Acupressure for Headaches: Points and Techniques

Direct Answer

The six most effective acupressure points for headaches are GB20 (Fengchi) at the base of the skull for releasing neck tension and subduing rising Yang, GB21 (Jianjing) on the shoulder for releasing trapezius tension, LI4 (Hegu) on the hand for frontal and facial pain, LV3 (Taichong) on the foot for moving stagnant Liver Qi, Tai Yang at the temples for local temporal pain, and DU20 (Baihui) at the crown of the head for lifting Yang and mental clarity. For tension headaches, emphasize GB20, GB21, and LI4. For migraines, emphasize GB20, LV3, and Tai Yang. Press each point for 1–3 minutes for relief within 5–15 minutes.

The TCM Framework: Headaches as Qi and Yang Disturbance

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the head is the meeting place of all Yang meridians. It is described in the Huangdi Neijing as "the palace of the clear Yang" — the place where clear, active energy should predominate. Headaches occur when this clear Yang is disturbed by pathological factors: stagnant Qi, rising Liver Yang, internal Wind, Cold invasion, Dampness, or Blood stasis.

TCM distinguishes between different types of headaches based on their location, quality, and accompanying symptoms. This differentiation is essential because it determines which acupressure points to use:

Tension Headaches (Qi and Blood Stagnation)

Tension headaches feel like a tight band around the head, often starting at the base of the skull and wrapping forward. They are caused by Qi and Blood stagnation in the neck and shoulder muscles, typically from stress, poor posture, or prolonged computer work. The neck is tight, the shoulders are elevated, and the pain is dull and constricting. In TCM, this is Liver Qi stagnation extending to the Gallbladder meridian, which wraps around the sides of the head.

Migraine Headaches (Liver Yang Rising or Liver Fire)

Migraines are typically one-sided, throbbing, and intense. They may be accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light and sound. In TCM, migraines are caused by Liver Yang rising or Liver Fire. When Liver Qi stagnates for prolonged periods, it generates Heat. This Heat stirs up Liver Yang, which rises upward to the head, producing the throbbing, pulsating quality of migraine pain. The one-sided nature reflects the pathway of the Gallbladder meridian, which the Liver is paired with. For a deeper understanding, see our guides on Liver Qi stagnation and anger management and the Liver.

Actionable Steps: The 6 Acupressure Points

1. GB20 (Fengchi) — Wind Pool

Location: At the base of the skull, in the two hollow depressions on either side of the neck, just below the occipital bone. The point is in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

What it does: GB20 is the single most important point for all types of headaches. It releases tension in the neck and suboccipital muscles, clears the head, and subdues rising Liver Yang. It is particularly effective for headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate forward, and for headaches accompanied by neck stiffness. The Zhenjiu Dacheng describes GB20 as "the point that dispels wind from the head and settles rising yang."

How to press: Interlock your fingers behind your head. Use your thumbs to press firmly into the hollows at the base of the skull. Tilt your head back slightly into your thumbs. Hold for 2–3 minutes, breathing deeply. This point is often very tender during a headache — that tenderness indicates the point is active.

2. GB21 (Jianjing) — Shoulder Well

Location: At the highest point of the shoulder, midway between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder (acromion process).

What it does: GB21 releases tension in the trapezius muscle, which is the primary muscle that tightens during stress. When the trapezius is chronically tight, it pulls on the base of the skull, contributing to tension headaches. GB21 also moves stagnant Qi and Blood in the upper body and is classically used for stress-related shoulder and neck pain.

How to press: Use the opposite hand to pinch the highest point of the shoulder muscle between your thumb and fingers. Press firmly for 1–2 minutes per side. You can also have someone else press both sides simultaneously.

Caution: GB21 is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can stimulate uterine contractions.

3. LI4 (Hegu) — Joining Valley

Location: On the back of the hand, in the fleshy webbing between the thumb and index finger. Squeeze the thumb and index finger together; the point is at the highest point of the bulge of muscle.

What it does: LI4 is the command point of the face and head. It relieves pain in the forehead, face, sinuses, and jaw. It is the most widely used point for frontal headaches, sinus headaches, and toothaches. It also promotes the free flow of Qi throughout the body, making it useful for tension headaches when combined with GB20. In the "Four Gates" combination (LI4 + LV3), it opens Qi flow from head to foot.

How to press: Pinch the webbing deeply between the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand. Press toward the index finger bone. Hold for 1–2 minutes per hand.

Caution: LI4 is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can stimulate uterine contractions.

4. LV3 (Taichong) — Supreme Surge

Location: On the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and second toe, about one finger-width back from the webbing.

What it does: LV3 is the source point of the Liver meridian and the primary point for moving stagnant Liver Qi. For migraines — which are caused by Liver Yang rising from underlying Qi stagnation — LV3 addresses the root cause by breaking through the stagnation that generates the rising Heat. The Huangdi Neijing describes it as "the point that surges the qi and breaks through obstruction." See our LV3 guide for full details.

How to press: Press firmly with your thumb, sliding slightly toward the second toe. Hold for 2–3 minutes per foot. The point may be very sore — this is a sign of Liver Qi stagnation.

Caution: LV3 is contraindicated during pregnancy.

5. Tai Yang — Supreme Yang (Extra Point)

Location: At the temple, in the soft depression about one finger-width lateral to the outer end of the eyebrow, in the temporal muscle.

What it does: Tai Yang is an extra point not located on a specific meridian, but it is one of the most commonly used points for headaches. It relieves local temporal pain, clears the head, and is particularly effective for migraine pain at the temples and for tension headaches that wrap around the sides of the head. It is also used for eye strain and dizziness.

How to press: Use your index or middle finger to press gently into the soft depression at the temple. Use small circular motions for 1–2 minutes per side. Use lighter pressure than on the hands or feet — the temporal area is sensitive.

6. DU20 (Baihui) — Hundred Meetings

Location: At the crown of the head, on the midline, approximately at the intersection of the line drawn from the apex of both ears.

What it does: DU20 is the meeting point of all Yang meridians on the Governing Vessel. It lifts Yang, clears the mind, and is used for headaches accompanied by dizziness, mental fog, or a feeling of heaviness in the head. It is particularly effective for headaches that feel like a weight pressing down on the top of the head. The Zhenjiu Dacheng describes it as "the point where all yang meets and the spirit is lifted."

How to press: Use your index finger to press gently but firmly on the crown of the head. Alternatively, tap lightly with the pads of your fingers 20–30 times. Hold or tap for 1–2 minutes.

Complementary Practices

• Chrysanthemum tea: Clears Liver Heat and calms the head. Drink 1–2 cups during a headache, especially for migraines. See our chrysanthemum tea guide.
• Peppermint oil on temples: A few drops of diluted peppermint oil on Tai Yang provides a cooling sensation that relieves tension. Do not get it in the eyes.
• Cold compress on the forehead, warm compress on the neck: For migraines (Heat pattern), a cold compress on the forehead draws Heat away from the head. For tension headaches (stagnation pattern), a warm compress on the neck relaxes tight muscles.
• 4-7-8 breathing: A long exhale calms the nervous system and can reduce headache intensity. See our breathing techniques guide.
• Hydration: In TCM, dehydration is a form of Yin deficiency. Drink warm or room-temperature water throughout the day.
• Reduce screen time: Prolonged screen use strains the eyes (Liver opens into the eyes) and tightens the neck. Take breaks every 30 minutes.

Contraindications and Safety

• Pregnancy: LI4 (Hegu), GB21 (Jianjing), and LV3 (Taichong) are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. GB20, Tai Yang, and DU20 are generally considered safe. Always consult your healthcare provider before using acupressure during pregnancy.
• Sudden, severe headache: If you experience a sudden, extremely severe headache ("thunderclap headache"), or the worst headache of your life, seek emergency medical care immediately. This can indicate a serious condition such as an aneurysm or stroke.
• Headache with neurological symptoms: If your headache is accompanied by weakness, numbness, vision loss, difficulty speaking, confusion, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical care.
• Chronic headaches: If you have headaches more than 2–3 times per week, or if your headache pattern changes, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. Chronic headaches can indicate underlying conditions that require medical evaluation.
• When to seek professional help: Acupressure provides symptomatic relief but does not address the underlying cause of chronic headaches. For persistent or severe headache disorders, consult a neurologist and consider integrating TCM with conventional medical care. See our guide on TCM for headaches.

References and Classical Sources

• Huangdi Neijing Suwen (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Basic Questions), c. 200 BCE — describes the head as the meeting place of all Yang and the role of the Liver in headache pathology.
• Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) by Yang Jizhou, 1601 — documents GB20, LI4, and DU20 for various headache types and the Four Gates combination.
• Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) by Huangfu Mi, 282 CE — describes GB20 (Fengchi) for dispelling wind and settling rising Yang.
• Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage) by Zhang Zhongjing, c. 210 CE — documents the differentiation of headache types by location and quality.

Related Tools

Understanding your headache pattern can help you choose the right points:

• Take our free TCM Constitution Quiz — identify whether your headaches are Liver Yang rising, Qi stagnation, or another pattern.
• My TCM Profile — save your results for personalized headache management recommendations.
• Acupressure Hub — browse our complete acupressure point library.
• Pain Relief Hub — explore all our pain management guides.