The Odd Effect These Tricks Can Have on Your Body

The body works in odd and mysterious ways, some of which we understand and some of which are still boggling scientist to this day. But if you can learn about and understand some of the body’s more interesting tricks, then it’s easy to hack your system — just like you would, say, hack a computer to get more out of it.

Here are a few strange but true body tricks that you have to try.

1. Stop Migraines

If you’re looking to take less medication for pounding migraines, try the ancient technique of using pressure points to relieve even the worst headache pain. According to LiveStrong, you’ll use your thumb and forefinger on one hand to apply pressure to the same webbed area (between your other thumb and forefinger) on your other hand. Press and hold for two minutes on each side, while rotating your fingers in a gentle, circular motion – this will allow blood to flow out of your head and neck, and will loosen any Ki, or “blocked energy.”

2. Make A Toothache Disappear In Second

Toothaches are some of the most mind-numbingly painful and distracting experiences. The next time you feel pain building, place an ice on the back of your hand, rubbing it back and forth on the webbed area between your index finger and your thumb.

It might sound weird, but this area is filled with nerve pathways that run pain signals from the face and hands to the brain, and the cool temperatures will block the messages of pain.

3. Soothe a Scratchy Throat

Scott Schaffer, M.D., president of an ear, nose, and throat specialty center, told Men’s Health that the secret behind easing a scratchy throat is actually in your ear!

He explained, “When the nerves in the ear are stimulated, it creates a reflex in the throat that can cause a muscle spasm. This spasm relieves the tickle.” You’ll be glad to know THAT during cold and flu season.

 

4. Be Brave Giving Blood

If you’re like me when it comes to needles (I’m terrified of them), then you’re going to really love this trick. When a nurse is about to insert a needle into your arm, let out a tiny cough. This will keep your mind off of the procedure and the pain! But be sure to warn your nurse of your plan, just in case.

 

5. Lessen the Chance of Burn Scars

Help a burn heal naturally, quickly, and without blisters with this hack. Instead of rushing for the ice pack after a nasty burn, try pressing the pads of your fingers against the affected area gently. This will bring your skin back to body temperature less rapidly, which will reduce the risk of blisters appearing.

 

6. Drain Your Stuffy Nose

When your sinuses are acting up, it’s so difficult to focus on, well, anything. Try alternate pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and one finger against each of your eyebrows. This force against your vomer bone with cause it to rock back and forth, and will loosen any mucus.

Give it a few seconds to work – it should take about 20 seconds to clear up.

 

 

7. Calm Your Nerves

The next time you’re feeling nervous, whether it’s before a big date or a big presentation at work, try this quick trick: blowing on your thumb. It may sound strange, but doing so will regulate your breathing and will control your vagus nerve, which helps slow your heart rate and calm you down.