During these trying times, self-care is of the utmost importance, and all of a sudden we find ourselves with space and time to be kind to ourselves. Let’s use it!

It’s easy to pop a pill for every ache and pain but that quickly adds up and can put unnecessary strain on the liver and kidneys.

Instead, try these 7 pressure points to relieve the next nasty headache that threatens to ruin your day.

Pressure points have been used for millennia in eastern and ayurvedic healing and masseuses and physios in the west have definitely caught up. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pressure points are sensitive areas that lie along energy lines in our bodies. The practice of releasing energy by applying pressure to these points is called acupressure. This type of energy manipulation has been shown to release endorphins and other chemicals that ease tension and relax the body.

Anecdotal evidence and studies have shown that acupressure can relieve migraines and headache pain. One study found that one month of acupressure treatment was more effective in reducing chronic headaches than one month of treatment with muscle relaxants, and that the effects were longer lasting than the chemical treatment and with no harm to your body.

Next time a pounding headache threatens try gently massaging your jaw, from cheekbones down to jawbones. Don’t be afraid to get into the crevices formed by your facial bones. Next, massage behind both ears. You may be surprised to find just how much tension is stored on the scalp, behind the ears. Move downwards, down the neck, and towards the shoulders.

You are now ready for your acupressure treatment...