From traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure involves stimulating specific areas and points of the human body called acupressure points. This method is effective in combating headaches, states of anxiety or stress.
Sometimes a sudden headache can ruin our day. And very often, we do not have paracetamol or tiger balm on hand! But there is actually one way to get rid of headaches naturally and effectively, and that is acupressure.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure comes from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves stimulating specific areas and points throughout the body called acupressure points. Thanks to the pressure of the fingers, this method helps to rebalance the body and overcome chronic pain. According to a scientific study published by The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, acupressure may indeed have a positive effect on headaches.
What are the benefits of acupressure?
- Helps fight against stress
- Causes general well-being
- Helps calm nervous tension
- Relieves headaches
- Improves physical, emotional or mental state
- Strengthens the immune system
- Prevents injuries to athletes
- Improves recovery
What is the difference between acupressure and shiatsu massage?
Because they are similar, acupressure and shiatsu massage are often confused. They are actually quite different. Performed by the pressure of the fingers along the acupuncture meridians, shiatsu massage releases energy from contracted areas of the body. On the contrary, acupressure – which is closely based on acupuncture – focuses on specific therapy points. The only difference is that in acupressure the points are not stimulated with needles but with the fingers.
What massage to relieve headaches?
When we have a headache, we often have the reflex to massage our temples and / or pinch the bridge of the nose and this is no accident! These are indeed two areas that are part of these famous acupressure points. To relieve a headache, start by relaxing already. Once you are comfortable, focus on a point in your head that will depend on where your pain is. Then perform a circular massage on this point by applying gentle finger pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. The pain should then subside within 5 to 10 minutes.
6 acupressure points to relieve headaches
The point of the third eye, also called Yintang, is located between the eyebrows at the beginning of the nose. This point can also help relieve eye strain. Press on this point with your index or middle finger for at least 30 seconds or massage in circular motions. Inhale and exhale.
The Zan Zhu point is located at the bridge of the nose, below the eyebrows. Massage with your thumb and forefinger for about a minute. If you have a cold or a stuffy nose, massage on this point can relieve nasal congestion.
The Shuai Gu point is 2-3cm at the beginning of the hairline. This can be massaged from both sides with gentle pressure for 30 seconds to a minute. Applying pressure to this point relieves pain in the temporal region and eye strain.
The Tou Qiao Yin point is behind the ear at the transition from the skull to the neck. This acupressure point can also be massaged on both sides for a headache. It also relieves that feeling of tension that can sometimes be felt.
A light massage of the temples can help relieve ophthalmic migraines. To treat these eye pain and vision problems, it is necessary to act on the Tong Zi Liao point. Massage your times in circular movements for a minute, while exerting light pressure.
The Tian Zhu point is located at the back of the head, between the ears and at the beginning of the spine. Massaging this point also helps relieve nasal congestion, eye pain, headaches, and migraine. Press with your thumbs on the points or massage in circular motions for a good 2 minutes.
If you wish, there are also some very practical and easy to use acupressure mats at home!
> Acupressure mat, € 20.39 on Amazon
Warning ! Acupressure is not a substitute for a doctor's exam. If this method does not relieve your headache and the pain intensifies, seek professional help quickly.
To learn more about acupressure …
> Acupressure for Beginners – Releasing and Balancing Your Energy Flow, Bob Doto, € 12.95 on Amazon
> My bible of points that heal, Laurent Turlin & Alix Lefief-Delcourt, € 27 on Amazon