Written by David Corby.
There are many different types of headaches. A Mind Body and Integrative Complementary Medicine practitioner would assess your type of headache in order to get an idea of what is likely to be causing it.
The first step is to work out where in the head the pain is originating from. This tells us what type of psychological or lifestyle stress is likely to be leading to that pain:
- If the pain is on the forehead its usually due to excess thinking and issues around care and support.
- If the pain is behind the eyes, or on the sides of the head or right at the peak of the head, it is usually to do with decision making, anger, frustration and generalised stress.
- If the pain is at the back of the head it is usually to do with fear and control and the need to be driven.
- If the pain comes from the neck it can be due to a number of different psychologies, depending on which muscles are driving the pain.
The second thing of interest is the type of pain you are experiencing:
- If it’s a sharp fixed location pain then it is likely being generated either by either a recent physical blow to the head that is bruising or a tightly repressed specific emotion.
- If its feels like it is exploding or in a vice like grip this usually is because you are stuck and constraining yourself.
- If its dull and more like an ache, this is a sign of deficiency – you are likely to be run down and the headache is likely to get worse with fatigue.
Putting these two factors together tells us a lot about the pattern that is driving the headaches. In my experience most headaches can be improved when a client addresses the root lifestyle issues leading to those headaches.
There is a very good acupoint you can use to ease the symptoms of headaches. It is Gall Bladder 20 and it is located just underneath the occiput (skull bone at back of head) in a hollow just on the edge of the major band of muscle on the neck (see picture).
This point is awesome for headaches and migraines. It is particularly good for strong painful headaches rather than just dull aching headaches. Sometimes even holding or rubbing this point for even several minutes can alleviate strong headaches. Its effect will be greatest if held for 30 minutes.
David Corby is CEO of CCM, teacher of holistic kinesiology and mind body medicine and published author of ‘Finding Joy Within’, ‘Energetic Protection’, ‘Neuropressure’ and numerous accredited courses. David is a registered Acupuncturist, a mind body practitioner and holistic kinesiologist. A world renowned lecturer who teaches in Australia and overseas.
