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Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D. © Copyright
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Acupressure Points for Headaches & Migraines
Headache Causes, Self-Healing Routines & Resources
Most headaches are caused primarily by tension, which constricts the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain. A headache is the body’s warning signal that the brain may not be getting enough oxygen. Too often, we choose to repress the warning signals of a headache by taking aspirin or another pain reliever, instead of dealing with the stress and the real cause.
Migraine headaches involve intense pain and often are accompanied by nausea or visual disorders. This can be incapacitating. It can be a serious condition for which you should consider being under a physician's care. But Acupressure can be an effective complementary method to relieve the migraine pain.
If you have a bad headache that persists for more than several days, call your doctor. A headache that doesn't respond to two or three days of Acupressure, can indicate that a deeper medical condition is causing the headache. Since Acupressure it not a substitution for medical care, please see a doctor if the headache continues to persist.
Migraine headaches involve intense pain and often are accompanied by nausea or visual disorders. This can be incapacitating. It can be a serious condition for which you should consider being under a physician's care. But Acupressure can be an effective complementary method to relieve the migraine pain.
If you have a bad headache that persists for more than several days, call your doctor. A headache that doesn't respond to two or three days of Acupressure, can indicate that a deeper medical condition is causing the headache. Since Acupressure it not a substitution for medical care, please see a doctor if the headache continues to persist.
Headache Causes
Often knowing the causes of the headache can give you good insights into how to deal with the cause and focus on preventing it.
Misalignment
If the vertebrae of the neck are out of alignment, they can throw off the position of the head, creating strain on neck and head muscles. If you have severe pain, you should always see a physician.
Intestinal Congestion
Frontal headaches are ofter accompanied by constipation. The point LI 4, often called "Hoku" located, in the webbing between the thumb and the index finger, helps to relieve congestion in both the head and the colon. Pressing this point on each hand for two minutes while breathing slowly and deeply, can often relieve a frontal headaches.
Acupressure Massage
Slow abdominal Acupressure massage also can benefit both constipation and headaches. Press the points in a circle three inches from the navel. Picture a clock and press one point for each number on the clock. Work in a clockwise direction, facing the abdomen.
Sinus Headaches
When fluids in the back of your nose are unable to drain, pressure builds up in the sinus cavities and causes headaches. Holding GV 24.5 with B 2 while breathing deeply for a couple minutes and then holding St3 under your cheek bone for another couple of minutes can relieve sinus blockages and headache.
Self-Healing Acupressure Routine for Headaches
The following self-care routine can be done either lying down or sitting comfortably.
1. Palm Press the Temples
Position the heel of your hand on your temples, in the indentations outside of your eyebrows. Apply firm pressure inward and rotate your hands while breathing deeply for one minute.
2. Hold Base of Skull With Bridge of Nose
Place a hand under the base of your skull, GB 20, thumb on one side, fingertips on the other, three inches apart. Use your other hand to press the upper ridge of the eye socket near the bridge of the nose, B 2, with your thumb and middle finger. Use your index finger to gently touch between the eyebrows, GV 24.5. Press underneath the skull firmly as you tilt your head back and breathe deeply for one minute.
3. Press St 3
Use your middle and index fingers on both hands to gradually press up under the cheekbones, directly below the center of your eyes, for one minute. Straighten your spine and breathe deeply through your nose as you hold these points gently.
4. Press the Headache Point
Place your right thumb into the webbing between the thumb and index finger, LI 4 on your left hand. Direct the pressure underneath the bone that attaches to your index finger for a minute. Then switch hands and work on your right hand.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not use this point if you are pregnant. This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in the uterus.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not use this point if you are pregnant. This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in the uterus.
Self-Healing Acupressure Resources
Acupressure Stress Relief video provides detailed guidance to use Acupressure techniques for relieving neck and shoulder tension. This video is available for rental, download and DVD.
DVD • Download • RentThis Release Back Pain audio program is available as an mp3 download and a CD. Practice Self-Healing through the techniques you’ll find, including easy stretching, Acupressure points, and gentle spinal exercises.
Audio DetailsThe Acupressure Pain Relief book has an entire section on "arm and shoulder pain." Contains 400 photos and diagrams, making it easy to use. Available as a printed book and an ebook download.
Printed Book • eBookSelf-Healing
Acupressure Solution
An Online Fully Guided Self-Healing Video Course for Wellness & Relieving Over a 100 Common Body Ailments
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