both hands to apply firm pressure to these points. Massage this area for 10 seconds and release, then repeat. This also helps in relieving neck pain.
4] The Shoulder Wells
The shoulder well is located at the midpoint between the shoulder joint and the base of the neck.
To stimulate this pressure point, use the thumb and index finger of one hand to massage the opposite side, do this for up to 1 minute, them switch to the other side and repeat the process.
Applying pressure to the shoulder well helps in relieving neck and shoulder stiffness and ease headaches.
5] Union Valley
The union valley pressure points are on the web (the loose skin) between the thumb and the index finger.
To activate this point, pinch the area with the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for about 10 seconds, then gently massage the area with the thumb of the opposite hand for another 10 seconds.
Repeat this process in the Union Valley of the other hand.
REFERENCES
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326121#does-it-work
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pressure-points-for-headaches#5
- Baggoley C (2015). "Review of the Australian Government Rebate on Natural Therapies for Private Health Insurance" (PDF). Australian Government – Department of Health. Lay summary – Gavura, S. Australian review finds no benefit to 17 natural therapies. Science-Based Medicine. (19 November 2015).