Relieve Behind the Eye Headaches using this point I RETRO ORBITAL HEADACHES
In our Burnaby Physiotherapy practice, we regularly treat those suffering from headaches. Headaches can be caused by many different factors, from dehydration and caffeine intake, to referred pains caused by head, neck and shoulder tightness. Some headaches may feel like they are behind the eyes and can feel like a deep pressure or even throbbing pain. These headaches are known as Retro-orbital Headaches.
Retro Orbital Headache
Retro, meaning behind, and orbital, the eye, is one type of headache that can be disabling at its worst, and annoying at best.
These headaches are usually caused by tension spots in the neck and shoulder region but effectively relieved by Physiotherapy treatment. Being mindful of posture, performing regular stretching and exercises are also important as part of an overall program to help treat and prevent behind the eye headaches.
Acupuncture is a great and unique tool to help with behind the eye headaches. There is a specific point located on our feet that can help with retro orbital headaches.
However, be careful about using this powerful acupuncture point. Before you use this point, you want to make sure that you are not pregnant because this point can actually induce labor.
Acupuncture / Acupressure Point LIVER 3
The point is called Liver 3 in traditional Chinese medicine and is a nerve point that is found at the base of the web space between the big toe and 2nd toe. When you apply pressure on this nerve point, it will be noticeably more sore.
This point is a useful point for a variety of health conditions as well as headaches, but can be specifically used to treat behind the eye headaches.
Once you have located this sore spot, simply massage this area on both feet at the same time for 30 seconds, and then repeat this 3 times.
Reassess your headache afterwards and see if the massage made a difference in your symptoms. You can repeat the set of 3 a few times per day.
Acupuncture TENS setting to simulate acupuncture treatment
You can also use a device called a TENS unit and set it up to mimic acupuncture by placing the pads on acupuncture points. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This device can send low level electrical currents through the pads to stimulate nerve points of the body. It is a convenient alternative to acupuncture, as it is less invasive and does not involve needles.
You can use a TENS machine set to an acupuncture setting of 200 microseconds and 4 Hertz.
Use this for about 15 minutes, and reassess your headache to see if that has helped. You may repeat this 3-5 times a day if you would like.
Let me know if this has worked for you and if you find this acupressure point helpful. If you have any issues, feel free to reach out to one of our Physiotherapists at EastWest Burnaby to help you.
