In winter clinics, most patients with headaches suffer from migraines. The large temperature difference between day and night in winter, rapid changes in indoor and outdoor temperatures, excessive stress, improper diet, and lack of sleep can all lead to a heavy feeling in the head and trigger migraines. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, migraines are classified as "headaches," "head wind," "congestive headaches," and other categories, and acupressure is a very effective method to relieve migraines.
Acupressure for Migraine Relief
1. Feng Chi Point
Location: It is located below the occipital bone in the neck, level with the Wind Mansion, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle.
Method: Use the index and middle fingers of both hands to press and rub the acupoints on both sides. Rub each side for 1 to 3 minutes each time, until the headache is significantly relieved.
2. Taiyang Point
Location: It is 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.
Method: Use the index and middle fingers of both hands to press and rub the acupoints on both sides. Rub each side for 1 to 3 minutes each time, until the headache is significantly relieved.
3. Hegu Point
Location: Align the inner side of the right thumb (the first joint of the thumb bone) with the tiger's mouth of the left hand (the edge between the thumb and index finger). The point where the right thumb presses down is the Hegu point.
Method: When massaging, you can alternate between both hands. Use the thumb to press and flex vertically on the Hegu point, with a frequency of once every 2 seconds. The pressure should be strong enough to produce a sour, numb, and swollen sensation at the acupoint. Note: People with poor physical constitution should not receive strong stimulation. Pregnant women should avoid massaging the Hegu point.
4. Shuai Gu Point
Location: It is located on the head, 1.5 inches directly above the tip of the ear.
Method: Use the fingertip of the middle finger of each hand to press and apply pressure to the acupoint. Press for 10 to 15 minutes, until the headache is significantly relieved.
5. Baihui Point
Location: It is located in the center of the head, on the midpoint of a line connecting the tips of both ears.
Method: Tap the Baihui point with the right hand, 10 times each time, to relieve migraines.
Dietary Therapy for Migraine Relief
Recipe 1: Yam and Goji Berry Stewed Pig Brain
Ingredients: 30g Chinese yam, 30g goji berries, 1 pig brain, a little yellow wine, a little salt.
Method: Soak the pig brain in a bowl, remove the fascia, and set aside. Wash the Chinese yam and goji berries separately with water, then put them in a pot with the pig brain. Add an appropriate amount of water and stew for two hours. Add yellow wine and salt, then stew for another 10 minutes.
Effects: This soup nourishes the liver and kidneys, invigorates the middle, and nourishes the blood. It is suitable for those with blood deficiency as the main cause of migraines.
Recipe 2: Chrysanthemum Porridge
Ingredients: 15g chrysanthemum powder, 100g glutinous rice.
Method: Cook the glutinous rice into porridge after washing. When the porridge is almost ready, add the chrysanthemum powder and briefly boil.
Effects: This porridge clears liver fire and disperses wind-heat. It is suitable for migraines caused by liver fire, with symptoms such as irritability, easy anger, and facial flushing.
Recipe 3: Celery Porridge
Ingredients: 12g celery (including the roots), 250g glutinous rice.
Method: Wash the glutinous rice and cook it into porridge. Add chopped celery (including the roots) and boil briefly.
Effects: This porridge has the effect of clearing heat and relieving pain. It is suitable for migraines caused by liver fire.
