Some people experience headaches due to high work pressure or emotional stress. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to be effective in relieving and treating headaches. When a headache strikes, you might find relief with simple yet effective remedies like acupressure massage or a cup of chrysanthemum tea.
Gently massage the acupoint in a circular motion 10 times, applying pressure for three to five seconds each time.
While applying pressure, slowly move your neck on the same side and shrug your shoulders to help relax the neck and shoulder muscles. This helps improve blood circulation and relieve the headache.
Place the thumb of one hand on the webbing between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. The point where your thumb naturally rests is the Hegu acupoint.
Apply firm pressure with your thumb, massaging in circular motions for three to five seconds each time, repeating 10 times. You should feel a sore, tingling sensation when pressing this acupoint. This technique often provides quick relief from migraines.
On the other hand, some people who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation tend to oversleep on weekends, sometimes staying in bed until noon -- only to wake up with a headache. In such cases, massaging the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of the foot can provide relief.
Use your thumb to apply pressure to the Yongquan acupoint, massaging each foot 10 times for three to five seconds each time. Stimulating this acupoint helps direct the body's qi (energy) downward, which may relieve headaches.
Additionally, it is important to regulate weekend sleep schedules -- ideally, waking up no more than two hours later than usual. This is particularly crucial for those prone to migraines, as oversleeping can worsen symptoms.
The ancient TCM text "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica (Shennong Bencao Jing)" records that chrysanthemum can treat dizziness, head pressure, protruding eyes, and excessive tearing caused by excessive wind exposure.
Chrysanthemum tea is also widely used to relieve headaches caused by inflammation or the common cold. A well-known medicinal tea called Sang Ju Yin contains mulberry leaves, chrysanthemum, and mint, making it particularly effective for treating cold-induced headaches and coughs.
If headaches occur frequently, it is best to see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.