Roland Späht - 22.07.2022
Acupressure for migraine: does it help?
Dhat pulsating, stabbing, throbbing headache that overwhelms you and forces you to take an hour-long break?
In Germany, about 15 million people suffer from more or less regular migraine attacks. The frequency ranges from once or twice a year to almost daily. Acupressure can be an effective means of reducing the use of medication in acute attacks or permanent discomfort and has been proven to provide relief. Experience the calming effects of acupressure for migraines.
Table of contents
- What is migraine?
- What is acupressure?
- Acupressure points migraine
- Conclusion
What is migraine?
From a medical point of view, migraine is a neurological disease and occurs in the form of attacks at irregular intervals. The frequency of occurrence ranges from a few times a year to almost daily.
The duration of the attack ranges from a few hours to three days. The pain is often unilateral on one side of the head, but may extend to the other side.
In addition to the severe headache, symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, and hypersensitivity to noise, light, and odors. An additional phenomenon that can occur are visual disturbances that can last up to half an hour. Such a case is called migraine with aura.
For most people, a normal daily routine is unthinkable during a migraine attack. One seeks out the bed and hopes that the nasty pain will be gone as quickly as possible.
Most often affected are women with about 12% -14%, men with 6% - 8%. Children and teenagers also suffer. Often the migraine attacks slowly fade away from the age of 55.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is an alternative medical method from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. It is based on the belief that there are energy channels in the body and that by stimulating these points you can improve overall health.
This vital energy (Qi) flows through the body along certain pathways (14 meridians). By applying pressure to these acupressure points, this life energy can be stimulated and brought into balance.
There are over 400 acupressure points on the human body. These points are often located along the meridians, and each point has a specific purpose.
Acupressure is often used to relieve pain, but it can also treat other ailments such as anxiety, stress, headaches and nausea.
The points used in acupressure are often the same as those used in acupuncture.
Acupressure is a safe and gentle method that can be used to improve overall health and treat physical ailments.
Acupressure points migraine
Let's move on to the most important acupressure points for acute migraine attacks and persistent symptoms. To treat migraine by acupressure it is important to stimulate them properly. There are several acupressure techniques for this purpose.
One of the most common is the use of the fingertips or thumb. To use the fingertips, find the appropriate point. Apply gentle pressure to that point. The pressure to apply depends on the sensitivity of the point.
Basically, unless otherwise listed for the indicated point, proceed as follows:
Either apply constant pressure or massage the acupressure point in gentle circular motions. If the point is very sensitive, apply gentle pressure for 30 seconds. If it is less sensitive, you can apply more pressure for 15 seconds. Go through all the points step by step. In case of persistent attacks, repeat this up to three times a day.
The He Gu (Di4)
The hegu is located on the back of the hand in the bulge between the index finger and thumb. It is a universal pain point and can generally be pressed when pain occurs. Press this point for two minutes.
You can also do this alternately between both hands. Press the point for several minutes for about three seconds, always alternating between the right and left hand.
Important. Pregnant women should not use this point under any circumstances. Often the point is used in obstetrics to induce labor and strengthen contractions.
The Tou Wei (Ma8)
The Ma8 is located directly in the corner of the temple (corner of the secretion), at the hairline. massage this point with the index and middle finger for at least 30 seconds in a circular motion.
This is an effective pressure point for migraines. It is considered analgesic and helps with eye diseases.
The Cuan Zhu (Bl2)
The acupressure point Bl2 is located at the root of the nose under the eyebrows, about 1.5 finger width from the midline. Massage this point with your index fingers or thumb for about 30 seconds.
If you have a cold, the massage can even relieve nasal congestion.
The Shuai Gu (Gb8)
The GB8 is located about three finger widths above the ear and can be massaged on both sides with light pressure for 30 seconds to one minute.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this point is effective in treating headaches, dizziness and ringing in the ears.
The Si Zhu Kong (3E23)
Pressure point 3E23 is located at the temples. Massaging this pressure point can help relieve headaches.
To massage this pressure point:
1. use your thumb and index finger to find the point.
2. apply gentle pressure in a circular motion.
The Tong Zi Lao (Gb1)
Touqiaoyin GB1 is located one thumb width behind the corner of the eye.
This acupressure point can also be massaged on both sides of the head for headaches to relieve the feeling of tension.
The Shang Guan (Gb3)
The pressure point Shang Guan (Gb3) is located directly above the jaw joint in a depression. This point can be massaged with both middle fingers to relieve headaches during a migraine attack.
Apply gentle pressure with the middle fingers and massage in a circular motion.
Repeat the process several times on both sides for one to two minutes.
Conclusion
Migraine attacks are common in the population and many are frequently affected. Acupressure can be used as a supportive treatment for acute migraine attacks to reduce the administration of medication. In some cases, with regular use and a certain degree of practice, considerable treatment success can be achieved. If migraine attacks become more frequent, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
About the author
Roland Späht is the founder of BACKLAxx® and a content strategist. He had already been struggling with back pain since childhood due to scoliosis. After studying engineering, he worked in project management for years and during this time he intensively dealt with the treatment of his worsening back pain.
His goal was to fight his way out of this downward spiral of pain without medication and permanent medical treatment. In this way he found ways and means for himself that permanently relieved his pain. He is firmly convinced that everyone can find an alternative way out of pain.
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