Shiatsu Self Massage for Headaches

Shiatsu Self Massage is very helpful for headache and migraine relief. While your usual response to a pounding headache may be to reach for the best painkillers you can find, another option, that you may want to try first, is to use self Shiatsu to stimulate some easily accessible acupressure points.

Many people have had great success in preventing or reducing the intensity and duration of severe headaches and migraines. Needless to say, if your headaches is of such a severity that you have never experienced before, or persists for several days, call your doctor.

You can do the following exercises sitting or standing, whichever position makes you feel most comfortable.

Shiatsu Self Massage for Headaches – Massage Your Temples

Place the heel of your hands on each of your temples, in the small hollows or indentations in the area where your eyebrows end. (see GB 1 in the illustration). Apply a firm pressure and make small circular movements with you hands. Breathe slowly and deeply. Keep doing this movement for a minute or so.

Massage Your Forehead

Locate the small groove located above the middle of your eyebrow and halfway up your forehead. (see point GB14 in the illustration) . With the index and middle fingers of each hand apply a gentle pressure to each point and massage in a small rotation for 30 seconds or so.

Massage Behind Your Mastoid Process

Locate the point at the base of your skull between the two large muscles (see GB20 in the illustration). You should feel a small hollow or indentation there between your trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Apply a gentle pressure to each side with your middle finger and hold for 5 to 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.

Shiatsu Self Massage for Headaches – Massage the Headache Point on Your Hand

Place your right thumb on the webbing between your thumb and index finger of your left hand (point LI 4 in Illustration 2). This point is known to reduce pain from tension headaches and for general pain. Apply pressure with the thumb of your opposite hand and hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

While its great to treat your headaches on the spot, you should take care to visit your doctor if your headaches are persist or become chronic. If your headaches are the result on ongoing stress or tension, and there is nothing your doctor can not do to help get you the relief you need, make an appointment to see Carlos Praniauskas at Shiatsu Toronto for a professional Shiatsu treatment.