Tackling Migraines with a Blend of Chinese and Western Medicine— Plus, A Magic Light Finger?
Ah, migraines—those head-pounding, life-pausing, utterly inconvenient nuisances. Western medicine calls them a “neurological condition,” often treated with a buffet of pharmaceuticals from ibuprofen to migraine-specific meds like triptans. While these options may help, there’s a growing crowd of migraine sufferers looking to ancient solutions that don’t involve pill bottles. Enter Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and— wait for it—a little modern magic called Gunalight.
Understanding Migraines Through Two Lenses
Western Medicine: Migraines are thought to be caused by complex changes in brain activity that affect the nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. Triggers vary but include stress, hormonal shifts, certain foods, and sensory overload.
Chinese Medicine: In TCM, migraines are believed to stem from imbalances in your body’s energy (qi). You might have stagnant qi, too much liver yang rising to the head, or even a blockage caused by external factors like “wind” (not the outdoor kind). What TCM excels at is individualizing treatment—your migraine might be totally different from your friend’s, and your acupressure points will reflect that.
Acupressure Points for Migraines (The Ones You Can DIY or Zap with Gunalight!)
Before we dive into using acupressure or Gunalight, it’s important to know which points target migraines. Some of these will sound like cool spa treatments (and trust me, they feel good), but they work by stimulating energy flow and reducing tension in your body.
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1. LI4 (Hegu):
This is on the back of your hand, between your thumb and index finger. It’s a classic spot to relieve headache pain. Press firmly for 30 seconds and breathe—don’t worry, it won’t bite. If you’re using the Gunalight, shine the light here for 1-3 minutes.
2. Taiyang:
Located on your temples (because, duh, that’s where it hurts). A gentle circular massage here for 30 seconds can work wonders when you’re in the thick of it. With Gunalight, treat the area for 1-3 minutes.
3. GB20 (Fengchi):
Found at the base of your skull, on either side of your spine. This one is great for headaches that feel like they’re traveling up your neck. Apply pressure for 30 seconds, or use Gunalight for 1-3 minutes.
4. ST8 (Touwei):
This point is on your forehead, near your hairline. It’s your go-to when you feel the migraine creeping in behind your eyes. Press for 30 seconds or let the Gunalight shine for 1-3 minutes.
Now, About That Gunalight
Think of the Gunalight as the “cool kid” in the migraine treatment club. This device harnesses full-spectrum light therapy combined with acupuncture principles. It’s like giving yourself an acupressure session without lifting a finger—literally. The Gunalight uses light to target your body’s acupuncture points, stimulating them without needles (needle-phobes rejoice!) .
The best part? It’s portable, meaning you can treat yourself at home or even discreetly at work when a migraine creeps up on you. Acupuncturists are using this tool more frequently for conditions like migraines because it effectively moves energy through the body’s pathways .
The recommended use for Gunalight is 1-3 minutes per point. You can go up to 5 minutes for particularly stubborn areas, but consistency is key here. Treating points daily can help prevent migraines from ever taking hold.
The Best of Both Worlds: A TCM and Western Medicine Combo
To fully take control of your migraines, you can combine the best of both systems:
Western Medicine
It’s not a bad idea to keep some ibuprofen on hand, especially if you know your triggers are unavoidable. And, if prescribed, using migrainespecific medications in acute scenarios can save the day.
Chinese Medicine & Gunalight
In your daily routine, incorporate acupressure or light therapy sessions with Gunalight. Use preventive measures like regular treatments to balance your qi and manage stress before it can build up into a full-blown migraine.
So, the next time your head starts throbbing, instead of feeling defeated, you can press a few points—or just light them up! Whether it’s acupressure or Gunalight, this blend of ancient wisdom and modern technology might just be your new migraine-fighting superpower.
Feel free to share this blend of ancient Chinese wisdom and modern tech with your migraine-prone friends, because let’s be honest, no one should suffer from a pounding head when there’s a golden magic finger out there ready to help!
Dr. Mackenzie Dawson Agnew, Dr.Ac
