7 Pressure Points to Relieve Your Next Headache
- Third Eye Pressure Point. Located between your eyebrows, the third eye pressure point is a great starting point for reducing a tension headache.
- Drilling Bamboo Pressure Points. These pressure points are located on either side of the bridge of your nose, just below the start of your eyebrows.
- Gates of Consciousness Pressure Point. ...
What are the pressure points to relieve headaches?
Tension Headache Relief Pressure Points
- Headache pressure point rubbing
- Rub your forehead for several seconds with one hand. ...
- Hands on the head for a couple of minutes.
- Rubbing pressure points on the forehead for two minutes.
- Hands on the head for a couple of minutes.
- Mucus and turgidity points
- Using your thumbs and index fingers, apply pressure to the inner surfaces of your ears. ...
What pressure point helps headaches?
Which pressure points can help migraine headaches?
- Face. Drilling Bamboo or Urinary Bladder 2, or Cuanzhu: These points are found on either side on the top of your nose, at the indentations where the bridge of your ...
- Ear. The ear gate: You can find this point at the top of the ear and the temple. ...
- Temple. ...
- Neck. ...
- Hand. ...
- Feet. ...
What causes pressure point headaches?
Major migraine triggers
- Changing weather: rising humidity, heat
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Fatigue
- Emotional stress
- Sensory triggers: bright or flickering lights, loud noises, strong smells
What are the pressure points for a headache?
Pressure Points for Headaches and Migraine Relief
- Third Eye Point. This point is present between your eyebrows, above the bridge of your nose. ...
- Bright Light Points. These pressure points for headache are present just below the tip of your eyebrows and above your eyes one on each side.
- Temple Region Points. ...
- Neck Region Points. ...
- Foot & Hand Points. ...
- Face Region Points. ...
What pressure points get rid of tension headaches?
Pressure point LI-4 is also called Hegu (her-goo). It is found on the back of your hand. It is between the base of your thumb and index (pointer) finger (see Figure 1). Doing acupressure on this point can help with pain and headaches.
What is the fastest way to relieve a tension headache?
Apply heat to relieve tense neck and shoulder muscles. Use a heating pad set on low, a hot water bottle, a hot shower or bath, a warm compress, or a hot towel. Or apply ice or a cool washcloth to the forehead. Massage also can relieve muscle tension — and sometimes headache pain.
Where do you massage to get rid of tension headaches?
Massage Therapy to Ease Headaches and Tension Using very firm pressure and a tiny circular motion, gradually move your fingers up along your hairline until they meet in the middle of your forehead, massaging your entire forehead and scalp as you inch along.
How can I relieve tension and pressure in my head?
Tension headaches occur when neck, shoulder, and scalp muscles become tense....4 ways to tame tension headachesPay attention to the basics. Get enough sleep, don't skip meals, and be sure to pace yourself to avoid stress and fatigue.Relaxation techniques. ... Biofeedback. ... Medical approaches.
What triggers tension headaches?
Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, head injury, or anxiety. They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and older teens.
What makes a tension headache worse?
It may be triggered by or get worse with stress, fatigue, noise, or glare. You may have difficulty sleeping. Tension headaches usually do not cause nausea or vomiting. People with tension headaches try to relieve pain by massaging their scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck.
How do you get rid of tension headaches naturally?
Natural remedies for headachesDrink water. Inadequate hydration may lead you to develop a headache. ... Take some magnesium. ... Limit alcohol. ... Get adequate sleep. ... Avoid foods high in histamine. ... Try essential oils. ... Try a B-complex vitamin. ... Soothe pain with a cold compress.More items...
How long can a tension headache last?
Episodic tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches may become chronic.
How do I stop my head from holding tension?
Identifying and avoiding headache triggers may prevent a tension headache. Maintaining a regular sleep, exercise, and meal schedule is also helpful. If tension headaches occur regularly or frequently, therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, or biofeedback may reduce or eliminate headaches.
How should I sleep to avoid tension headaches?
Adjust the way you sleep: Try sleeping on your back or on your side with a body pillow and your neck in neutral posture. Exercise and stretch: Use a therapy cane or a hard therapy ball to massage out or stretch your neck and shoulder muscles.
How do I get rid of tension in my brain?
AdvertisementGet active. Virtually any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. ... Meditate. ... Laugh more. ... Connect with others. ... Assert yourself. ... Try yoga. ... Get enough sleep. ... Keep a journal.More items...
What do I do if my tension headache won't go away?
Self-massage or massage therapy may help ease the tension that causes ongoing headaches. You may also benefit from reducing stimuli and resting in a dark, quiet room. Your doctor can help you address your stress, anxiety, or mood disorder through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
How long should a tension headache last?
Episodic tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches may become chronic.
How do you get rid of a tension headache that won't go away?
Although resting and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can treat most headaches, some people experience headaches that last for longer than a day....Lifestyle changesgetting enough sleep.limiting caffeine intake.drinking plenty of water.quitting smoking, or not starting.exercising regularly.lowering stress.
How to get rid of headaches with pressure points?
Apply pressure equally on both sides, or stimulate one side at a time for one minute. This pressure point is not only great for relieving general headaches, but also for easing eye strain and providing allergy relief. 3. Facial Beauty Pressure Point. To locate these pressure points, guide your index finger to the bottom ...
How to use the Gates of Consciousness?
Gates of Consciousness Pressure Point. Interlace your fingers behind your head and stretch the thumbs to press the hollows on the side of your neck at the base of your skull. Use your thumbs to massage the point while you breathe deeply . This pressure point is also great for relieving neck pain and anxiety. 5.
How to use facial beauty pressure point?
To locate these pressure points, guide your index finger to the bottom of your cheekbones alongside each nostril. Press and hold for one minute, or massage the area in circular motions. Along with headaches, the facial beauty pressure point can help relieve toothaches, sinus pain, and congestion.
Why do we use pressure points?
Pressure points come from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Targeting these specific points is traditionally said to help restore the flow of qi, or energy, through the body. Why? The specific pressure points lie along meridians or energy channels. By applying firm pressure to these points and then releasing, you can help to unblock stagnant energy and find relief.
How to treat migraines with melatonin?
2. Bright Lights Pressure Point. Using both index fingers, find the brow bone just above the inner corners of the eyes. Apply pressure equally on both sides, or stimulate one side at a time for one minute.
What is the best way to calm nerves?
This pressure point is also great for calming nerves. To truly feel the benefits, you can also try holding an ice cube to this pressure point. Doing so is said to release endorphins into the bloodstream and restore balance to the body.
How to massage a headache?
1. Third-Eye Pressure Point. Using your index and point finger, press the space between the eyebrows where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead for one minute. You can either press straight on or massage the area in a circular motion.
What Is A Tension Headache?
Most likely, you’ve experienced tension headaches before. They’re a common type of headache that people often describe as a tight band around the forehead. You’ll feel dull pain, pressure, and sensitivity around the head. Even though it’s prevalent, it is not yet understood why it happens. Some of the most common causes include staring at screens for hours, driving for long periods of time, stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, sinus infections, colds, flu, and many more. Typically, they can be made more tolerable by drinking water, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and changing one’s lifestyle.
What Are The Pressure Points To Relieve A Tension Headache?
While there are many pressure points out there that could help alleviate tension headaches, GB-20, GV-20, EM-5, LI-4, and Liv-3 were recommended to be the main acupoints for this condition. Below we’ve detailed each acupoint, their locations, and their role in helping chronic tension-type headache relief.
Will Acupuncture Help Tension Headaches?
This treatment aims to remove energetic imbalances caused by stress or poor lifestyle habits. Stimulating acupoints around the body helps restore the natural flow of “qi” (energy) and, ultimately, a healing response. It is believed that the needles are actually stimulating nerves to release hormones that trigger your body to respond in such a way. And because all of our bodily systems are interconnected to each other, even acupoints far away from the head could help relieve tension headaches.
How to get rid of a swollen thumb?
Massage and apply firm pressure to each acupoint. With your hand, press down on one acupoint at a time and move your thumb in a circular motion. You can keep firm pressure, but don’t press down too hard to the point that it hurts.
Where is the GB-20 located?
GB-20, also known as “fengchi” or “wind pool”, is located on the posterior neck at the base of the head. This is an ideal acupoint to use for treating headaches as it helps to clear the head and relieve pain. It is also one of the best acupressure points for eyes.
Is acupuncture safe for everyone?
Given that acupuncture involves the use of needles, professional acupuncturists are needed to perform it. Otherwise, you could risk getting serious side effects. While acupuncture is an excellent treatment, it’s not ideal for everyone. Another way you can treat yourself with a similar holistic treatment is through the use of acupressure. It works the same way as acupuncture, but without all of the scary needles. Acupressure is also part of TCM and works under the idea of qi flowing throughout the body and works to remove blockages. But if it doesn’t involve the use of needles, then what is it? In short, it’s like a targeted massage. The needles are replaced by firm pressure at the various acupoints. There’s less research to back up acupressure, but you have nothing to lose if you try it out. It’s free, safe for most people, and simple to do.
Where is the Liv 3?
Liv-3, also known as “taichong” or “supreme rush”, is located on the dorsum of the foot, about 1 cun behind the junction between the big and second toes. This acupoint is associated with wind, so it can address issues like headaches, dizziness, and facial paralysis. It is also an excellent target for reflexology for hip pain.
What Are Pressure Points, and Where Are They Located?
The term "pressure point" derives from acupressure, which is based on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture.
How to Use Pressure Points to Ease Tension Headaches
While persistent headaches may require professional treatment, there are ways to apply pressure to these points yourself. One of the best pressure points to focus on when treating tension headaches is the skin between the thumb and the pointer finger. Dr.
What are the three most common types of headaches?
Headaches are frequent cause for concern: Every 10 seconds, someone in the United States goes to the emergency room for a headache or migraine. The three most common types of headaches—tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines —can range from mild aches to a debilitating pains, and are often difficult to treat.
How to treat headaches without needles?
While addressing the root cause is ideal, sometimes the origin is not obvious and you just need to find a way to alleviate the pain. Acupressure, a therapy you can try at home that stimulates acupuncture points by applying pressure without using acupucture needles, can treat headaches without the toxic side effects that come with some medications.
What is TE 17?
TE 17—Yi Feng: In the depression 1 cun below the earlobe.
How to relieve headaches from acupressure?
Press your finger firmly onto one of the headache relief pressure points (acupressure point) and massage it by moving in a small up-and-down or circular motion for several minutes. There is no limit as to how often you stimulate a point to release the tension.
Where are acupressure points located?
Acupressure points lie along your body's meridian points and can be located by anatomical landmarks —either muscle groups or bony structures. Many of these trigger points that relieve pain associated with headaches and migraines are in your neck and head.
Where is GB 1?
GB 1—Tong Zi Liao: 0.5 cun away from the outer corner of the eye, in the depression of the temple.
Can headaches be accompanied by fever?
See a doctor if your headaches persist or are frequent. Seek emergency care if your headache is accompanied by a high fever; stiff neck; nausea; confusion; loss of consciousness; or difficulty seeing, speaking, or walking.
What Is Acupressure?
There are multiple references to techniques to “stimulate meridians” (called “chi acupuncture” in Chinese medicine) dating back to around 500 B.C. These early techniques focused on stimulating specific points along the body’s energy lines. The ancient Chinese believed that this technique would relieve pain.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Stimulating the acupressure points along meridians, similar to acupuncture, helps to promote your body’s natural healing response. Acupressure may provide instant relief from tension headaches. However, a number of studies are underway to determine the long-term efficacy of this treatment for headaches.
What Causes Headaches?
All those reactions come with a lot of tension. If that tension is not relieved, you might end up with a headache. Certain health conditions and life stresses can increase your risk for headaches. Changes in hormones, like during menopause, are common headache trigger. These fluctuations can wreak havoc on your moods and make you more prone to headaches.
