Raise your hand if you love headaches!
C’mon, put ‘em up high!
…nobody?
Ahh, right… headaches are the worst!
And, they’ve been plaguing us since the beginning of humanity. The first recorded mention of headaches dates back thousands of years, with Aretaeus of Cappadocia creating the first classification system near the beginning of the 2nd Century.
And of course, we’ve been trying to cure them ever since… with varying degrees of success.
Around the middle of the 19th century, painkillers became the go-to remedy for headaches – thanks to the rise of opium. We quickly became addicted to this “easy” way out… because we didn’t really understand the consequences.
By now, we all know the downsides to taking pills – they’re addictive, hard on your body, and they can often cause problems of their own.
So here’s a question: If humans have been dealing with headaches for literally forever, why haven’t we come up with better ways to relieve them?
Well, actually, many argue we have… but we seem to have forgotten them at some point. In today’s article, we’ll explore one of these particular “ancient relief methods” – plus how you can use it today!
The powerful healing capabilities of the human body
From plant extracts to simple techniques anyone can use, there are actually plenty of natural, healthy ways to relieve headaches on a regular basis. In fact, if it weren’t for the deceptively “magical” powers of pills, we’d probably still be using them today!
So let’s highlight one of those “better ways” to relieve headaches – which, if you ask us, is just as magical as any pill. It’s called the LI4 Acupressure Point, and it’s been in use for thousands of years. Let’s check it out!
What is the LI4 Acupressure Point?
The LI4 Acupressure Point is actually one of many special “Acupressure Points” on your body. You’ve probably heard of pressure points before – it’s the same thing.
Every person has a number of acupressure points that correspond to different parts of the body. When you press on these specific acupressure points, your body responds in unique ways – often by relieving pain in a completely different part of your body.
One of these, called the LI4 acupressure point, is renowned for its ability to relieve headaches. To activate its surprisingly effective headache relieving powers, you simply need to apply pressure to that specific spot. In this case, your LI4 point is located between your thumb and index finger.
Before we go further, let’s get something clear: this is acupressure, NOT acupuncture. No needles here! It’s really as simple as applying pressure to this special spot.
Why does the LI4 Acupressure Point relieve headaches so well?
This anti-inflammatory point is proven to activate your body’s endorphins, which naturally and quickly ease tension throughout your body.
The technique has been in use for thousands of years in Chinese medicine – and even though it’s based on ancient methods, modern medicine has also begun to embrace this traditionally safer, cleaner, and more effective form of relief.
There are now more than 500 studies confirming that acupressure is effective and safe, according to the NCCAM.
For example, a recent John Hopkins University study found that “Proper stimulation of the LI4 is effective in relieving headaches, pain of the eyes, toothaches, jaw pain, and pain of the limbs and bones.”
Want to try it yourself? It’s easy!
If you’re curious, just give it a try yourself!
When you feel a headache coming on, simply pinch your hand in the spot shown above and wait a few seconds. The headache should disappear! If it doesn’t work, try pinching different areas – you may be missing the exact spot.
Of course, you can also use Aculief – which was specifically designed for this purpose. Not only does it help you find the “sweet spot” easily, it also clips on (so you don’t have to keep holding your hand there).
Here at GiddyUp, we love using Aculief. It often works faster than taking a pill, and it’s much safer and easier on your body. If you deal with frequent stress headaches, chronic migraines, or other headaches that happen on a regular basis, we highly recommend trying Aculief!
The LI4 Acupressure Point is one of many ways to relieve headaches. How do you do it?
We’re always on the lookout for interesting ways to relieve headaches – especially if they involve interesting innovations (no matter how ancient)!
So, how about you? When you feel a headache coming on, how do you take care of it? Would you try something like Aculief? Let us know in the comments below!
Reference: Johns Hopkins Study
I was an athlete back in university, and applying pressure on the Li4 was one quick way to relieve what we called “stitches” (muscle strain in the abdomen). It was more of a “myth” back then that this would work, but cool to see more science behind it!
I have been using this method for many years. It is truly magical. I recommend it to all my friends.
Yes I would try it. I believe in accupressure.
for sure much better thanpills
i like natural healing never take pills
Tried and true after thousands of years in China–I’d say it’s a winner (and No side effects)!