Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the body to stimulate the flow of energy or “Qi” and promote healing. Migraine is a neurological condition that causes severe headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for migraines and may provide relief from symptoms.
Here are 25 acupoints that may help alleviate migraines:
DU-20 (Baihui): Located at the top of the head, in the center of the line connecting the ears.
GB-20 (Fengchi): Located at the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the neck.
LI-4 (Hegu): Located on the hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger.
LV-3 (Taichong): Located on the foot, between the big toe and the second toe.
GB-8 (Shuaigu): Located in the temple area, about 1 inch above the hairline.
ST-36 (Zusanli): Located on the lower leg, about 3 inches below the kneecap and 1 inch towards the outside of the leg.
LI-11 (Quchi): Located on the elbow, at the outer end of the elbow crease.
GB-41 (Zulinqi): Located on the foot, on the lateral side of the fourth toe, about 0.5 inches from the web margin.
UB-10 (Tianzhu): Located at the base of the skull, in the hollows below the occipital bone.
GB-31 (Fengshi): Located on the lateral side of the thigh, in the depression anterior and inferior to the greater trochanter of the femur.
GB-34 (Yanglingquan): Located on the lateral side of the lower leg, in the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.
BL-60 (Kunlun): Located on the lateral side of the ankle, in the depression between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.
DU-24 (Shenting): Located at the center of the forehead, in the midpoint of the line connecting the eyebrows.
LI-20 (Yingxiang): Located on the face, on the lateral side of the nostril.
SJ-5 (Waiguan): Located on the wrist, on the dorsal aspect of the forearm, 2 inches proximal to the wrist crease.
BL-2 (Cuanzhu): Located on the eyebrow, in the depression at the medial end of the eyebrow.
ST-8 (Touwei): Located on the forehead, at the midpoint of the line connecting the eyebrows.
BL-1 (Jingming): Located on the inner corner of the eye, near the bridge of the nose.
UB-60 (Kunlun Mountains): Located on the ankle, in the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.
GB-39 (Xuanzhong): Located on the lateral side of the lower leg, in the depression between the anterior border of the fibula and the extensor digitorum longus muscle.
BL-60 (Kunlun Mountains): Located on the ankle, in the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.
GV-20 (Baihui): Located at the top of the head, in the center of the line connecting the ears.
LI-1
SI-3 (Houxi): Located on the hand, on the outer side of the hand, in the depression between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones.
PC-6 (Neiguan): Located on the inner arm, two finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons.
It’s important to note that acupressure or acupuncture treatments should be done by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. The specific acupoints used and the duration and frequency of treatments may vary depending on the individual and their specific symptoms. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for migraines