Headache
To treat headaches, the most important piece of information is where the headache is located. Many acupuncture channels meet in the head, and different areas correspond to different channels. To treat a frontal headache, the stomach channel is used; to treat a temporal headache, the Gall Bladder channel is used. If herbal medicine is also appropriate, it is important to look at the type of headache. For example, is it a splitting headache, a dull ache or does the head feel like it is tightly bound? Is it worse in the morning or in the evening? This type of information, along with other whole body symptoms, guide a practitioner in developing a pattern diagnosis.
There are several acupuncture points that can be helpful for headaches. Some points are used for headaches in specific locations. For all the points listed below, use strong pressure for 5-10 minutes or until headache eases.
Large Intestine 4
This is a good point for any type of headache. LI 4 is located between the first and second metacarpal bones (the bones in your palm). An easy way to locate this point is to squeeze the thumb and first finger together, forming a bulge in the muscle. The point is located at the highest point of this bulge.
Gall Bladder 41
This point is useful for migraine type headaches located in the temple region or behind the eyes. Use fingernail pressure. GB 41 is located on the foot in the space between the 4th and 5th toes. If you flex your foot you will see a tendon running across this space. GB 41 is located on the side of the tendon closest to the ankle.
Stomach 44
This point is for frontal headaches. Use fingernail pressure. Try combining this with a cool washcloth on the forehead. St 44 is located on your foot, between your second and third toes, right where the toes join the foot.