Unplug and Recharge: The Amazing Headache-Break Handshake

"Unplug and Recharge" is a new Living series which aims to give you, our dear readers, a quick break from your day -- whether you have as much time as ten minutes or as little as two. Following the success of our Oasis at the DNC, we're hoping to give you a little cyber-oasis -- a place to escape -- where you can take a moment to unplug, relax, and recharge.

There is a spot on each of your hands which for thousands of years has been rubbed by and for human beings, bringing notable relief to headaches. In ancient Chinese medicine, it is said to correspond to the adrenal glands, clearing blockages from this glands' energy circuit, bringing life force to these often overworked treasures.

To give yourself a break from a headache or even just a bit more zip in your doo-da, find the most tender spot between your thumb and forefinger. Use your other thumb and forefinger to pinch this spot from the top and palm of your hand, the way you might pinch a penny should there be a world-wide financial crisis. Take a few deep breaths, and release this spot when you have an indication that you have unblocked this energy point: usually your pain subsides.

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Comments

[ADN]

I have been an acupuncturist for about 7 1/2 yrs, and love reading the hufpo, I rarely comment, but when I read this I had to say something. This point is very good for resolving any type of headache in any part of the head, however, I think it is important to note that if you are pregnant or trying to concieve and its the second half of your cycle, you should NOT press on this particular point. It is one of the acupuncture points contraindicated to needle or apply deep pressure to in pregnancy.

[JerseyBob]

Conversely, if you do not want to get pregnant, a pushing technique can be helpful. Push, push, push him away while repeating the mantra no, no, no.

[MagisterLudi]

It would be equally efficient to simply focus on breathing for 5 minutes or do a progressive relaxation routine. For those who use who do mantra meditation the relaxation is a familiar and never failing by-product of the chanting.

[NickHP]

A release of energy? That part is bogus. The hyperventilation of the deep breathing causes a drop in blood pressure and less pressure in the blood vessels in the head.

Whether or not stimulating the specific nerve bundle in the webbing of the hand triggers effects in related nerves in the head is open to question.

[wm1066]

I have read alot of books on accupressure and I remember reading that this point should not be used if you are trying to get pregnant, I can't remember what book it was in or why you shouldn't use it but if you are pregnant don't use it. This point is good for alot of ailments and if you go in for an accupunture treatment chances are they will stick a needle in this point.

[violettefemme]

I have been doing this to take the edge off headaches for years, and find it works....I just give myself 5 minutes, and massage the small spot, alternating hand to hand.

OBAMA-BIDEN 08

[MagisterLudi]

It is possible that the relaxation effect achieved because you become ground in the here-and-now for that 5 minutes.

[emmaspeaks]

I have done this for people for years. 30 seconds. Works if it is tension. Its great.