7 Pressure Points to Help With Headaches, Digestion and Period Cramps

You know the feeling. It makes you want to double over and basically quit on your day. It’s that time of the month. Aunt Flow’s in town. You’re on your rag. It’s your period. Call it what you will, but menstruation brings with it a slew of painful symptoms — from pesky to downright unbearable. Headaches. Nausea. And yes, cramps.

Well, the good news is you don’t have to feel helpless. Believers and practitioners of reflexology know it as a strand of Eastern medicine, where pressing down on certain pressure points on the body can not only improve health but can relieve pain and restore balance to the body. These points are used in acupuncture, but you don’t have to turn to needles to experience some of the benefits. Here are some common methods that may help alleviate common period symptoms.

DISCLAIMER: This advice is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Always seek medical advice that is specific to you and your situation.

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Period pain be gone

Called Hegu, this pressure point is located between the base of your thumb and index finger. Applying “acupressure” on this spot is said to relieve pain and headaches. Using your other hand, apply pressure and massage for five minutes. Then, move to your other hand with a pressure that is firm but not uncomfortable.

The best part? You can even do this while at work. Because let’s face it: your period doesn't care where you are.

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No more nausea

Flip your hand over, to the inside of your wrist, and move up about an inch on your arm. Apply firm pressure. This point helps alleviate nausea — a common symptom of menstrual cramps.

Woman's hand massaging the area beneath the kneecap

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Do the legwork

Move about four finger-widths below the knee on the inside of your leg and find the spot between the calf and the tibia muscles. Apply firm pressure with the tips of your opposite hand (left leg, right knee and vice-versa). Switch and repeat.

Woman's back facing the camera, with knuckles pressing into the back

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Put your back into it

Next, walk the back of each hand towards your tailbone. Then, down the centre of your back (open palm facing outwards) and then the other one in front of it (also palm facing outwards). Lay down in this position for two minutes. This position helps relieve abdominal pain and elevates your pelvis.

A woman's back facing the camera, with index fingers on either side of the lower back

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A lateral move

Take your thumbs and move them back outward towards either side of your back, stopping about an inch away from your sides. Apply pressure and massage.

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‘X’ marks the spot

Still laying down, take your hands and apply pressure two inches below your belly button. Adjust as needed if the area is sensitive. This is also supposed to help with irregular cycles.

Woman's thumb pressing into top of the foot, just below the big toe

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Step by step

Moving onto your feet, place your thumb in between your big toe and your second toe, moving towards your shin at the crease of about half an inch. Press for one minute increasing the pressure. Repeat on the other foot.