Migraines and Three DIY Acupressure Points

Acupressure and acupuncture are closely related. Both involve stimulating pressure points along energy lines which run through the body. Both practices stem from ancient Chinese culture. Importantly, both are also used as an alternative treatment for migraine.

Acupressure differs from acupuncture however in that it does not use the thin needles which is the crux of acupuncture. Instead, acupressure uses physical pressure to stimulate the body’s pressure points, and some of the body’s pressure points have been noted as being particularly helpful in the relief of migraine pain.

 

The third eye is one of the easiest pressure points to locate and utilise. The third eye pressure point can be found between the eyebrows. It can be activated by applying constant and firm pressure with one or two fingers, and gently massaging the point in a circular motion. [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326121.php MM NOVEMBER CONTENT REF 12]

 

An acupressure technique which is centred in a nearby location is that of “drilling bamboo”. This is where the pair of pressure points which sit on either side of where the bridge of the nose meets the eyebrow bone are given equal pressure at the same time using both index fingers. [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326121.php MM NOVEMBER CONTENT REF 13]

 

Another pressure point which has been cited as being particularly helpful for migraine sufferers is that of the hegu pressure point, or the union valley. This pressure point can be found on the loose skin between the thumb and index finger. To activate it the pressure point should be pinched by the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand and then massaged in small circles. When one hand has been rubbed, the hegu point, on the other hand, should be given the same pressure. [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326121.php MM NOVEMBER CONTENT REF 14]

 

Acupressure doesn’t work for everyone, but some sufferers have found it to be helpful, and given that it costs nothing to self-activate these pressure points, it’s worth a go. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20128040 MM NOVEMBER CONTENT REF 15]