Acupressure for headaches, massage points for headaches

The main points for relieving head pain on it

They are grouped into groups, each of them is affected depending on what kind of pain is present.
Many of them can be massaged yourself. Pain in the temples and forehead area can be eliminated by finding several points on the head; you just need to mentally draw a triangle on the forehead. One of its sides will run along the eyebrow line. It is necessary to massage each corner of the triangular figure for 6 minutes, and the pain will go away; each of the resulting three points has its own area of influence:

Affects the temporal lobe. The masseur runs his fingers between the eyebrow and eyelid, finding a depression between them on the outside, and begins to massage it.
This point is located near the ears in a small depression. They are energy centers for pain relief and should be massaged for at least 3 minutes.
It is located on the border between hair growth and forehead. It should be massaged in a circle for at least one minute.

These are the three main points, besides them there are no less significant points on the head:

In the temporal region, near the artery, you should try not to touch the latter when performing a massage.
On the back of the head, in its cavity, where the two neck muscles meet.
Near the outer corners of the upper eyebrows.
Near the inner corner of the eye, 3 mm closer to the bridge of the nose. When performing a massage of this point, you need to move to the beginning of the eyebrow.
On the top of the head, to find a point there, visually draw a line from the upper tips of the ears across the entire top of the head and, stepping back from this line 1.5 cm to the back of the head, you can detect it.
Above the ears where they meet the head, to get to the point you need to bend them slightly.

Active points for massage

Acupuncture identifies a number of biologically active points that are responsible for the functioning of various organs and systems located throughout the body. Let's take a closer look at the points whose influence helps to cope with pain symptoms.

Points in the head and neck area

Tai-yang - located between the outer edge of the eye and the tip of the eyebrows. This point is projected onto the area of the temporal muscle, and therefore is especially effective for painful sensations in the head in the temple area resulting from a migraine attack, colds, cold-related diseases, and neuralgia.

Shan-sin - localized in the upper part of the head, on the forehead, just above the hairline. Pressure on this area will give excellent results for neuralgia, problems with the nervous system, headaches caused by overwork, psycho-emotional shock

Tou-wei - this point is called the “Guardian of the Head” because it is the main area of influence in the treatment of headaches. This point is localized in the upper temporal region near the hairline. Manipulations with Tou-wei are most effective for severe migraine attacks, neuritis, and ophthalmological diseases accompanied by headaches.

Antitragus - located in the area of the auricle, covering the ear canal. A good analgesic effect can be achieved not only by acting on the point itself, but also by pulling the earlobes downward.

On hands

The main point (the most active) is called He-gu - located on the inner surface of the hand. The point can be easily detected by straightening the palm and moving the thumb to the side. He-gu will be located in the resulting angle between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones.

This zone has a wide range of beneficial properties. It is recommended to use it for colds, viral and respiratory diseases. But pregnant women should know that Hae-gu, among other things, stimulates labor. Therefore, it is better for expectant mothers to refuse such a precise massage.

Wai Guan is a point located on the outside of the wrist, and the second Nei Guan is on the inside. Alternating massage of these zones is a great help for headaches of various etiologies.

In the area of the elbow bend, where the fold appears, there is an active Shou-san-li point, massage of which will also help to cope with a painful attack in a very short time.

On foot

The lower extremities have their own zones, by acting on which it will be possible to get rid of the pain symptom:

The first active zone is localized between the 1st and 2nd toes. Massage the indicated area with the pads of the thumbs, making clockwise rotational movements or light pressure.
The second point is localized on the inside of the ankle joint, just above the ankle area. For the best effect, it is recommended to massage both legs at the same time.
The third point is located on the outside of the foot in the depression between the little toe and the metatarsus.
Another biologically active zone is the depression on the inner surface of the foot under the calf muscle. A minute of pressure on this area is enough to cope with a headache or at least significantly reduce it.
Zu-lin-qi is a point located at the top of the outer part of the foot, between the 5th and 4th metatarsal bones. It is recommended to influence this area with soft, smooth, moderate movements.

Torso

The main point on the body, which is recommended to be affected in case of pain, is located approximately 2 fingers below the umbilical zone. Pressure on this zone should be made with sharp, jerky movements, with maximum pressing force, in a lying position

To achieve the desired result, it is important to relax the abdominal muscle groups as much as possible.

天柱 - tian-zhu points

My head often hurts after sitting for a long time at the computer in a question mark pose. When the cervical vertebrae are in the wrong position, the muscles have to strain. Stimulating the Tian Zhu points in the upper part of the neck, about a centimeter from the spine, will help relieve tension.

Ideally, these points should be massaged while lying on your back and supporting your neck from behind with both hands. But this can also be done in the office. Sit back and stretch your neck properly. Then press the tian zhu for several minutes, relax a little with your eyes closed and begin working with renewed vigor.

Acupressure

This is one of the most common types of actions. Usually the patient, on a subconscious level, begins to perform circular movements in the temple area with the index and middle fingers. By and large, this is acupressure for headaches.

This type of action is based on the ancient eastern teaching - acupuncture, which indicates various points of the body that are responsible for certain body functions

Science treats this direction with caution when using it radically and hopes only for massaging, but in general does not reject the presence of such points.

Contraindications and restrictions

In some conditions, you should refrain from influencing active points. You should not perform acupressure head massage for headaches in the following cases:

during pregnancy, with the exception of the second trimester;
in the presence of tumors of any origin;
during the period of exacerbation of chronic diseases;
for any diseases of the hematopoietic organs;
on the days of menstruation.

Weather-sensitive people need to be especially careful when performing a massage during periods of sudden changes in weather conditions.

Relaxing head massage for migraines

Homeopaths recommend lighting aromatic lamps during a massage for frequent headaches. They help calm the nervous system and relax muscles

To relax the scalp, before applying pressure to the active points, use your fingertips to massage your head in a circular motion, paying attention to the temporal and occipital areas. The fact is that these parts contain the largest number of headache areas.

If a person has a sore forehead, stroking the brow ridges helps very well, and the movements should be from the base of the eyebrows to the temple. There are also several active points in this zone, so in addition to stroking, you can press on the base of the eyebrows, their middle part and the area where the eyebrow ends.

If pain occurs in the temple area, then pressing and holding the pads of your middle fingers on the temples themselves for 1.5 minutes will help relieve the spasm, and subsequently the pain will subside. In China, this point is called the “solar” point, and the sages claim that through this place the body is charged with the energy of the sun and space. Pressing on the symmetrical points that are present in the ear area (auditory canal), in the recess where the upper jaw ends, also helps a lot. You need to massage them for three minutes in 4-5 approaches.

This technique helps restore blood circulation and relieve spasms, which mainly cause pain in the temples.

If painful sensations appear in the back of the head, it is necessary to act on the points that are located on the neck. Very often, the cause of pain in the occipital region is stagnation of blood in the neck area due to various osteochondrosis or a sedentary lifestyle. If you experience discomfort and pain in the back of your head, you must first perform circular movements of your head clockwise and counterclockwise 5-6 times. Then find the point under the occipital protuberance: it is 5 mm below it, in the middle. You need to massage it for 4-5 minutes.

Causes and types of pain

Headaches most often indicate a lack of oxygen in the brain, caused by vasoconstriction due to excessive tension in the head muscles. Instead of relieving tension with a relaxing massage, people drown themselves with aspirin and other painkillers.
Often headaches occur due to spinal curvature. Incorrectly positioned cervical vertebrae strain the head muscles and can even pinch the cervical nerve, thereby causing pain.
Intestinal stagnation. Constipation often causes headaches. To get rid of this you need a complex of head and abdominal massages.
Fatigue of the body. With heavy workload or severe lack of sleep, a headache often begins. Good rest will help with such pain.
Serious illness or head injury. In these cases, you should immediately consult a doctor for hospitalization or a course of treatment.

Acupressure techniques

Self-performing acupressure for headaches and migraines begins with choosing a comfortable position. The procedure can be carried out either lying down or sitting - the main thing is that there is support for the back, neck and back of the head.

For headaches

The technique of massaging points for headaches is as follows:

Use your thumb or index finger to massage the points near the eyebrows for five minutes. The direction of movement is circular, on the right - clockwise, on the left - vice versa;
Go to the points on the edge of the scalp, and massage them in a circular motion with light movements for 1 minute;
Press on the area that is located in the hollow under the lower lip; also allow one minute for this pressure. Perform gentle pinch movements using your thumb and index finger;
Move to the lower massage points, which are located in the depression just below the base of the skull. Massage them with your thumbs from bottom to top, with pressure;
Complete the complex by stroking the active point in a circle at the first cervical vertebra.

After the massage, you need to lie down or sit in a relaxed position for 5-10 minutes. Remove all sources of irritation, refrain from reading, listening to music and talking during this time.

Neck massage

Acupressure for dizziness and vascular spasm due to fatigue is carried out not only in the head area, but also in the neck area. It is better if the procedure is carried out by another person, since the points for influence in this case are located symmetrically to the spine in the lower part of the neck, at a distance of 4-5 cm from the spinal column. You need to knead them for 2-3 minutes, using circular movements with light pressure. If relief does not occur, you can take a 10-minute break and repeat the exercise.

During a migraine attack

Effective acupressure for migraines is based on impact on key points on the face:

Start acupressure for migraines with stroking movements from the corners of the eyelids to the bridge of the nose. Remember that paired points are massaged synchronously: when pressing on one point, be sure to press with the same force on the symmetrically located one;
The next point is the highest points of the eyebrows. At this point, pinch a small fold of skin between your index finger and thumb and hold for 5-7 seconds. Repeat 10-12 times at equal intervals;
Finally, place the pads of your index and middle fingers at the center of your temples and make a rotating motion towards your ears. You should not perform this exercise for a long time - 1-2 minutes is enough.

If a migraine attack finds you at home, after completing the session, try to lie down for at least half an hour. To prevent further attacks, the proposed complex can be performed every morning.

For toothache

Massage is one of the most effective methods for immediate relief of toothache. The main treatment areas are located at the base of the earlobes. You need to massage them first with pinching movements, then in a circular motion. The following points are located in the recesses at the neck of the lower jaw; they need to be affected with circular movements towards the ears.

Complete the acupressure for toothache with gentle pressing movements in the area of the middle of the lower jaw. These simple techniques will help you relieve pain, eliminate unnecessary muscle tension and make diagnosis easier.

By regularly performing the described exercises, you will soon notice that your head and neck hurt less often, fatigue has decreased and your performance has increased. Acupressure of the head for pain will allow you to reduce your dependence on medications and learn to better understand your body. The ability to quickly cope with headaches, migraines and cramps will be useful to you at home, at work and on the road, and will improve your quality of life.

合谷 - he-gu dots

They are located on the back of both hands between the thumb and index finger. To find a point, connect these fingers: a bulge forms in the desired place.

In Chinese medicine, he-gu points are universal: they are used when you have a headache or a toothache, when you need to concentrate, or when you are slightly unwell. The only contraindication is late pregnancy: stimulation can trigger premature contractions.

Hae-gu is massaged with the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, pinching the palm.

Active points for massage

Points in the head and neck area

Tou-wei is the keeper of the head and belongs to the stomach channel. This is the main point of treatment for headaches.
It is located in the temporal region at the upper edge of the temporal muscle in the frontal corner of the scalp. Tou-wei is determined by chewing movement over the temporal muscle in the depression posterior to the anterior border of hair growth. In addition to headaches, indications for massaging this area are: pain in the eye, neuralgia of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, neuritis of the facial nerve, migraine.

Tai-yang is an off-channel point. It is located in a depression one cun above the middle of the line drawn between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer edge of the eye. Tai-yang is projected onto the temporalis muscle.

Indications for massage in this place are headaches, migraines, facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, eye diseases, flu, colds, toothache.

Antitragus. As the name suggests, the antitragus is located opposite the tragus, the protruding part of the auricle that covers the opening of the ear. Under the cartilage of the antitragus there are projection points of the head, so influencing it is very effective for headaches of various origins. When pulling down the earlobe, the points located under the antitragus are also stimulated.

Shang-sin - the upper star belongs to the posterior-median canal. Located in the frontal region on the midline of the head, one and a half cun above the anterior border of hair growth. Indications: headache, neuralgia of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve.

Points on the hands

He-gu (closed valley) - refers to the colon canal. This point is one of the most important for the human body. It is located on the back of the hand in the space between the first and second metatarsal bones, at the top of the eminence formed by the first dorsal interosseous muscle with the thumb adducted.

The He-gu point can also be determined with the hand straightened and the first finger retracted to the side in the angle formed by the first and second metacarpal bones.

The range of indications for massaging this area is quite wide. He-gu is the main specific point for the treatment of headaches, flu, various viral diseases, and is also used for preventive purposes.
We also note that this point is also used to stimulate labor. That is why women in the last stages of pregnancy need to massage He-gu extremely carefully and only after a preliminary conversation with the doctor managing the pregnancy.

In a place two or three fingers above the upper fold of the wrist there is a symmetrical and through point. The back side has a Wai-guan point, the inner side has a Nei-guan point. We massage it pointwise first on the left hand, then on the right hand.

Main causes of headaches

A migraine headache attack may begin with an aura. Your health is deteriorating, you have become irritable, you begin to feel slightly nauseous, and the outlines of objects are not always clear. You notice the presence of triggers.

Tension headaches are quite common. It can last several days or even become chronic.

Sensations based on the strength of pain have their own classification. The patient tolerates it more easily than a migraine attack. After a long period of sleep and rest, the pain may go away on its own. In some cases, you cannot do without the help of a doctor.

Modern medicine knows ways to treat headaches using points. In our body, all processes are interconnected in one way or another. Acupuncture treatment is well known and widely used in Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture treatment is the impact on certain points of the body to relieve pain or during treatment. Several methods are used here - acupuncture, acupressure.

To decide whether to choose any of these methods, you must undergo an examination and consult with a neurologist. The treatment method chosen will depend on a variety of reasons. Age, gender, general health will be taken into account. After conducting a complete analysis of the patient's condition, a method is determined.

A headache can occur for various reasons. The most common are the following:

tension headache. It can be caused by banal overwork - physical, mental, emotional. The nature of the pain is pressing, bilateral;
vascular spasms. Usually they suffer from those who are sick with vegetative-vascular dystonia, osteochondrosis, and who move little. The pain is very strong, throbbing in the temples, and is difficult to relieve pain. Such patients react to changes in weather; In women, headaches begin shortly before menstruation;
migraine caused by a disorder of serotonin metabolism. It is characterized by unilateral paroxysmal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Women are more likely to experience migraines;
headaches as a reaction to certain food additives: tyramine, sodium nitrate or monosodium glutamate, caffeine.

In all these cases, acupuncture will help: massage accelerates the processes of inhibition and stimulation of the nervous system, which helps relieve spasms and improve overall well-being.

Indian self-massage

The head is the place where the human brain is located - the center of the entire nervous system of the body. Our feelings, actions, sensations are regulated here, and complex centers of their interaction are located. Although the head is small compared to other parts of the body, its significance is limitless.

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It is not surprising that headaches are especially painful. If there is any disorder in the head, it affects the entire nervous system. As for Indian self-massage for headaches, it is aimed at influencing the central nervous system, activating the gray matter of the brain. Therefore, it helps to relax the whole body, affecting the entire body.

This massage is very effective for stress. Helps to calm down during strong feelings and stressful situations. As a “side effect”, it stimulates hair growth.

Massage when pain appears on the points of the first group

It is recommended to influence these areas if cephalgia is accompanied by overwork. Such points are considered symmetrical and distributed throughout the body:

Xuan-li. It is located at the intersection of two lines drawn in the imagination: one of them runs horizontally to the upper edge of the ear, and the second runs vertically, retreating from the temples towards the back of the head by 1.5 cm.
Tai-yang. It is located on the temples near the artery, which should never be touched during a massage.
Feng chi. The zone is defined in line with the occipital cavity at the base of the trapezius muscle.
Heh-gu. Located right in the center between the index finger and thumb on the back of the hand.
Yi-feng. The point can be found by feeling the hole directly behind the ear.
Yu-yao. Located on the upper corners of the eyebrows.
Jing-ming. Placed 2-3 mm from the tear duct towards the bridge of the nose.
Kun-lun. Located on the feet between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
Zhi-yin. Location: little toe, 3 mm from the corner of the nail to the outer edge.
Tzu-san-li. The point is defined in the area of the kneecap. You need to sit down, bend your legs and, spreading your toes, lower your knees on them. The tip of the ring finger falls into the hole. This zone is called the “longevity point.”
Le-que. Located on the forearms, but invisible to the eye. To find it, you need to retreat 1.5 cun towards the forearm from the base of the thumb located on the hand. Massaging is performed to relieve pain at these points one by one. The upper limb is relaxed and horizontal.
Ji-men. Located on the stomach near the edge of the 12th rib.
Shen-shu. Placed near the waist 1.5 cun towards the spine. This area cannot be massaged independently, so this effect is performed in pairs. The person takes a horizontal position, placing a towel under the stomach, and the partner applies pressure.

If you frequently influence the areas described above, this helps stimulate energy points, have a positive effect on organs and systems, restore the body and relieve pain.

This massage technique will not help with a diagnosis such as migraine. For this neurological disease, as for other ailments, there are certain points for stimulation. Head massage for people suffering from low or high blood pressure is also performed according to a certain technique.

太沖 - tai chun points

Tai Chun can be found in the hollow between the big and index toes. Stimulation of the points will relieve headaches, aching feet and even hangovers.

You can massage tai chun with your hands, but there is an easier option. Take off your shoes and press the heel of one foot onto the foot of the other. Then change legs and repeat the procedure.

Do you trust Traditional Chinese Medicine methods? Did acupressure help you get rid of headaches? Share your experience in the comments.