Can Acupressure and Acupuncture Help Headaches? 

 

If you have regular headaches, acupuncture and acupressure may help to alleviate some of the troublesome symptoms you experience. While acupuncture should only be done by a licensed practitioner, acupressure (the use of pressure points on the body to stimulate energy and alleviate pain) can be done on your own. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these types of treatments for headache relief.

Many headaches are caused by tension in the muscles, especially in the shoulders. Acupressure, also known as reflexology, is the manipulation of pressure points that correspond to different areas of the body. By putting pressure on the designated points, you can help alleviate the tension you’re feeling, which will, in turn, take away or lessen your headache pain. To take it a step further, you can consult an acupuncture practitioner, who can insert minuscule needles in these points for a similar result.

One acupressure point, known as “the gates of consciousness,” is located at the base of the neck and releases endorphins that provide natural pain relief. Gradually apply pressure in the two hollows below the base of the skull, and in the hollows on both sides of the neck, between the two vertical neck muscles.

Another, known as “the valley of harmony,” is located at the web between your thumb and forefinger. Apply pressure with your opposite thumb and, when you begin to feel a slight soreness, hold for two minutes. Do so on both hands for optimum results.

The third eye point is located at the bridge of the nose, equally distant from each of your eyes. Put pressure on this point for a full minute to help relieve your headache symptoms.

For best results, put pressure on the acupressure points several times during the day, especially if you’re not feeling the results you expect. These therapies are not instantaneous; instead, you can expect a gradual healing process from your headache pain. Several clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of acupressure and acupuncture to relieve headache pain, however these therapies don’t work for everyone. Consult a specialist if you have regular and/or severe headaches as they can be an indication of a more serious condition.

Click here to check out iHerb’s selection of Headache Products! New to iHerb? Use Rewards Code CST984 to get up to $10 off your first order.