Pressure Points For Headaches
Most people experience at least one headache each year, and for many, this number is significantly higher. Headaches can range from a mild niggle to a tension headache to a severe event that impacts many aspects of life, and these may come with a variety of impactful symptoms.
Finding ways to relieve the discomfort and decrease the occurrence of headaches is paramount. There are many methods that have varying degrees of success for different people, which is dependent on factors such as the type of headache, other medical conditions, and lifestyle.
Physiotherapy can be a beneficial way to improve and prevent headaches of various types. From manual therapy to exercise prescription, there are many approaches to take that may be useful for you. One such option is a focus on specific pressure points for headaches.
Using holistic methods to assist with headache pain can be a great treatment option for many people. Find out how pressure points work and how our physiotherapists can help you.
What Causes Headaches?
A headache occurs when pain signals are activated between the blood vessels, nerves, and brain. This can be a result of a variety of factors, such as the following:
- Body mechanics, such as strain caused by poor posture, and misaligned neck joints.
- Changes in hormones.
- Acute or chronic health conditions, such as sinus infections and heart disease.
- Exercise.
- Stress and tension.
- Lifestyle factors, such as not eating an adequate diet or having enough sleep.
- Environmental influences, such as bright light, certain smells, and noise.
- Certain medications.
- Head injuries.
- Genetics.
Understanding what has triggered your headache and what type it is can help to guide the appropriate treatment.
Types Of Headaches
Headaches are generally broken down into two categories. These are vascular headaches and muscle tension headaches.
Vascular headaches
These headaches typically have an underlying issue that causes constriction and swelling of the blood vessels that are linked to the brain. The discomfort often involves a moderate to severe throbbing pain.
Muscle tension headaches
These headaches typically have an underlying issue that causes the tightening of muscles, generally those in the neck, head, and face. The discomfort often involves constant, dull pain in the whole head.
Within these categories, there are many subcategories, which include headaches such as cluster and tension headaches.
What Are Pressure Points?
Therapy that focuses on pressure points zone in on specific, sensitive areas of the body. This can include areas such as the hands, feet, face, ears, and shoulders. The approach is based on the belief that placing pressure on these stimulate and promote better functioning, balance, and relief in various parts of the body due to the way different areas are connected. Further research is required to better establish the reasoning and success rate, but many headache suffers report positive gains. It can be pertinent for some people, such as pregnant women, to check with their doctors prior to undertaking pressure point therapy.
Which Pressure Points Can Help Headaches?
When receiving pressure point therapy, it is important to seek help from an experienced professional. Our dedicated physiotherapists are qualified to perform this form of treatment. The pressure points we use depend on the type of headache you experience and your medical history.
Some examples of pressure points include the following. There is a pressure point found in the fleshy area between your index finger and thumb that can be particularly useful for tension headaches as it can release the pressure in the head and neck. This point is called the valley pressure point. Another point that can be good for tension headaches is the third eye pressure point. This is found between your eyebrows and is believed to connect with the pineal gland to promote relaxation, emotional wellbeing, and melatonin production.
There are also pressure points on your ear, for instance. These include the ear gate, which is near the top of your ear and temple and can help with facial discomfort. The daith pressure point is in the cartilage that is just above your ear canal opening. The ear apex pressure point, at the very tip of your ear may assist with pain and swelling.
Pressure Point Therapy May Be Helpful For You
Many people reach for medication when headaches are an issue. This can be an effective route but is often not a long-term treatment option. Pressure point therapy is non-invasive and can bring about many benefits. If you have frequent, recurrent, or concerning headaches, it can be beneficial to seek medical help. Our physiotherapists can help with finding pain and tension relief for many people.
If you are suffering from headaches and are interested in pressure point therapy, make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.
