3 PM, staring at the monitor with a pounding head
After lunch, you’re staring at the monitor when your temples start to throb. Your forehead feels tight, your eyes are dry… the meeting is in 30 minutes but there’s no pain reliever in your drawer. If you’re an office worker, you know this feeling all too well.
According to one survey, 78% of office workers experience headaches during work. Prolonged monitor use, poor posture, fluorescent lighting, and dry indoor air are the culprits.
The good news is — you can reduce your headache in just 1 minute while sitting at your desk. You only need to press two points.
Point 1: Hegu (LI4) — Secretly Press Under the Desk
Location
The fleshy mound between your thumb and index finger.
Office-Friendly Method (30 seconds)
- Place your left hand under the desk or on your lap
- Press firmly on the left Hegu with your right thumb
- Press 5 seconds, release 2 seconds — repeat 6 times (about 30 seconds)
- Repeat on the other hand for 30 seconds
Pro tip: You can do this in a natural position as if holding a pen. Nobody will notice, even during meetings!
Point 2: Taiyang (EX-HN5) — 30-Second Temple Massage
Location
The depression about one finger-width outward from the midpoint between the outer corner of your eye and the end of your eyebrow.
Office-Friendly Method (30 seconds)
- Place both index fingers on your temples
- Massage gently in circles for 10 seconds
- Then press firmly and hold for 5 seconds, release — repeat 4 times
- If anyone asks, just say “just rubbing my temples because I’m tired”
1-Minute Timer Routine
| Time | Action | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 sec | Left hand Hegu press | Firm press 5 sec x 3 |
| 15-30 sec | Right hand Hegu press | Firm press 5 sec x 3 |
| 30-45 sec | Taiyang circular massage | Both sides simultaneously |
| 45-60 sec | Taiyang sustained press | Firm press 5 sec x 3 |
Office Headache Prevention Habits
- 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds
- Stay hydrated: Drink a glass of water every 2 hours (aim for 1.5L daily)
- Monitor height: Adjust so the top of the screen is at eye level
- Lunchtime walk: Even 10 minutes of walking helps prevent afternoon headaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to do this secretly during meetings?
Hegu (hand webbing) can be pressed under the desk. Quietly pressing the opposite Hegu with one hand for just 10 seconds can reduce your headache.
Isn’t this too noticeable to do at the office?
Hegu just looks like you’re touching your hand, so it’s completely inconspicuous. Taiyang is at the temples, so you just look tired, not weird.
Can 1 minute really make a difference?
It might not completely disappear, but you can feel a 30-50% reduction in pain. If you have more time, try extending it to 3 minutes.
How many times a day can I do this?
You can do it whenever you need to. 5-6 times a day is no problem at all. In fact, doing it frequently can help prevent headaches.
How can I prevent headaches caused by monitors?
Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Adding Hegu acupressure makes it even more effective.
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