Acupressure Points for Treating Migraine Headaches

Not many people know this, but about 15% of people in the world get migraines. These crippling episodes often come with a lot of symptoms that can make daily life very hard, like extreme pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Many people have trouble getting better with standard treatments, making them angry and eager for solutions that work.

Acupuncture, which has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for a long time, is a hopeful option. This method uses migraine acupressure points to help ease migraine symptoms and improve general health by providing targeted pressure to specific spots on the body. This blog post will discuss some essential migraine acupressure points that might help you get the relief you’ve been looking for, giving you a natural and easy way to deal with migraines.

Which Acupressure Points Are Best for Relieving Migraines?

Acupressure offers various techniques to alleviate migraine symptoms by targeting specific migraine acupressure points on the body. Here’s a look at some of the most effective migraine relief pressure points:

Hall of Impression (MHN-3 or Yin Tang)

People often call the area between the eyebrows and just above the bridge of the nose “Hall of Impression.” People know that this point of the migraine acupressure points can help calm the mind and ease stress headaches. Putting light pressure here can help lower stress and promote relaxation, improving migraine symptoms. It can also help you think more clearly and concentrate after migraines. 

Inner Pass (P-6 or Nei Guan)

Nei Guan is one of the important migraine acupressure points for dealing with sickness and calming the nervous system. It is on the inside of the forearm, about three finger widths above the wrist crease. Stimulating this point can help with the pain that comes with headaches, like feeling sick and dizzy. It also helps keep the flow of Qi in check, which can help relieve headaches in general. Regular use may make it more effective at controlling migraine symptoms. 

Foot Governor of Tears (GB-41 or Zu Lin Qi)

Being on top of the foot, in the hollow space between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, Zu Lin Qi is known for getting rid of heat and boosting the body’s energy flow. By improving blood flow and preventing the buildup of too much energy, this one of the migraine acupressure points can help ease the pain of migraines. When you have a migraine along with mental stress or anger, this remedy works especially well. Using this point daily can help control migraines naturally. 

Bigger Rushing (LIV-3 or Great Rushing)

Great Rushing is one of the strong migraine acupressure points for balancing liver energy and easing stress. It is on the top of the foot, in the space between the first and second toes. People with headaches caused by mental stress or stuck liver Qi often use this point. By activating LIV-3, you can help keep the body’s energy in check and lessen the pain of migraines. It’s important for people who want to treat their migraines more naturally. 

Migraine Causes and Phases

Migraines often unfold in distinct phases, each characterized by specific symptoms and triggers. Understanding these phases can help in managing and preventing migraine attacks more effectively. 

The prodrome step

As an early warning system for migraines, the prodrome phase often gives you small hints that a migraine is coming on. This phase can last a few hours to a few days before the main attack. Mood swings, changes in appetite, and heightened sensitivity to triggers are some signs that can happen during this phase. People may feel like they need to sleep more or be tired for no apparent reason. Recognizing these signs is important because it lets people take preventative steps, like changing their medications, staying away from things that cause migraines, or learning relaxation methods, which may lessen the intensity of the migraine or even stop it from happening.

The phase of attack

During the attack phase, the migraine is at its worst, with severe, pulsing pain that can make it impossible to function. This pain is often on one side of the head, but it can sometimes happen on both sides. People with this condition often have other symptoms, like feeling sick, throwing up, and being more sensitive to light, sound, and sometimes smell. It can be hard to do everyday things during the attack phase, lasting from a few hours to a few days. Medications, migraine acupressure points, and other treatments that ease symptoms and keep daily life as normal as possible are all good ways to handle this time. Quick action can be very important for easing the effects and length of the migraine.

Precautions to Give Consideration 

Managing migraines requires careful consideration of numerous factors to lower the frequency and intensity of episodes properly. Maintaining a steady schedule with regular sleep patterns, balanced meals, and enough liquids helps normalize body functioning and reduce migraine triggers. Prevention depends on identifying and avoiding particular triggers such as meals, stress, or environmental elements. Furthermore, helpful in lowering general tension and its effects on migraines include stress management strategies like yoga or mindfulness. Frequent visits to a healthcare practitioner guarantee that any prescribed drugs are suitable and that any required treatment plan changes are done immediately. Including these safety measures in regular life helps people control their migraines and improve their general health.

FAQs

How does acupressure help with migraines?

Migraine acupressure points can help with migraines by stimulating specific points on the body to relieve tension, improve blood flow, and balance the body’s energy. This can help reduce migraine symptoms such as pain, nausea, and stress and may also contribute to preventing future attacks.

Which acupressure points are commonly used for migraine relief?

Common pressure point for migraine relief include Yin Tang (Hall of Impression) between the eyebrows, P-6 (Inner Pass) on the inner forearm, GB-41 (Foot Governor of Tears) on the top of the foot, and LIV-3 (Bigger Rushing) between the first and second toes. These points are targeted for their effects on reducing pain, alleviating nausea, and promoting relaxation.

How do I find and use acupressure points for migraines?

To find different pressure point for migraine, locate the specific areas on your body using anatomical landmarks or diagrams. Apply gentle but firm pressure to these points using your fingertips, and maintain the pressure for a few minutes. Techniques can vary, so following guided instructions or consulting with a practitioner for effective results may be helpful.

How often should I use acupressure for migraines?

Acupressure can be used as needed during a migraine attack or as a preventative measure. For best results, apply pressure to the points regularly, even when you’re not experiencing a migraine, to help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. Consistent use can enhance its effectiveness over time.