pain relief

Headache, allergies, PMS? Do this simple acupressure exercise from the OnSugar blog goddessbody.

Hegu (Large Intestine 4) is an acupoint in the webbing between the thumb and index fingers. It is considered one of the most commonly used acupoints and with good reason. LI-4 has a wide range of uses, particularly pain relief all over the body. Here are some conditions this acupoint is known to treat:  abdominal pain, headaches, hay fever, allergies, itchy eyes, constipation, stiffness of the arm and shoulder, addictions, and panic attacks.

It is also a point used for gynecological conditions such as PMS, delayed or irregular periods or no periods. This point is a FORBIDDEN point, meaning it should NOT be used during pregnancy. It is known to trigger uterine contractions. If you are trying to get pregnant, do not use this point after ovulation. However, before ovulation it calms the uterus, moving stuck energy and calming the mind which is helpful in balancing the reproductive system in cases of infertility. I don't personally recommend using this point for the pain of dysmenorrhea (pain during period) — it can trigger uterine contractions that may worsen the pain.

To use this point, simply massage between the webbing for a minute, gently pulling your thumb from the webbing to the end of the crease (see photo). You may find this point is a little tender. Remember, since acupressure is an energy system, you don't need to use much pressure to access these points.

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If you're feeling a world of hurt, you might want to skip the pill form of pain relief. New research found that just gazing at a photo of someone you love could reduce your pain.

A small study, involving 25 women who had been in healthy and loving relationships for at least six months, found gazing at images of loved ones helps manage pain. In the study heat was applied to the forearm of each participant, the women reported their levels of pain while looking at a photo of their boyfriend, when looking at a photo of a stranger, and while looking at a picture of a chair. The women also received the heat treatment when holding hands with their guys, while holding hands with a complete stranger, and while holding a stress ball.

Overall the women reported the lowest amount of pain when in the "presence" of their partners, whether it be from their boyfriend's photo or actual hand. This simple experiment illustrated how the support of a loved one can help ease pain. The next time you want to pop some Tylenol, grab a framed photo or the hand of someone you love instead. Or if you're going through a painful experience and your favorite person can't be with you, the researchers suggest bringing a photo of the special person along. It could have the same calming effect.

I think most of us have a go-to swear word. The term you mutter, shout, or scream when you stub your toe in the middle of the night. It turns out that swearing might be a viable form of pain relief. In a British study that seems like a hybrid of interrogation techniques and slumber party antics, college students were asked to immerse a hand into cold water. They were timed to see how long they could endure the freezing water. To help focus mentally, the students were allowed to chant either a neutral mantra or repeat a swear word over and over again. When cursing, the students were on average able to endure the pain of the cold water for 40 seconds longer and said they felt less pain.

To learn why, just read more