Headaches and Migraines: I have been a long-time sufferer of both and I am up to “here” (pointing to my head) with them! So, what do you do if you have a headache coming on or feel the aura of a migraine? Think: Acupressure!
First of all, recognize that you are having a headache or migraine. The early stages are the most important in preventing the pain from getting stronger. Being aware of them is the key to stopping them.
Don’t panic. Instead, grab your hand, preferably the hand on the opposite side of your pain.
Think “thumbs.” Use one thumb to massage the muscle in between your other thumb and forefinger on the top of the hand (not the palmar side). This point is called He Gu, meaning “Union Valley” and is on the Large Intestine channel, typically known as LI 4 to western acupuncturists.
The acupuncture/acupressure point is technically halfway between your 2nd metacarpal bone, at the highest area of the muscle when the thumb and index fingers are brought together. You should just focus on finding the “tender spot,” or where it feels like a bruise.
I like to try to press deeply in little circles and think, “I am sending my energy to the deepest bone-level.” I know, it sounds kind of weird, but I want the point to work and it won’t work if you are just thinking and pressing on the surface-level.