LI4 (Hegu) vs GB20 (Fengchi) — Which Acupoint Is Right for You?

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Why Compare Hegu and Fengchi?

When a headache strikes, we usually clutch our heads. But the acupoints good for headaches are not on the head — they’re on the hand and neck! LI4 relieves headaches from the hand, and GB20 does it from the back of the neck. Both are good for headaches, but what’s the difference between them?

LI4 (Hegu) — The ‘All-Purpose Problem Solver’ in the Webbing Between Thumb and Index Finger

LI4 is located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. It belongs to the Large Intestine meridian.

How to Find It

Open one hand wide and press the most prominent part between the thumb and index finger with the opposite thumb.

How to Press It

Press firmly with the thumb, 1–2 minutes, a slightly sore feeling is fine

Best for

• Headache
• Cold
• Toothache
• Shoulder and neck stiffness

GB20 (Fengchi) — The ‘Back-of-Head Guardian’ in the Hollows Below the Skull Base

GB20 is located in the hollows below the base of the skull, on both sides of the back of the neck. It belongs to the Gallbladder meridian.

How to Find It

There are two large muscles on both sides of the back of the head. Outside those muscles, below the skull bone, press upward with both thumbs into the hollows.

How to Press It

Press upward toward the head with both thumbs, 1–2 minutes

Best for

• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Dizziness
• Eye fatigue

Side-by-Side Comparison!

Which One Is Right for You?

• “My forehead is throbbing” → Start with LI4! Effective for frontal headaches.
• “The back of my head feels heavy and my neck is stiff” → Start with GB20! The specialist for back-of-head and neck headaches.
• “My eyes hurt and I have a headache from too much screen time” → GB20! It tackles eye fatigue and headaches at the same time.
• “I have a hazy, foggy headache with cold symptoms” → LI4! It relieves cold symptoms and headaches together.
• “I get frequent headaches” → Both! Try pressing LI4 → GB20 in sequence.

Even Better When Used Together!

Do LI4 first for 1 minute on each hand, then GB20 for 1 minute on each side — in this order, energy flows from the hand (lower) to the head (upper), and the headache becomes noticeably lighter. This combination is the best, especially for tension headaches!

Frequently Asked Questions