Self-Acupressure for Headache and Migraine Pain Relief

How often have you seen someone rub their temples or pinch the bridge of their nose when they have a bad headache? Without even realizing it, they are using self-acupressure for headache and migraine pain relief.

Self-acupressure treatments help relieve headache and migraine pain by easing muscle tension and releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. Researchers studying the effects of acupuncture and acupressure on headache and migraine sufferers found self-acupressure treatments often removed the need for over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Self-acupressure was readily available when the headache or migraine sufferer needed it and there were no toxic side effects with which to be concerned.

Self-Acupressure for Headache and Migraine Pain Relief - How to Do Self-Acupressure
Before starting your self-acupressure treatment, try to relax as much as possible. Lie down or sit in a comfortable chair. If you are not already sitting in the dark due to your headache, dim the lights. Bright lights can worsen your headache and make you tighten the muscles of your face and head.

Depending on the acupressure point, you will either use your thumbs to apply pressure or the pads of your fingers to massage it. When massaging, move your fingers in a small circular motion. Keep the movement slow and controlled as you work the area. When using your thumbs, apply firm, yet gentle, pressure.

Continue to hold pressure points until the muscle begins to soften, the area begins to feel warm, or until you feel a pulse. One of these usually happens within 1-2 minutes. If the points are too painful to hold for that long, press for about 10-20 seconds at first and slowly work up to one minute.

Self-Acupressure for Headache and Migraine Pain Relief - Head Massage
One of the easiest forms of self-acupressure to help relieve headache and migraine pain is the head massage. This involves a movement similar to washing your hair, only lighter and slower.

Start with a hand on either side of your head, placing the pads of your fingers at the point just over and behind your ears. Slowly work your entire scalp with small circular motions, lifting your fingers when moving to a new section instead of dragging them there. If you find a spot that is very tender, stop and apply pressure before moving on.

Self-Acupressure for Headache and Migraine Pain Relief - Neck Massage
Place your right hand behind your neck, with your little finger close to the base of your skull, and cup your palm over your spine. Using your fingers, pull the muscle toward your spine and hold for 1-2 minutes. Move your hand down and work the rest of the muscle in the same fashion. Work the other side of your neck using the same procedure, only with your left hand.

After you have worked both sides of your neck, stretch your fingers out to the muscle running from the outside edge of the base of your skull to your shoulder. Pull this muscle in toward your spine and hold for 1-2 minutes. Work the complete muscle, and then switch hands to work the other side.

Self-Acupressure for Headache and Migraine Pain Relief - The Base of Your Skull
There are five acupressure points along the base of your skull that will help relieve headache and migraine pain.

The first pressure point is right in the middle, where the spine comes up to the skull. You will feel a small indentation at the base of your skull, about one inch up from the hairline. Press one of your thumbs at this point and hold. You can add to the effectiveness of this spot by taking the thumb and forefinger of your other hand and pressing them on either side of the bridge of your nose, just inside the eye socket.

The second and third points at the base of the skull are worked as a pair. About an inch out on either side of your spine you will find a small indentation where the muscle meets the skull. Apply pressure to both points using your thumbs. These points are possibly the most effective when dealing with a migraine.

The fourth and fifth points are also worked simultaneously. Find the hollows on the outer edges of your skull, just behind the ears and almost level with your ear openings. Apply pressure to these spots with your thumbs.

Self-Acupressure for Headache and Migraine Pain Relief - The Temples
As mentioned at the start of the article, the temples are a natural spot people use to relieve headache and migraine pain. Use the pads of your three center fingers to apply gentle pressure to your temples and massage in small and slow circles.

Self-Acupressure for Headache and Migraine Pain Relief - Warnings
While there are no toxic side effects from self-acupressure treatments, there are a few warnings involved with them.

• Pregnant women should not practice self-acupressure without the guidance of a doctor or a trained practitioner. This is due to the fact certain acupressure points can induce labor.
• People who bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood thinners or long-term steroid treatments should not use acupressure.
• People with osteoporosis or spinal and orthopedic injuries should avoid acupressure.
• Acupressure can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Use caution until you feel normal again.
• Acupressure points can be tender or sore for a bit after working them.

Sources:
Acupressure: Curing Headaches, Joint Pain, Migraine with Acupressure
How can Acupressure Relieve Headache?
Getting Migraine Relief Naturally
Acupressure and Migraines
Natural Remedies For A Headache
Acupressure Self-help for Neck Tension, Pain, and Stiffness, and for Headaches (.pdf)