Traditional Chinese Medicine contains a wealth of headache pain relief information and headache pain remedies, treatments and techniques. Some treatments like herbal therapy and acupuncture require a trained professional to administer them. However, there are many headache relief techniques such as acupressure, massage and breathing exercises that can easily be applied by anyone. All you need is a few minutes to learn them and a quiet place to do them.
The first of the natural headache relief techniques offered below is acupressure. This involves pressing and rubbing specific points on your head, hands and feet that have been proven over many centuries in China to relieve and prevent various kinds of headache. Acupressure is simple to do on yourself and others and may be the only headache pain remedy you ever need.
The second of these natural headache pain remedies is breathing exercises. Breathing exercises offer a multitude of benefits - stress relief, relaxation, enhanced blood circulation, pain relief, toning of your nervous system, greater energy, improved sleep and much more. Like acupressure, breathing exercises are easy to do and also may be the only headache pain remedy you need.
Both acupressure and breathing exercises are safe, natural headache relief techniques that can be used in conjunction with other headache treatments or medications. If you have any concerns though, check with your health professional first. It is also recommended that you combine the techniques, regardless of whether you suffer from the occasional tension headache or chronic headaches or migraines. Prevention is a key factor - don't wait till you get another head-splitting migraine to begin using these techniques. Apply them when you DON'T have a headache or when you feel one coming on and maybe you can prevent it developing.
Headache Pain Remedies - Acupressure
How
1. Once you locate a point with your fingers or thumbs, press it until you feel no more than a comfortable pain. Hold the pressure while you rub the point for 1-2 minutes in very small circular movements, then gently release the pressure. Do this 2-3 times a day as a preventative and whenever you have a headache or feel one developing.
2. If a point is very sensitive, this indicates an underlying imbalance or problem and pressing it is a good thing. Simply release the pressure slightly and in time it will become less painful.
3. Acupressure points adapt to stimulation so as a general guide don't press the same point for more than 7 consecutive days. After seven days, stop for 3-4 days then continue.
Point 1 (called Fengchi in Chinese)
Two points actually - each one located in a depression at the back of your head, at the base of your skull, and just to the side of your neck muscles. Place your fingers of both hands on top of your head and use your thumbs to find then press both points, either one at a time or simultaneously.
Point 2 (Jianjing )
Located in the muscle on top of both shoulders, half-way between your neck vertebrae and the outside tip of your shoulder. Use the index and middle fingers of your right hand to press and rub the point on top of your left shoulder. Then, do the right shoulder point with your left index and middle fingers.
Point 3 (Hegu)
Located on the back of both hands, about 3-4cm (1.5 inches) in from the edge of the webbing between your index fingers and thumbs. Use a pinching technique by placing your right thumb on the left hand point, and your right index finger on the palm side of the webbing. Then swap the procedure to do your right hand point.
Point 4 (Taichong)
Located on top of both feet, about 3-4cm (1.5 inches) in from the edge of the webbing between your big and second toes. Sit down, then bend forward and use your thumbs or index fingers to press then rub the points. An alternative position is sitting with one foot resting on the opposite knee.
Headache Pain Remedies - Breathing Exercises
Controlled breathing techniques can also relieve and prevent many kinds of headache. Follow the below link to two excellent photo-illustrated breathing exercises, both of which have a multitude of benefits for headache sufferers.
http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com/do-breathing-exercises-at-home.html
Note that when combining the above headache pain remedies (acupressure and breathing techniques) in a single session, it is recommended that you do the acupressure first.
Finally, if you have any questions about either of these headache relief techniques or would like more headache pain relief information, contact the author via his website.
Matthew Scott is a professionally trained Chinese medicine practitioner from Australia, living in China since 2000. His website http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com offers classic, time-tested exercises & techniques for stretching, strengthening, toning, relaxation, energy and pain relief.