Simple ways to relieve headaches

Headaches can be relieved by massaging the temples, applying heat to the forehead, drinking chrysanthemum tea, pressing the Hegu acupoint, and closing the eyes to nourish the mind. Headaches may be related to factors such as lack of sleep, emotional stress, cervical problems, colds, migraines, etc.

1. Massage the temples

Gently press the temples clockwise with the fingertips of both hands for 1-2 minutes, with a slight amount of soreness and swelling. The temple is located at the midpoint depression of the line connecting the eyebrow tip and the outer corner of the eye. Massage can promote local blood circulation and relieve vascular and neurological headaches. Be careful to avoid excessive force or prolonged pressing.

2. Apply a warm towel at around 40 ℃ to the forehead for 10-15 minutes, repeating 2-3 times a day. Hot compress can relax the head muscles and improve tension headaches. If accompanied by nasal congestion symptoms, hot steam can be used to fumigate the face, which can help alleviate headaches caused by sinusitis.

3. Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea

Brew 5-6 dried white chrysanthemums in boiling water, cover and simmer for 5 minutes before drinking. Chrysanthemums contain volatile oils and flavonoids, which have the effect of calming the liver and improving vision, and are suitable for headaches caused by liver yang hyperactivity. It can be paired with 10 grams of goji berries to enhance the effect. For those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, the dosage should be reduced.

4. Press the Hegu acupoint

Use your thumb to vertically press the Hegu acupoint between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones on the back of your hand for 30 seconds, then relax. This acupoint belongs to the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, which can stimulate and clear the meridians, and has a significant effect on forehead pain. Pregnant women should not use this method, and hypertensive patients should control the pressure when pressing.

5. Close your eyes and rest.

Sit quietly with your eyes closed for 10 minutes in a quiet environment, accompanied by deep breathing. Dark environments can reduce visual stimulation, while deep breathing can increase oxygen supply to the brain, making it suitable for eye overuse or fatigue headaches. Suggest gently rubbing around the eye socket at the same time for better results.

It is important to maintain a regular daily routine and avoid staying up late and using electronic devices for extended periods of time. The diet should be light and avoid foods that can easily trigger headaches, such as pickled foods and cheese. If headaches occur frequently or are accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and blurred vision, medical attention should be sought promptly to investigate organic diseases such as cerebrovascular disease. Moderate exercise such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi can help prevent the recurrence of headaches.