Want to end a headache? Just press this spot

QuickandSimple.com

If you're looking for a drug-free way to relieve colds and everyday pain, try acupressure, an ancient form of massage that involves pressing specific spots on the body with your fingers. The technique supposedly unblocks energy passageways, which improves your ability to fend off trouble. "Acupressure has been proven to successfully soothe, prevent and treat many common ailments," notes Claire Wheeler, Ph.D., acupressurist and founder of Mind-Body Medicine in Portland, Ore.

AND: You can get major relief with herbs and other natural treatments. Find out how to send your aches and pains packing.

Below, we tell you how to use acupressure to overcome six annoying conditions. But first, check out these basic how-to's:

1. Using your thumb and index fingers, apply pressure to the spots indicated, depressing your skin about a half an inch. "These spots have a higher concentration of nerve endings," explains Donna Bunte, a licensed acupuncturist in Greenwich, Conn., "so you'll feel tingling, tickling or tenderness."

2. Hold the pressure for one minute, and breathe deeply. Then repeat three more times.

3. If you don't experience relief right away, repeat the cycle every 10 minutes withing a half-hour until symptoms pass.

4. If that doesn't work, try intermittent applications for a day or two.

For tension headaches:

Press here: Between the thumb and index finger bones on the back of your hand. When the thumb and index fingers are extended, the point is closer to your thumb.

AND: How lavender and veggies can ease the throbbing in your head





For sinus headaches:

Alternate pressing the two points for one minute each; repeat three times. "You should feel your sinuses draining during this move," says Bunte.

Press here: A half-inch (or one thumb width) above the center of your eyebrows (shown)

And here: In the hollow at the end of each eyebrow near the nose. It will feel tender when pressed.


For upper body aches:

Press here: The top of the shoulder midway between the shoulder joint and the base of the neck. Use your hand from the opposite side to apply pressure.








For tummy troubles:

Press here: The underside of the forearm two finger widths above the first crease of the wrist.

AND: Eating pineapple can get rid of excess gas? Find out more all-natural ways to soothe digestive problems






For tiredness:

Press here: On the calf, four finger widths below the indentation of the knee, approximately one finger width to the outside of the tibia (shinbone).

AND: Put down that coffee cup! How to get revved up morning til night, without caffeine





For coughs:

Alternate between these two points for one minute each; repeat three times.

Press Here: The palm side of your hand, a quarter inch below your thumb (shown)

And here: One thumb width below the end of your collarbone in the spaced depression located above the first rib.





More stuff you'll like on QuickandSimple.com:

Natural Solutions for 50+ Ailments: From digestive problems to yeast infections, how to skip the chemicals and still get relief
One Week to a Happier You: Find time to pamper yourself each day with these seven easy indulgences
Solve Your Personal Energy Crisis: A dawn-to-dusk plan that's guaranteed to keep your engine humming
The 6 Most Surprising Stress Fighters: From making a fist to staring at blue, unexpected ways to take the edge off your anxiety.

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.