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Top Acupressure Points for Headache Relief: Techniques and Tips

4 min read

11/03/2025

Top Acupressure Points for Headache Relief: Techniques and Tips

Introduction to Acupressure for Headaches

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that uses constant pressure and physical pressure on specific pressure points as part of a pressure point treatment to treat headaches and improve sleep quality.

Pressure points are body areas believed to stimulate relief when physical pressure is applied, and these pressure points can be used to treat headaches caused by muscle tension and sinus pressure.

Self-administered acupressure points for headache can be an effective complementary treatment for chronic headaches, and can be used in conjunction with massage therapy.

Applying constant firm pressure to specific points, including the shoulder joint, can help relieve headache pain, reduce pain, and improve blood circulation.

Acupressure practitioners claim that stimulating specific acupressure points to treat headaches for migraine relief can help relieve headaches, including tension-type and migraine headaches.

The Union Valley pressure point (LI-4), located between the thumb and index finger, may relieve headaches and neck tension.

The Gates of consciousness pressure points (GB20), located at the base of the skull, may relieve headaches that come from neck tension.

The Drilling Bamboo pressure points (UB2), found at the bridge of the nose, can relieve headaches caused by eyestrain and sinus pressure.

Understanding Migraine Symptoms and Acupressure

Migraine symptoms can be debilitating, especially during intense neck pain and headaches, and targeting the third eye pressure point with acupressure can be a useful tool in managing chronic headaches and migraine attacks.

The third eye pressure point, located between the eyebrows, can help relieve eyestrain and sinus pressure that cause headaches.

Applying firm pressure to this point can help reduce pain and relieve headache symptoms.

Acupressure points, such as the union valley pressure point located between the thumb and index finger, can help relieve tension headaches and improve overall well-being.

Randomized controlled trials have shown that acupressure can be an effective treatment for migraine relief, and can be used in conjunction with other therapies.

Techniques for Applying Pressure

Applying firm pressure applied with the thumb and index finger can help stimulate pressure points and relieve headache pain.

Using middle fingers to apply pressure can also be effective, especially for points located on the neck and shoulders.

Massaging in small circles can help stimulate relief and improve blood flow to the affected area.

Taking deep breaths while applying pressure can help enhance relaxation and reduce muscle tension.

Pressing firmly upward on specific points can help relieve stiffness and improve range of motion.

For added convenience, ear seeds — tiny beads placed on ear acupoints — can provide continuous, gentle stimulation for up to 5 days. This makes them a simple, wearable way to target headache-related points like Shen Men or the Occiput Point.

Similarly, an acupressure headband is a hands-free tool that presses on the temples and Third Eye point, ideal for tension headaches or migraines triggered by eye strain.

Massage Therapy and Acupressure

Massage therapy can be a useful complementary treatment for headache relief, and can be used in conjunction with acupressure.

Licensed massage therapists can perform acupressure safely and effectively, including techniques targeting neck muscles and can help patients learn how to apply pressure with their index finger to specific points.

Massage therapy can help reduce muscle spasms and ease tension in the neck, shoulders, and back, which can contribute to headaches.

Acupressure can be used to enhance the benefits of massage therapy and can provide relief as a self-administered treatment between sessions.

A few studies have shown that massage therapy can be an effective treatment for tension headaches, but more research is needed to fully understand its synergy with acupressure.

Finding the Best Pressure Points

The best pressure points for headache relief will vary depending on the individual and the type of headache.

Consulting with a healthcare professional or licensed acupuncturist can help patients learn how to find and apply stimulating pressure points and pressure to the most effective points.

Using a combination of pressure points, such as the Union Valley (LI-4) and Gates of Consciousness (GB20) points, can help relieve headaches caused by multiple factors.

Applying pressure to points on the neck and shoulders, including the two vertical neck muscles such as the Shoulder Well point, can help relieve tension headaches and improve overall well-being.

Keeping a headache journal can help patients track which points, including the two vertical neck muscles, are most effective for them, and can help them develop a personalized treatment plan.

What are the pressure points to relieve a headache?

Some of the most effective pressure points include the union valley point LI-4 (Union Valley) between the thumb and index finger, GB20 (Gates of Consciousness) at the base of the skull, UB2 (Drilling Bamboo) near the eyebrows, and the parallel hollow areas of Third Eye point between the brows.

Where do I press to get rid of a headache?

For tension headaches, press LI-4 on the hand. For migraines, focus on temples and GB20 at the base of the skull. For sinus-related headaches, use UB2 at the bridge of the nose.

Where to apply pressure to get rid of headaches?

Apply firm but gentle pressure to points on the hands, face, temples, and neck. Massaging these areas can improve circulation, release tension, and provide natural headache relief.

Where to press when there is a headache?

If you feel a headache coming on or your head hurts , start with LI-4 on your hand and GB20 at the back of the neck. These two points are the most widely used for fast, drug-free headache relief.

Shop Natural Acupressure Tools for Headache Relief

Acupressure is a powerful self-care technique on its own — but with the right tools, it becomes even more effective.

Ear Seeds: Tiny beads applied to ear acupoints for continuous relief from stress, tension, and migraine pain.
Acupressure Headband: A hands-free solution that targets temple and forehead points, perfect for tension headaches and migraines triggered by eye strain.

Bring balance back to your body with natural, drug-free relief.

Shop Now: Explore Ear Seeds & Acupressure Headband

frequently asked questions

What are acupuncture ear seeds, and how do they work?

Rooted in the principles of Chinese medicine, ear seeds are an ancient tool that may support a broad spectrum of health concerns by way of aiding restful sleep, assisting emotional well-being, helping you to relax, and supporting your immunity, focus, energy levels, and digestion.

Ear seeds are a form of auriculotherapy, which is the stimulation of specific points of the ear to support physical and emotional health concerns. They are a needle-free form of acupuncture that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. TCM teaches that the ear is a microsystem of the whole body, where certain points on the ear correspond to different organs or body parts. Energy pathways (or ‘qi’ or vital life energy) pass through the ear and ear seeds stimulate specific points which send an abundant flow of energy to the related organ or area that needs attention. Think of it like reflexology, but for the ears instead of feet.

Ear seeds also create continual, gentle pressure on nerve impulses in the ear which send messages to the brain that certain organs or systems need support. The brain will then send signals and chemicals to the rest of the body to support whatever ailments you’re experiencing, releasing endorphins into the bloodstream, relaxing the nervous system, and naturally soothing pain and discomfort.

Are acupuncture ear seeds safe to use at home?

Ear seeds are a non invasive treatment which is safe and effective. Since they don’t require the use of needles, there is low risk of infection or bleeding. It is also a great way to introduce the benefits of acupuncture to those with needle phobia.

How should the ear seeds be applied?

- Clean ear thoroughly with facial cleanser or an alcohol swab - this removes natural oils, ensuring proper adhesion. Ensure the ear is dry before application.

- Focus on one protocol and identify acupoints by referencing the ear maps in your ear seed kit. You will be applying the seeds to one ear only.

- Using tweezers, carefully lift the edge of clear seed adhesive, hover over the desired area of application, and firmly press down with a finger to adhere.

- Seeds may be stimulated a few times a day by gently massaging in a circular motion. Seeds may be worn for a maximum of 5 days and cannot be reused. Remove with tweezers or fingernails. You can apply a new set on the other ear immediately or if applying to the same ear, please wait for 2 days.

How long will they last?

Ear seeds are single-use only and can be worn up to 5 days depending on the area of the ear where they’ve been placed. Before application, we suggest cleaning the area thoroughly with an alcohol swab or facial cleanser and allowing to dry completely for maximum adhesion. When applying, avoid touching the sticky side of the ear seed as it will not adhere properly. After 5 days of wear, remove seeds with your fingers or tweezers and allow the skin to heal for 2 days before applying a new set of seeds on the same ear. Alternatively, you can reapply immediately on the other ear.