Headaches

[Glimmer]

Can anyone here recommend any pressure/acupuncture points to alleviate the symptoms of headache?

Or are there any other TCM methods that can help?

Many thanks.

[vikinggoddess]

you can massage the point large intestine 4. it's located in the middle of the web between the index finger and thumb.

[Repulsive Monkey]

Yep that's the point alright but make sure that if it comes back with consistency that you see a doctor because in Chinese Medicine there are a multitude of factors that can bring headaches on, and different qualities frequencies and locations on the head will denote different causes of a headache.

If it's lkike a migraine for example Liv 3 inbetween the big toes meta-tarsal and the next toes meta tarsal is a point to use.

If it's a headache caused by alcohol for example then approximately an inch and a half back from the centre line of the head starting from just behind the natural hair line can be effective (Du 22).

[Pakmei]

Where is the location of the headache?
What is the nature of the headache? Dull? Sharp, etc?
What is the duration of the headache? Constant? Comes & goes?
When does the headache start? Day or Night?
Is there anything that aggravates or alleviates the headache?
Are you or have you taken any medication?
Is there anything that triggered the headache? Trauma, etc?

These questions really need to be answered before treating the headache. As you most likley know, there are different point strategies for different underlying conditions / people.

So depending on what has triggered the headache in the first place will determine what channels and points to treat.

Regards

[Pakmei]

Hi RM,

Interesting that you would use DU22 for a headache due to a hangover. Actually the impirical point for hangovers is to bleed ST45. Squeeze out 2 drops of blood, and it shall take all the heat out from the stomach channel.


Originally posted by Repulsive Monkey
Yep that's the point alright but make sure that if it comes back with consistency that you see a doctor because in Chinese Medicine there are a multitude of factors that can bring headaches on, and different qualities frequencies and locations on the head will denote different causes of a headache.

If it's lkike a migraine for example Liv 3 inbetween the big toes meta-tarsal and the next toes meta tarsal is a point to use.

If it's a headache caused by alcohol for example then approximately an inch and a half back from the centre line of the head starting from just behind the natural hair line can be effective (Du 22).

[Repulsive Monkey]

The empirical point for effects of hangovers which are primarily related to stomach heat is St 45 yes, but an impirical point for drunken headaches and their relief is Du22, this is a classic Leamington Spa/5 Element point.

It also used generally for sobering up people who are drunk so it reduces inebriation, just like Liv3 is a classic point when you come across someone who has taken ecstacy or Acid and are having a bad trip, it helps draw them out of it quite effectively.

[herb ox]

Originally posted by Repulsive Monkey

...just like Liv3 is a classic point when you come across someone who has taken ecstacy or Acid and are having a bad trip, it helps draw them out of it quite effectively.

Fascinating. I have a bit of medical experience dealing with over-dosed concertgoers and folks in general. I've only heard of one instance where acupuncture was used in such a situation - much as I love TCM, needling seems a bit inappropriate when your paranoid patient is thrashing around. My question is this: in your experience, is acupressure technique applied to Liv3 sufficient to yield the desired effects? Do you know of any other suitable points for this type of situation?

Perhaps some field research is in order :D

peace

herb ox