How to apply acupressure to relieve migraines

Stimulate the Third Eye (Yintang) point. Each acupoint has different names, both traditional and modern (often containing letters and numbers). The Yintang point, also known as GV 24.5, helps reduce congestion and headaches. It is located between the eyebrows, at the point where the nose bridge meets the forehead.

• Apply firm but gentle pressure on this point for one minute. You may either press or gently rotate, paying attention to which technique feels most effective.

Acupressure at Toản Trúc (Drilling Bamboo). The Toản Trúc point, also known as Minh Quang or B2, is effective in alleviating frontal headaches. This point is located at the inner corner of both eyes, just above the eyelids, and on the bones around the eyes.

• Use the tips of your index fingers to press both points simultaneously for one minute.
• If preferred, you can press each side individually, just make sure to press each side for one minute.

Acupressure at Nghinh Hương (Welcome Fragrance). The Nghinh Hương point, also known as LI20, is effective in reducing migraines and sinus pain. This point is located just outside the nostrils, near the base of the cheekbones.

• Apply deep, firm pressure and rotate gently. Perform for one minute.

Pressing the Phong Trì (Feng Chi) Point. The Phong Trì point, also known as GB20, is commonly used to treat migraines. It is located just below the ears. To locate Phong Trì, find two depressions on either side of the neck, at the base of the skull. You can gently place your hands around the back of the head, positioning the thumbs in the depressions at the skull's base.

• Use both thumbs to press firmly and deeply, holding the pressure for 4-5 seconds. If you know where the depressions are, you can also try pressing with your index or middle fingers, or use the knuckles to press.
• Relax and take deep breaths while pressing the GB20 point.
• You can continue to press and massage this point for up to 3 minutes.

Pressing Acupoints Along the Temples. The temple area contains a series of acupoints that circle around the ears on the skull. These points are located about one finger-width away from the ear's edge (one thốn). The first point is Khúc Tân (Hairline Curve), located just above the top of the ear. The subsequent points are spaced about one thốn apart, curving behind the ear and down around the side of the head.

• Press each point on both sides of the head. You can either simply press or massage in circular motions for one minute. Stimulate each point immediately after pressing the previous one for optimal results.
• The sequence of these points from front to back includes Khúc Tân (Hairline Curve), Suất Cốc (Valley Lead), Thiên Xung (Celestial Hub), Phù Bạch (Floating White), and Đầu Khiếu Âm (Head Portal Yin).

Pressing the Phong Phủ (Wind Mansion) Point. The Phong Phủ point, also known as GV16, is effective in alleviating migraines, neck stiffness, and nerve tension. This point is located at the center of the back of the head, just below the skull. Locate the depression at the base of the skull and press the midpoint.

• Press deeply and firmly into this point for at least one minute.

Pressing the Thiên Trụ (Heaven's Pillar) Point. The Thiên Trụ point is located on the neck. To find it, slide your fingers down from the base of the skull, about two finger-widths below the skull's base. You can locate two of these points along the muscles next to the spine.

• Press or massage the area in circular motions for one minute.

Pressing the Hợp Cốc (Union Valley) Point. The Hợp Cốc point, also known as LI4, is located on both hands. It lies between the thumb and index finger. Use your left hand to press the Hợp Cốc point on the right hand, and your right hand to press the point on the left hand.

• Apply firm and deep pressure on these points for at least one minute.

Pressing the Thái Xung (Bigger Rushing) Point. The Thái Xung point is located on the top of the foot, between the big toe and the second toe, in the middle of the foot bones. Start from the skin between the toes and slide up about 2.5 cm until you feel the bones to locate the point.

• Press or massage the point in circular motions for one minute.
• Some people find it easier to use the thumb to press the point on the foot. This is an effective way to stimulate this acupoint.

Learn About Acupressure Techniques. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the 12 major meridians. These meridians are energy pathways that carry 'qi,' a term in Chinese medicine referring to life energy. The basic concept behind acupressure is that blockages in the flow of qi and blood lead to illness. Acupressure is a method used to open up the meridians and restore proper flow of qi and blood.

• Some medical studies have shown that acupressure can help alleviate migraine symptoms.

Applying the Correct Pressure. When performing acupressure, it is important to apply the appropriate amount of pressure. Press deeply and firmly to stimulate the acupoints. You may experience discomfort, but it should not be unbearable. The pressure should strike a balance between pain and comfort.

• Your overall health will determine the amount of pressure needed.
• You may feel pain in certain points while pressing. If the pain becomes overwhelming or increases, reduce the pressure gradually until you find a balance between discomfort and ease.
• Do not endure extreme pain while performing acupressure. If the discomfort is too much, stop pressing immediately.

Using the Correct Tools for Acupressure. Acupressure requires the application of pressure to specific points, so it is essential to use the proper tools. Acupressure experts typically use their fingers to massage and stimulate acupoints. The middle finger, being the longest and strongest, is usually the most effective for applying pressure, but the thumb can also be used. Some smaller or more difficult-to-reach acupoints may require the use of fingernails.

• Other body parts like finger joints, elbows, knees, feet, or toes can also be used to press or massage acupoints.
• For accurate acupressure, use rounded objects. Sometimes the fingertips are too thick for certain points. You can try using the eraser of a pencil to press small acupoints. Additionally, objects like avocado pits or golf balls can be useful for massaging acupoints.

Consulting a Doctor About Acupressure. You can try pressing these acupoints at home or seek the help of a professional acupressurist or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. If you decide to try acupressure, always inform your doctor to ensure it does not interfere with any medications or other treatments you are receiving.

• If acupressure helps relieve your pain, be sure to inform your doctor. However, if it proves ineffective, you should consult with your doctor.

Distinguishing Between Two Types of Headaches. There are two main types of headaches: primary headaches, which are not caused by any underlying disorder, and secondary headaches, which result from another medical condition. Migraines fall under the category of primary headaches. Other types of primary headaches include tension headaches and cluster headaches, which occur in cycles.

• Secondary headaches may be caused by conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure, fever, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Migraines. Typically, a migraine affects only one side of the head, most often in the forehead or temple region. The pain can range from mild to intense and may be preceded by an aura. Many people with migraines also experience symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. Physical activity often exacerbates the pain.

• An aura is a temporary disturbance in the brain's processing of surrounding environmental information. Auras can manifest as visible phenomena such as flashing or zigzagging lights, or even odors. Some other types of auras include tingling in the arms, speech disturbances, or confusion. Auras are experienced by around 25% of migraine sufferers.
• Various triggers can set off migraines, and these triggers can vary from person to person. Common triggers include red wine, skipping meals or fasting, environmental factors like bright lights or strong odors, weather changes, sleep deprivation, stress, hormonal issues, especially during menstruation in women, certain foods, head trauma including concussions, neck pain, and TMJ dysfunction.

Identifying Red Flags for Emergency Headache Symptoms. All headaches should be evaluated by a doctor. In certain cases, a headache may be a sign that requires emergency medical attention. Some warning signs include:

• Severe headache with fever and stiff neck, which could indicate meningitis.
• “Thunderclap” headache, which comes on suddenly and intensely, possibly indicating a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a bleeding in the brain's protective membranes.
• Pulsating pain, sometimes at the temples, especially in older adults with weight loss, which may point to giant cell arteritis.
• Red eyes and seeing halos around lights, a potential sign of glaucoma, which, if untreated, could lead to permanent vision loss.
• Sudden or severe headache in cancer patients or those with compromised immune systems, such as post-transplant patients or those with HIV/AIDS.

Visiting a Doctor for a Diagnosis. Headaches can be a symptom of serious underlying conditions. It is important to see a doctor to determine whether your headaches are primary or secondary. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor within a day or two, but not later than that:

• Increasing frequency or intensity of migraines.
• Headaches starting after the age of 50.
• Vision changes.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Medical Treatment for Migraines. Treatment for migraines can involve identifying and eliminating triggers, managing stress, and providing appropriate medical care. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications such as triptans (Sumatriptan/Imitrex or Zolmitriptan/Zomig), dihydroergotamine (Migranal), as well as anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications if needed.

• Triptans and dihydroergotamine should not be used by individuals with coronary artery disease and must be used cautiously in elderly patients or those with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including obesity, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a diabetes diagnosis.