Maybe you’re someone who suffers from the typical stress/tension headache with vice like tension gripping the back of your neck and that unmistakable pain over one or both your eyes. Maybe you’re that acustomed to it happening that your hand automatically reaches for the paracetemol or asparin before it even reaches that point. Acupuncture is a great way at dealing with chronic headaches and their underlying causes but also with the acute, in fact it wouldn’t be unusual for symptoms to disappear completely during a session. Wouldn’t it be great if we could do something to help our own headaches instead reaching straight for the pills?

Some of the points which can help reduce the symptoms of the ‘stress headache’ are easily accessible and we can stimulate them ourselves using acupressure  massage. The first of the points we’ll talk about is LI-4 which is the fleshy bit on the back of the  hand, between the bones which extend into the thumb and index finger. Using the opposing hand and maybe a little moisturiser, ‘milk’ the point for at least a minute on both hands but ideally 2 or 3.

The next point is almost identical but it’s position is between the big and the first toe. Although not as fleshy, the point can still be ‘milked’ between your thumb and first finger. Do this on both feet and again at least 1 if not 2 or 3 minutes duration.

The last point’s can be found if you clasp your hands around the back of your head with your thumbs pointing downwards. Slide your thumbs down the back of your skull until they slide off into two fleshy hollows. For the majority of headache sufferers these will be tender and may even increase the pain going into the forehead but with some feeling of relief at ther same time. Using a pressure that is deep enough you can feel it, but light enough to be bareable, massage with short downwards strokes from the base of the skull into the fleshy bit. Continue these moves for as long as you like but ideally until you start to feel some sort of relief from your headache.

If you’re treating yourself at home why not increase the benefits by creating a relaxing atmosphere with candles, chill out music and following it up with a lavender oil scented bath.

If you would like to read some testimonials by clients who have been treated for headaches, please visit http://www.re-creation.org.uk/testimonials/headache-anxiety-arm-pain/