🎯 Headache Relief Self-Acupressure Routine 5 Minutes
- ⏱️ Duration: 5 minutes
- 📍 Number of acupoints: 5
- 🔄 Order: LI4 (Hegu) → GB20 (Fengchi) → EX-HN5 (Taiyang) → GV20 (Baihui) → LR3 (Taichong)
- 💡 Benefits: Headache relief and improvement
🙋 Recommended For You If…
- Your head throbs from prolonged computer or smartphone use
- You feel the early warning signs of a migraine coming on
- Your head feels heavy when the weather is overcast or air pressure changes
- You want to relieve a headache naturally before taking medication
- A headache suddenly comes on during a meeting or class
🧘 Before You Begin
- Find a comfortable position. You can sit on a chair or comfortably on the floor.
- Rub your hands together to warm them up. Warm hands stimulate acupoints more effectively.
- Take 3 deep breaths in and out. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Ready? Let’s get started! 💪
⏱️ Start the 5-Minute Routine!
Spend 1 minute on each acupoint — 5 minutes total. Follow along slowly!
Step 1 — Press LI4 (Hegu) [0:00~1:00]
📍 Location: The webbing between the thumb and index finger
👆 Method: Use the opposite thumb to press firmly into the webbing. A slight aching sensation means you’ve found the right spot.
⏱️ Time: Press firmly for 3–5 seconds → Rest for 3 seconds → Repeat 5 times (about 1 minute)
✨ Effect: Quickly relieves pain in the head and face.
Step 2 — Press GB20 (Fengchi) [1:00~2:00]
📍 Location: The hollows on both sides below the back of the skull
👆 Method: Place both thumbs in the hollows below the back of the skull and press upward.
⏱️ Time: Press firmly for 3–5 seconds → Rest for 3 seconds → Repeat 5 times (about 1 minute)
✨ Effect: Refreshingly relieves headaches at the back of the head and temples.
Step 3 — Press EX-HN5 (Taiyang) [2:00~3:00]
📍 Location: The hollow at the temple, between the outer corner of the eye and the tip of the eyebrow
👆 Method: Use the middle fingers of both hands to gently press circles at the temples.
⏱️ Time: Press firmly for 3–5 seconds → Rest for 3 seconds → Repeat 5 times (about 1 minute)
✨ Effect: Relieves temporal pain and eye fatigue at the same time.
Step 4 — Press GV20 (Baihui) [3:00~4:00]
📍 Location: The center of the top of the head (the highest point on the line connecting both ears)
👆 Method: Overlap the middle fingers of both hands and lightly press the crown of the head. A warm sensation is a good sign.
⏱️ Time: Press firmly for 3–5 seconds → Rest for 3 seconds → Repeat 5 times (about 1 minute)
✨ Effect: Improves Qi and blood circulation throughout the head to eliminate the headache.
Step 5 — Press LR3 (Taichong) [4:00~5:00]
📍 Location: Where the bones of the big toe and second toe meet on the top of the foot
👆 Method: Use your thumb to press into the space between the bones, pushing toward the top of the foot.
⏱️ Time: Press firmly for 3–5 seconds → Rest for 3 seconds → Repeat 5 times (about 1 minute)
✨ Effect: Clears heat from the liver to relieve the headache.
🎉 Great job! Routine complete!
Finish with 3 deep breaths. Do you feel lighter?
📋 Quick-Reference Routine Chart
| Step | Acupoint | Location | Time | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LI4 (Hegu) | The webbing between the thumb and index finger | 0:00~1:00 | Quickly relieves pain in the head and face. |
| 2 | GB20 (Fengchi) | The hollows on both sides below the back of the skull | 1:00~2:00 | Refreshingly relieves headaches at the back of the head and temples. |
| 3 | EX-HN5 (Taiyang) | The hollow at the temple, between the outer corner of the eye and the tip of the eyebrow | 2:00~3:00 | Relieves temporal pain and eye fatigue at the same time. |
| 4 | GV20 (Baihui) | Center of the top of the head (highest point on the line connecting both ears) | 3:00~4:00 | Improves Qi and blood circulation throughout the head to eliminate the headache. |
| 5 | LR3 (Taichong) | Where the bones of the big toe and second toe meet on the top of the foot | 4:00~5:00 | Clears heat from the liver to relieve the headache. |
🍯 Tips
- Starting immediately when you feel the early warning signs of a headache is most effective.
- Closing your eyes in a dim room doubles the effect.
- If headaches are frequent, try doing it consistently twice a day, morning and evening.
- Drinking a glass of warm water after acupressure helps flush out waste products.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does this routine work for migraines?
A. Yes, EX-HN5 (Taiyang) and GB20 (Fengchi) are especially effective for migraines. However, for severe migraines, acupressure alone may not be enough — please also consider consulting a specialist.
Q. Should I avoid pressing headache acupoints too hard?
A. Yes, especially the head area should be pressed gently. The right intensity is one that feels relieving. If it hurts or you feel dizzy, reduce the pressure.
Q. Is the acupressure method different for tension headaches versus migraines?
A. The basic acupoints are the same, but for tension headaches focus more on GB20 and GV20, while for migraines focus more on EX-HN5 and LI4.
Q. Can I do acupressure and take headache medication at the same time?
A. Yes, acupressure has no interaction with medication, so it is fine to combine. It can actually complement the effects of headache medication.
Q. What should I do if I get a headache every day?
A. Daily recurring headaches can be a sign of an underlying condition. Alongside acupressure, it is strongly recommended to seek evaluation from a neurologist or traditional medicine practitioner.
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