5 Acupressure Points for Headache Relief You Can Do at Home
Updated March 2026 Β· 6 min read
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide. Before reaching for medication, consider trying acupressure β a TCM self-care technique that uses finger pressure on specific points to relieve pain naturally. No needles, no side effects, and you can do it anywhere.
How Does Acupressure Work for Headaches?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, headaches result from blocked or disrupted Qi (energy) flow in the head and neck meridians. Acupressure stimulates specific points along these meridians to restore smooth Qi flow, relax tense muscles, and reduce pain.
Modern research suggests acupressure may work by stimulating nerve endings, increasing blood circulation, and triggering the release of endorphins β the body's natural painkillers.
5 Best Acupressure Points for Headaches
1. He Gu (εθ°·) β LI4
Location: In the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger. Find the highest point of the muscle when you squeeze your thumb and index finger together.
How to press: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to press firmly into this point. Apply steady pressure for 1-2 minutes. You should feel a deep, achy sensation β this is normal.
Best for: Frontal headaches, sinus headaches, general pain relief
β οΈ Avoid during pregnancy β this point can stimulate uterine contractions.
2. Tai Yang (ε€ͺι³) β EX-HN5
Location: In the depression at the temples, about one finger-width behind the midpoint between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye.
How to press: Use both middle fingers to press both temples simultaneously. Apply gentle circular pressure for 1-2 minutes.
Best for: Temporal headaches, migraine, eye strain headaches
3. Feng Chi (ι£ζ± ) β GB20
Location: At the base of the skull, in the two hollows on either side of the neck muscles where they attach to the skull.
How to press: Interlace your fingers behind your head. Use your thumbs to press upward into these hollows. Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes while slowly tilting your head back.
Best for: Tension headaches, neck stiffness, occipital headaches, headaches from cold/wind
4. Yin Tang (ε°ε ) β EX-HN3
Location: The "third eye" point β directly between the eyebrows, in the center of the forehead.
How to press: Use your middle finger or thumb to press gently. Hold steady pressure or make small circles for 1-2 minutes. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
Best for: Frontal headaches, sinus pressure, stress headaches, insomnia
5. Zu San Li (θΆ³δΈι) β ST36
Location: On the outer side of the leg, about four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outside the shinbone.
How to press: Use your thumb to press firmly for 2-3 minutes on each leg. You should feel a deep ache.
Best for: Headaches from fatigue or low energy, digestive headaches, chronic headaches from Qi deficiency
Tips for Effective Acupressure
- Pressure: Firm but not painful. On a scale of 1-10, aim for 5-7 intensity.
- Duration: Press each point for 1-3 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times daily as needed.
- Breathing: Breathe slowly and deeply while pressing. This enhances the effect.
- Consistency: For chronic headaches, practice daily for at least 2 weeks to see lasting results.
- Combine points: Using 2-3 points together is more effective than just one.
When to See a Professional
While acupressure is safe for most headaches, seek professional help if you experience:
- Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, or confusion
- Headache after head injury
- Chronic headaches that don't respond to self-care
- Headaches that progressively worsen over weeks
Need More Personalized Help?
A TCM wellness educator can identify your specific headache pattern and recommend a complete self-care routine tailored to your constitution.
Book a Free Consultation βDisclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have severe or persistent headaches, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.