Apply Pressure to These Points to Alleviate Headaches
Do you want to relieve your headache in a
matter of minutes? Try the ancient technique of foot massage, and feel
the pain drain away.
Reflexology is a simple technique performed on the feet. It is based on
the belief that all major organs and nerves are connected to our feet,
and by pressing in the right way on the right place, various places in
our body can be cured of pain.
First, massaging the solar plexus (refer to
the blue circle in the diagram below) is designed to relax the foot and
the overall tension. This action is performed by pressing the thumb or
the point of a fisted hand to the center of the foot (the solar plexus
area). Gently rub for several minutes. You can also rotate the foot
gently to relax the tension in the Achilles tendon.
How do you press with the thumb?
Simply press on the point and keep the thumb on it. You should use
gentle pressure at first. If your thumb is a bit weak, you can use the
end of a pen (not the writing tip of course) or one of the specialized
reflexology tools (see below).
Advanced techniques require moving the thumb in a small half circle,
'walking' the thumb along different points like little steps, or just
rubbing up and down, again using the thumb.
How will you be sure you found the right spot?
Usually, the point of pressure will be soft, and you will feel a slight
sensation of being pricked. The right spot may turn a bit red, white or a
little bloated, and sometimes will go numb. The right pressure is up to
the point where you feel uncomfortable, but not unbearably so, and not
enough to cause any damage to the skin if you are using a pen/tool.
Point location
Headache caused by tension and stress: The
best thing to do at first is to take a hot bath and breath deeply.
Afterward, you will need to put pressure on the inner area of the big
toe, the fleshy part in the middle of it. Lastly, you'll need to put
pressure on the root of the big toe.
Sinuses: The fleshy part of all the toes and the outer edges of the big
toe.
Headache caused by stressing the eyes: Press and rub the root of the
second and third toes.
Headache caused by tension in the neck and
shoulders: Press the tip of the foot under the small toe, and the other
end underneath the big toe.
Tip: Be well hydrated to quicken the healing process and help the body
get rid of accumulated toxins released by the massage. The electrolytes
in the water will also help the sending of nerve conduction in the body
at the same time.