Acupressure for headaches

Most everyday headaches respond well to a short routine of four or five acupressure points. The combinations below cover tension headaches (the commonest form), sinus headaches, migraine, and the “screen headache” that builds across a day of computer work. For chronic or severe headaches, clinic-based acupuncture is the deeper intervention — see the headaches and migraines condition pages.

The four core points

LI 4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

Location. In the web between thumb and index finger, at the highest point of the muscle bulge when the thumb is brought to rest against the base of the middle finger.

Technique. Press firmly with the opposite thumb until you feel a dull achy sensation. Hold for 1–2 minutes; repeat on the other hand. Avoid in pregnancy.

Why. LI 4 is the master point for pain in the head and face — a classical TCM saying holds “the face and mouth are governed by Hegu”. It works on all types of headache but is most effective for frontal, temporal and one-sided pain.

GB 20 (Fengchi) — “Wind Pool”

Location. At the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the spine where the neck muscles meet the skull (about two finger-widths apart).

Technique. With the head supported (lying down, leaning back in a chair, or hands cradling the head), press both points firmly with the thumbs, directing pressure forward and slightly upward toward the eyes. Hold for 1–2 minutes.

Why. GB 20 is the single most useful point for headaches at the back of the head and temples. It is also the point for headaches triggered by wind, weather change or neck tension — the “Wind Pool” name reflects its role in releasing external Wind pathogens trapped at the base of the skull.

Taiyang — “Supreme Yang” (Extra point)

Location. At each temple, in the small depression about one finger-width back from the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye.

Technique. Press both temples simultaneously with the middle fingers, with small circular motion or sustained pressure. Hold for 1–2 minutes. See the Taiyang page for the detailed profile.

Why. Taiyang is the most direct point for temporal headache and the lateral throbbing pain of migraine. It also relieves the “tight band” sensation of tension headache when used together with LI 4 and GB 20.

Yintang — “Hall of Impression”

Location. Midway between the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose.

Technique. Press firmly with the thumb or middle finger. Hold for 1–2 minutes, breathing slowly.

Why. Yintang relieves frontal headache, sinus pressure and the cognitive overload that comes with prolonged screen work. It also calms the mind, addressing the stress component that drives many tension headaches.

Routines by headache type

Tension headache (tight band across the forehead or temples)

1. Yintang — 1 minute
2. Taiyang at both temples — 1 minute
3. GB 20 at the base of the skull — 1–2 minutes
4. LI 4 in both hands — 1 minute each
5. Roll the shoulders, slow neck stretches, deep exhales

Sinus headache (pressure across the brow and cheeks, blocked nose)

Use the acupressure for sinus relief routine: LI 20, Bitong, Yintang, BL 2, then GB 20 and LI 4. Steam inhalation before the routine multiplies the effect.

Migraine (one-sided throbbing, often with light and sound sensitivity)

At the first warning signs (aura, mood change, neck stiffness):

1. Move to a quiet dark room
2. LI 4 on the opposite hand to the pain — 2–3 minutes
3. Taiyang on the affected side — 2 minutes
4. GB 20 on the affected side — 2 minutes
5. LV 3 (Taichong) on the opposite foot — 2 minutes (between the big toe and second toe)

Established migraine often needs medication alongside acupressure. The points work best when started at the first signs, before the migraine fully develops.

Screen / eye-strain headache

Yintang + BL 2 (inner end of each eyebrow) + Taiyang + close eyes for 5 minutes. Adjust monitor distance and brightness; take a 20-20-20 break (20 seconds of looking at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes).

When to see a doctor — not acupressure

The following are not for self-treatment:

1. Sudden severe “thunderclap” headache — possible subarachnoid haemorrhage
2. Headache with fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, rash — possible meningitis
3. Headache after head injury — rule out concussion or bleed
4. New severe headache over age 50, or with weight loss/scalp tenderness — rule out giant cell arteritis
5. Progressively worsening headache over days/weeks
6. Headache with neurological signs — weakness, numbness, speech disturbance, vision change

Browse the full acupressure hub, the headaches page for the deeper clinical approach, or the acupuncture points directory.