Three points for headache and tension.
A simple self-acupressure routine using three easy-to-locate points: Hegu (LI4), Fengchi (GB20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5).
Not every headache is the same.
Chinese Medicine traditionally differentiates headaches by location, quality, triggers and accompanying signs. This Golden Tip is intentionally simple: three commonly used points for general self-care.
Use comfortable pressure. It should feel firm but tolerable, never sharply painful.
Find it. Press it. Breathe.
Massage both sides where applicable. These instructions use finger pressure only — never needles.
Between thumb and index finger
Where
On the back of the hand, in the muscular area between thumb and index finger.
How
Massage with the opposite thumb using slow circular pressure for 30–60 seconds, then change hands.
Traditional use
A major distal point traditionally used for disorders of the face and head and for pain.
At the base of the skull
Where
At the back of the head, just below the skull, in the depressions between the upper neck muscles on each side.
How
Place both thumbs into the depressions and apply comfortable pressure for 30–60 seconds while breathing slowly.
Traditional use
Commonly selected for headache, neck tension and symptoms involving the head.
At the temple
Where
In the soft depression of the temple, lateral to the outer corner of the eye.
How
Massage gently with the finger pads in small circles for 30–60 seconds. Do not press the eye.
Traditional use
A local extra point frequently used for temporal headache and discomfort around the head and eyes.
About three minutes.
Stop if stimulation increases pain, causes dizziness or feels distinctly uncomfortable.
A self-care technique, not a promise of cure.
These points are commonly found in traditional acupuncture approaches to headache. Research on acupuncture and acupressure has investigated headache relief, but results and study quality vary. Tao Point therefore presents this routine as complementary self-care rather than a replacement for diagnosis or established treatment.
Some headaches need medical evaluation.
Do not rely on acupressure for warning signs.
Seek urgent medical care for a sudden extremely severe headache, headache after significant head injury, or headache with new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, major vision or speech changes, or severe systemic illness.
During pregnancy, use a conservative approach and seek professional guidance before stimulating LI4.
Back to the self-care library
Choose another common problem and learn a small set of easy-to-locate points.