Migraine is the most common primary headache disorder in clinical practice, characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe pulsating headache. The headache is usually unilateral and can last for 4 to 72 hours. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and worsening of symptoms with light, sound, or physical activity. Migraine is a common chronic neurovascular disorder that often begins in childhood and adolescence, reaches a peak in young and middle-aged adults, and is more common in women. The male-to-female ratio is approximately 1:2 to 1:3, and the prevalence in the population is 5% to 10%. It often has a genetic background.
Once a migraine attack occurs, how can it be relieved? Let's take a look at how traditional Chinese massage can provide relief and treatment for migraines:
Massage These Acupoints to Relieve Migraine
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, migraines are considered to be related to "headache," "head wind," and "convulsive headache." From ancient times to the present, various medical experts have believed that migraines are mainly caused by external pathogenic factors, emotional disturbances, irregular diet, prolonged illness leading to stasis in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and other organs, as well as wind attacking the brain collaterals, phlegm obstruction, and blood stasis. The following acupoints can help alleviate migraines.
Feng Chi Acupoint
Location: Located in the neck, below the occipital bone, at the same level as the Wind Mansion, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle.
Massage Technique: Use the tips of the index and middle fingers of both hands to press and massage the acupoints on both sides simultaneously for 1 to 3 minutes each time, with the degree of relief of headache as the criterion.
Tai Yang Acupoint
Location: Located in front of the auricle, on both sides of the forehead, above the extension line of the outer corner of the eye, in the depression behind the ends of the eyebrows.
Massage Technique: Use the tips of the index and middle fingers of both hands to press and massage the acupoints on both sides simultaneously for 1 to 3 minutes each time, with the degree of relief of headache as the criterion.
He Gu Acupoint
Location: Use the inner side of the right thumb (the first metacarpophalangeal joint) to align with the tiger's mouth on the left hand (between the thumb and index finger), and press down with the right thumb at that position.
Massage Technique: During the massage, you can alternate between the two hands, using the thumb to press and bend vertically on the He Gu acupoint, with a tight and loose pressing rhythm, at a frequency of once every 2 seconds. The pressure should be moderate, and a sense of soreness, numbness, and distension should be felt at the acupoint. Note: People with poor physical constitution should not apply strong stimulation. Pregnant women should avoid massaging the He Gu acupoint.
Shuai Gu Acupoint
Location: Located on the head, 1.5 inches directly above the earlobe.
Massage Technique: Use the tips of the middle fingers of both hands to press on the acupoints, and massage for 10 to 15 minutes, with the degree of relief of headache as the criterion.
Bai Hui Acupoint
Location: Located on the head, in the center of the top of the head, at the midpoint of a line connecting the two ear apices.
Massage Technique: Tap the Bai Hui acupoint with the right hand, 10 times each time, to relieve migraines.
Dietary Therapy to Relieve Migraines: Healthy, Nutritious, and Safe
Yam and Goji Berry Stewed Pig Brain
Ingredients: 30g Chinese yam, 30g goji berries, 1 pig brain, a little rice wine, a little salt.
Cooking Method: Soak the pig brain in a bowl, remove the membrane, then wash the Chinese yam and goji berries separately, and put them in the pot together with the pig brain. Add enough water, stew for two hours, then add rice wine and salt, and stew for another 10 minutes.
Benefits: This soup nourishes the liver and kidneys, and invigorates the middle and nourishes the blood. It is suitable for migraines caused by blood deficiency.
Chrysanthemum Porridge
Ingredients: 15g chrysanthemum powder, 100g glutinous rice.
Cooking Method: Boil the glutinous rice after washing, and when the porridge is almost done, add the chrysanthemum powder and boil for a short while.
Benefits: This porridge clears liver fire and disperses wind-heat. It is suitable for migraines caused by liver fire, with symptoms of restlessness, irritability, and red face.
Celery Porridge
Ingredients: 12g celery (including the root), 250g glutinous rice.
Cooking Method: Wash the glutinous rice and cook it into porridge. Add the celery (washed and chopped with the root) and boil for a while.
Benefits: This porridge has the effect of clearing heat and relieving pain. It is suitable for migraines caused by liver fire.
Coping and Prevention
Currently, there is no specific treatment to cure migraines. The most effective way to treat migraines is to avoid triggering factors during headache-free periods. Here are some specific measures:
Avoid Tyramine-rich Foods
Tyramine is a major trigger for vascular spasms that can cause headaches. These foods include cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, as well as pickled sardines, chicken liver, tomatoes, milk, and fermented beverages.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
All alcoholic beverages can trigger headaches, especially red wine, which contains more chemicals that can trigger migraines. If you must drink, it is best to choose colorless drinks like vodka or white wine.
Learn to Reduce Stress
Relax your mind and body, take a warm bath, do yoga, and engage in other relaxing activities to avoid headaches.
Exercise Regularly
For people with migraines, focusing on breathing exercises and relaxation exercises (such as yoga and qigong) can help stabilize the autonomic nervous system, reduce anxiety, and relieve muscle tension.
Maintain a Regular Lifestyle
Create a quiet environment and maintain a regular daily routine, including going to bed and getting up at the same time, even on holidays.
