Harvard Health and Acupuncture

While acupuncturists and their patients have long known that acupuncture works, it has taken time for the medical community and general public to trust in its efficacy. Thanks to an analysis of 23 studies, the jury is no longer out. It has concluded, with certainty,  that acupuncture provides signigicant relief for headaches and other conditions.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR HEADACHE

Hegu for Headaches

There are various causes and types of headaches. An acupuncturist will treat a headache based on the quality and location of the pain, taking into account other presenting symptoms. Acupressure is a valuable self-healing technique. One of the most powerful acupoints used for headaches can be stimulated at home. Hegu (L.I.4) is located between the thumb and forefinger, on the dorsum of the hand. Find it by squeezing your thumb against the base of your forefinger. Hegu is the highest point of the bulge of the muscle, approximately level with the end of the crease. Squeezing here, you should feel slight tenderness.

As the "Master" point of the face, Hegu is used for general head or face pain, including sinus pain and toothaches. Although it's typically used as part of a comprehensive prescription, it can be quite effective on its own. To prevent or eliminate head pain, press firmly on Hegu until you feel a dull, achy sensation. Massage Hegu on both hands, for a few minutes at a time, several times a day. Try this the next time you feel a headache coming on. Feel empowered to heal yourself naturally.

Do not stimulate this point if you are pregnant, as it may promote uterine contractions.