5 Acupressure Points to Relieve Headaches

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Acupressure is a form of alternative and complementary medicine that involves stimulating your pressure points to relieve various symptoms. Like acupuncture, the practice consists of working with meridian pathways of energy. Instead of using needles to tap into them, experts apply pressure to specific areas of the body connected to the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Many people use acupressure to manage everyday aches and pains unrelated to a more significant medical problem. Consult with an expert to learn the basics and you can start using acupressure on yourself when necessary.

One type of pain acupressure can work well for is headaches, which is excellent considering how common they are for many people. Here are five acupressure points that work to relieve headaches.

1. Drilling Bamboo

The Drilling Bamboo (Urinary Bladder 2) points work to relieve headaches caused by sinus pressure or eye strain. They’re on both sides of your nose where the bridge meets your eyebrow ridges.

To utilize them, take your index fingers and apply firm pressure on both points simultaneously. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds before releasing and repeat as needed.

2. Union Valley

The Union Valley (Large Intestine 4) point is on the webbing between your thumb and index finger. This point relieves the tension associated with stiffness and head pain.

To treat headaches with Union Valley point, pinch the area firmly but without causing pain for 10 seconds. Then, use your thumb to rub small circles in one direction for 10 seconds before repeating the other way. Repeat the process on the other hand to help relieve your headache.

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3. Gate of Consciousness

The Gate of Consciousness (Gall Bladder 20) points are in the hollow areas at the base of the skull between the two vertical neck muscles. These points help to relieve the neck tension that causes headaches.

Place your index and middle finger of either hand onto these points. Then, firmly press up on both sides simultaneously for 10 seconds. You can repeat this off and on to help relieve your headache.

4. Third Eye

The Third Eye (Yin Tang) point lies between your eyebrows, where the bridge of your nose intersects with your forehead. This point relieves eye strain and sinus pressure. Use your index finger to apply firm pressure to that point for one minute to alleviate your pain.

5. Shoulder Well

The Shoulder Well (Gall Bladder 21) is a point between your shoulder and the base of your neck. Use your thumb to press circles firmly on the area for one minute before repeating on the other side. Applying this pressure relieve stiffness in the head and neck that can cause headaches.

Using Acupressure for Headaches

Acupressure temporarily relieves pain and complements other forms of treatment you may need, such as physical therapy or surgery. The practice is an excellent alternative to acupuncture since you don’t need a professional to perform it once you learn the basics.

When the head or neck is temporarily strained or injured, it can cause headaches that impact everyday life. You can feel better faster by incorporating temporary treatments — like acupressure — into your regimen.