Acupressure Isn’t Difficult
At first, I too relied only on painkillers whenever a headache struck. I became so familiar with the path to the pharmacy. Then I accidentally discovered acupressure. At first I thought, “Is this some mysterious technique?” But it turned out to be a simple method anyone can do. How fortunate that all you need is your fingers and a little time. Now it’s your turn to begin that experience. It’s not complicated. Let’s learn together, slowly.
What to Know Before You Start
1. Proper pressure is all you need. Acupressure isn’t about applying force. Gentle pressure that brings a “refreshing” sensation is enough. If you feel pain, it’s okay to reduce the pressure. 2. Breathe along with it. Taking deep breaths and pressing slowly as you exhale helps your mind relax at the same time. 3. Clean hands and a comfortable position. Wash your hands thoroughly and begin in a comfortable position, whether sitting or lying down. There’s no need to rush. This is a gift for yourself.
Remember These 3 Points
First: Taichong (LR3)
How to find it: Look at your toes. You’ll find where the bones meet between your big toe and second toe. About 1 cm above that toward your ankle, in a small depression, is Taichong. When you press it with your finger and feel a slight soreness that makes you think “yes, this is it,” you’ve found the right spot.
How to press it: Press it slowly with your thumb. Apply pressure at a level that’s slightly uncomfortable but bearable, pressing for 3 seconds and releasing for 3 seconds. Repeat for a total of 1 minute. Begin with a deep breath and continue breathing slowly throughout.
Press it when: You have pain behind your eyes from stress accumulated throughout the afternoon, you have severe pre-menstrual headaches, or your mood feels shaky and dizzy. Taichong is like a friend that calms your mind.
Second: Hegu (LI4)
How to find it: Open one hand. You’ll see a depression between your thumb and index finger. That’s the spot. When your fingers are pressed together, it’s the midpoint of the highest bone on the back of your hand—simply put, the center of the hollow area. If you feel soreness when you press it with the thumb of your other hand, you’ve found it correctly.
How to press it: Press it slowly and deeply with your thumb. Hegu is a point where you can apply slightly stronger pressure. You can also massage it by making small circular motions while applying pressure. Again, do this for about 1 minute, rhythmically pressing and releasing.
Press it when: Your temples feel tingly as evening falls, your head feels heavy from work stress, or you have a headache from tension in your neck and shoulders. Hegu is such a versatile point that it’s fine to “start here first.”
Third: Fengchi (GB20)
How to find it: Feel the back of your neck. In the occipital region (below the back of your head, at the top of your neck), slowly explore with both fingers. Fengchi is located in the small depression below the occipital bone, between the thick muscle on the side of your neck (the part that protrudes slightly when you tilt your head sideways) and the muscle in the center of your neck. When you find the same location simultaneously with both hands and feel a soreness, you’ve got it right.
How to press it: It’s best to press it simultaneously with the thumbs of both hands. Press slowly and deeply, and you can also mix in a gentle tapping sensation while applying pressure, as if encouraging blood circulation toward your head. Do this for about 1 minute. Keep your back straight and avoid bending your neck too far forward.
Press it when: You have a headache that appears after your neck and shoulders feel stiff, the back of your head feels tight after long work, or you wake up in the morning with a stiff neck and headache. Fengchi is like a magical point that releases the “link between your neck and head.”
3-Minute Beginner Routine
Try this every morning or before bed in the evening. Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to center yourself (about 30 seconds). Then, in order—Taichong → Hegu → Fengchi—press each point for 1 minute in sequence. A total of 3 minutes is enough. At first, you can do this just once a day. Once you get used to it, you can use it like first aid whenever you feel a headache. Whatever results you see, remember that just having the intention to “care for yourself” is enough.
3 Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Thinking “the more it hurts, the better”: Absolutely not. Acupressure isn’t about causing pain. A slight soreness you can tolerate is just right. If it causes pain strong enough to make you clench your jaw, you’re pressing too hard. Reduce the pressure.
2. Expecting results from doing it just once: Consistency is the answer with acupressure. Do it once a day for at least a week. Your body needs time to recognize and respond to the change.
3. Doubting by yourself, “Does this really work?”: In fact, acupressure effects vary from person to person. Some people feel results quickly, while others feel changes gradually. What matters is that you’ve created “time for yourself.” Celebrate that first.
Moving Forward to the Next Level
Once you’re comfortable with Taichong, Hegu, and Fengchi, it’s good to learn two more points. Learning about Sanyinjiao (4 cm above the inner ankle bone, good for menstrual and digestive health) and Taiyang (between the temple and the ear, particularly effective for migraines) will greatly expand your headache management toolkit. But don’t rush. After you’ve sufficiently mastered these 3 points, slowly adding them one by one is the best learning method. You’re already doing great.
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