Can Acupressure Relieve Headaches?

After a busy day, many people experience symptoms of headache and heaviness, which may not subside even after rest. Several simple and easy-to-follow self-massage acupressure techniques can relieve headaches.

What is a headache?

A headache is a highly complex symptom, typically characterized by pain in different areas of the head, including the forehead, temples, crown, and back of the head. It can be persistent or intermittent and is often described as dull, stabbing, or throbbing, sometimes accompanied by a pulsating sensation, causing significant distress in daily life.

There are many factors that can cause headache, such as cerebrovascular diseases, eye-related conditions, ear-related conditions, hypertension, and cervical spondylosis. For headache caused by identifiable factors, treatment of the underlying condition is essential. However, many people suffer from nonspecific headache without an identifiable cause, also known as tension headache.

Tension headaches are characterized by persistent contraction of muscles and fascia in the head and neck region (often caused by cold exposure or mental stress), featuring dull, constricting, or pressing pain. They are often associated with a feeling of heaviness in the head and are frequently secondary or concurrent with cervical spondylosis. They are common among long-term desk workers, especially those with long working hours and high mental pressure. These headaches tend to recur easily and can vary in intensity.

The principle of “when the channels are unobstructed, there is no pain” applies to acupressure. Massaging acupressure points can effectively relieve muscle tension, improve local blood circulation, and alleviate inflammation and pain, offering significant benefits for headache. Below, we introduce how to use acupressure to relieve headache.

Acupressure Therapy for Headache

Common Techniques: Point pressing, grasping, kneading, wiping, dispersing.

Common Acupoints and Areas: Yintang, Jingming, Yangbai, Taiyang, Baihui, Fengchi, Hegu, Yongquan. Additionally, acupoints along the foot Shaoyang Gallbladder meridian and aforementioned muscle tender points can be targeted.

Procedure:

(1) The patient lies supine with the head tilted to the healthy side. The therapist starts with finger kneading from Fengchi point along the neck muscles down to the cervical root, repeating this motion for 3-5 minutes; grasping Fengchi point, grasping the cervical muscles 3-5 times.

(2) Finger massage Yintang, Jingming, Yangbai, Taiyang, Baihui, Hegu, etc., 20-30 times each. Wipe the forehead and upper and lower eyelids 3-5 times.

(3) Finger knead Hegu 30-50 times. Use dispersing technique along the Shaoyang Gallbladder meridian route on the side of the head, from anterior superior to posterior inferior, 30-50 times.

(4) The patient sits on the edge of the bed, and the therapist uses a five-finger grasping method (grasping the five meridians) from the front hairline, over the top of the head, and to the back of the head, switching to a three-finger method, grasping Fengchi; repeating this motion for 3-5 times.

(5) Finally, massage both Yongquan points on both sides to conclude the treatment.

Differential Treatment: Depending on the location of pain, different muscle tender points can be massaged. For patients with symptoms such as flushed face, nausea, and vomiting, massage of Neiguan, Fenglong, and Stomach Yu points can be added. For those with significant visual impairments, enhancing wiping around the upper and lower eyelids, massaging around the eyes, and massaging Guangming points can be beneficial.

Foods to Avoid for Migraines

• (1) Foods high in tyramine, such as coffee, chocolate, and dairy products.
• (2) Animal fats, which account for 49.8% of all food-related triggers for migraines. Strict control can prevent migraine attacks.
• (3) Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, spirits, lemon juice, citrus fruits, and ice cream.
• (4) Beef sausages, cured meat products, soy sauce, etc.

Lifestyle Considerations

Avoid excessive fatigue, excessive stress, and suboptimal health conditions. Maintain regular sleep patterns, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Regular exercise such as jogging can effectively reduce the frequency of headache.

Conclusion

In summary, specific acupressure points can effectively relieve headache discomfort. However, it is essential to distinguish between different types of headache and adopt appropriate treatment methods accordingly. Additionally, adjusting dietary habits, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and engaging in moderate exercise are essential measures for preventing headache. We hope the information provided above can help you better manage and prevent headache, enabling you to enjoy a healthier life.