Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method which uses techniques similar to Acupuncture. Sometimes Acupressure is also called as Acupuncture without needles or pressure Acupuncture. Acupressure and as well Acupuncture are methods which concentrates on specific energy channels in the body called as meridians. In this treatment the physical pressure is applied at various points upon body’s energy meridians which are thought to connect the fingertips, brain and the other parts of the body. The aim of using these therapies is to balance or clearing the blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by fingers, palms, by elbow or by using various other devices.
Migraine headaches are frequently referred to as one of the miserable experiences a person can have. Some people want to have an alternative to medicine, so acupressure is one such thing which people can try at home or they can get a help from a skilled acupressure therapist to relieve migraine headache pain. Indeed, many migraine sufferers had made their own personal detection that they are able to stop their migraine headache pain temporarily by simply applying pressure on their temples with their palms and fingers during a migraine pain. Though the use of this method do really works is still unknown, but this practice is commonly found to be quite effective.
Researchers and doctors believe migraines are relieved by acupressure because it improves circulation, relieves stress and tension and possibly releases the body’s natural pain killers called endorphins. Acupressure for migraines has shown to provide relief for some migraine sufferers. But, there is no published evidence which demonstrates its effectiveness in the treatment of migraine. Some medical studies have proposed that acupressure may be effective at helping manage nausea and vomiting.
Some of the acupressure points to relieve the migraine pain
1. Massage between the eyebrows
When you experience the headache pain try to apply balanced pressure in the area between your eyebrows and above the bridge of your nose. Apply the pressure for some minutes repeatedly till you feel that your pain is starting to concede. This pressure point can help to relieve the pain which is caused by indigestion and eyestrain.
2. Massage the Temples
The sides of your forehead or the temples is another pressure point which people often use to ease the migraine pain. Use your thumbs or the tips of your index finger to apply steady pressure on your temples by moving your fingers in small circular motions until you the feel the pain reduced.
3. Massage the back of the neck
Using the tip of your index finger try pressing the back of your neck and can help to relieve your migraine pain almost rapidly. This pressure point works so quickly because the muscles in this area are tighten and you experience stress, which causes you headache.
4. Massage between the big and second toes
This pressure point may be unusual to concentrate but there are many parts of the body which are interconnected and applying pressure on this spot in your foot can help you to ease your migraine just as fast as focusing on a spot on your head.
Some more acupressure points which are named by researchers and practitioners who believed that these points will help to relieve the migraines.
- Pressure point 01 lies in the fold between the thumb and forefinger and when those fingers are pressed together the pain can be relieved
- Pressure point 07 a concave point on the wrist that lies in line with the thumb
- Pressure point 12 is found in the largest pleat inside the wrist in line with the thumb
- Pressure point 26 is applied by pinching the nostril
- Pressure point L14 is believed to relieve headache pain and this point is not recommended to pregnant women because it has to be known to induce labor.
Side effects of acupressure
- People with heart condition should not receive acupressure treatment for migraines
- Pregnant women if they are pregnant for more than three months because some of the pressure points have been known to induce labor
- Pressure should not be applied on the areas of the skin where a person is having bruises, cuts, abrasions, moles, breaks in the skin, warts, and varicose vein.
In fact, a general concept is that energy focuses in the feet, hands or ears with many acupressure points located in these regions. Treatment and application of these pressure points can result in improved health and beyond just the pain relief.