5 Ways to Get Rid of a Headache Fast (Without Medicine)

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Head is pounding… is there anything besides medication?

Suddenly your temples start to throb. Both sides of your forehead feel tight and heavy, and it feels like your eyeballs might pop out. You consider reaching for a painkiller, but the growing dependence on medication makes you uneasy.

Headaches are the most common pain experienced by 90% of the population. Our bodies are equipped with a natural “pain relief system” to counter headaches. Stimulating specific acupoints promotes endorphin release, relaxes tight fascia, and improves blood flow.

Today we’ll share 5 acupressure techniques you can use anywhere — at home, at the office, wherever you are. Follow them in order and you can feel relief within 10 minutes.

1. Hegu (LI4) — The Universal Headache Switch

Where is it?

The fleshy mound between your thumb and index finger.

How to press

1. Grasp the Hegu area with the opposite thumb and index finger
2. Press firmly with your thumb for 5 seconds, rest 3 seconds — repeat 10 times
3. If you feel a deep, satisfying ache, you’ve found the right spot
4. Do both hands (about 1 minute per hand)

Why does it work? Hegu is the source point of the Large Intestine meridian, governing qi and blood circulation to the face and head. In traditional medicine, it is the number one point for all face and head conditions.

2. Fengchi (GB20) — Core Point for Back-of-Head Headaches

Where is it?

Below the back of the skull, in the depressions on both sides where the neck meets the head, just outside the two thick muscles (trapezius).

How to press

1. Place both thumbs on Fengchi and wrap your other fingers around your head
2. Press upward toward the skull as if pushing in
3. 5 seconds on, 3 seconds off — repeat 10 times, about 2 minutes
4. Tilting your head slightly back allows deeper stimulation

Why does it work? Fengchi directly improves blood flow in the back of the neck. It’s especially effective for tension headaches, back-of-head pain, and dizziness.

3. Taiyang (EX-HN5) — Direct Hit for Temple Headaches

Where is it?

The depression about one finger-width outward from the midpoint between the outer corner of the eye and the end of the eyebrow — essentially what we call the “temple.”

How to press

1. Place both index or middle fingers on the Taiyang points
2. Massage gently in circles for 30 seconds
3. Then press firmly 5 seconds and release — repeat 8 times
4. Closing your eyes doubles the effectiveness

4. Baihui (GV20) — Clear Your Head from the Crown

Where is it?

The very top of the head where a line connecting the tops of both ears meets a line running up from the nose.

How to press

1. Gently tap Baihui with your middle finger for 30 seconds
2. Then press with your fingertip for 5 seconds on, 3 seconds off — 8 times
3. You’ll feel your whole head becoming lighter

5. Taichong (LR3) — Relieve Head Pain from Your Feet

Where is it?

Follow the space between your big toe and second toe up the top of the foot until you reach the V-shaped junction where the bones meet.

How to press

1. Press the depression between the bones with your thumb
2. 5 seconds on, 3 seconds off — 10 times on each foot
3. Pressing Hegu and Taichong together creates the “Four Gates” combination for a synergistic effect!

At-a-Glance: 5 Acupressure Points

Tips to Maximize Effectiveness

• Order: Hegu, Taiyang, Fengchi, Baihui, Taichong — this sequence moves qi downward from head to feet
• Breathing: Exhale slowly while pressing to enhance relaxation
• Water: Drink a cup of warm water before and after acupressure to aid waste elimination
• Environment: If possible, dim the lights and find a quiet spot

Frequently Asked Questions