How to Relieve Tension Headaches with Acupressure

Acupressure is one of the best methods to relieve tension headaches. The acupressure meridians and points on the body correspond directly to acupuncture meridians and points. However, instead of placing a needle in the point, pressure is applied directly using the fingers. This form of massage is very effective at relieving tension, eliminating the cause of the headache. Thus acupressure can help you to reduce or eliminate your dependence on pain medication to relieve chronic tension headaches.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check with a doctor to before trying acupressure treatment for your headache. There are some conditions, such as pregnancy, which may contraindicate using acupressure on certain points of the body. For best results, consult a doctor who is knowledgable about acupressure and acupuncture.

2. Sit upright in a chair. Place your thumbs at the base of your skull where it meets the back of your neck. Find the gall bladder (GB) 20 acupressure point, which is in two small depressions on the left and right sides of the neck, just below the skull and above the muscular bands. Apply firm but gentle pressure here for at least thirty seconds. Reduce the pressure if these points seem overly sensitive.

3. Find acupressure point GB 21, which is located at the intersection of the neck and shoulder on both sides. Place firm pressure here with your fingers.

4. Navigate to the large intestine (LI) 4 acupressure point. This point is in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Use the thumb and index finger of your other hand to place gentle pressure on this acupressure point. Slowly increase the pressure, taking care not to press too hard.

5. Find the bladder (B) 10 acupressure point. Also called the "Celestial Pillar," this point is on the side of the neck, just below and behind the ear. Place firm pressure on this point, preferably using the middle fingers. You may need to press very firmly to get results with this acupressure point.

6. Place your thumbs on the B 2 acupressure point, which is at the point where the brow ridge meets the the bridge of the nose, just inside the eyebrows. Press firmly and hold for several seconds.

7. Move your fingers upward to GB 14. This point is in line with the eyeballs, one finger width above the eyebrows. Place pressure here with the index or middle finger and hold.

Tips & Warnings

• On sensitive acupressure points, start with light pressure and gradually increase the pressure as you hold the point.
• This article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always check with your doctor before pursuing any alternative medical treatment.
• Placing excessive pressure on these acupressure points may exacerbate your tension headache.

Resources

• Find acupressure points
• Acupressure points for back tension and pain

[capfriend]

on 6/21/2009 You did such a good job of explaining what to do to help relieve headaches and other pains. Great job! 5*

[Merriment]

on 5/17/2009 What's interesting to me about acupressure, is that it's almost a naturally instinctive way for us to heal ourselves. It's very natural response to reach for our necks or foreheads when we have tension headaches and begin to rub. Knowing specific points to create relief is very wonderful information to know. Thanks!

[jenniferclaerr]

on 5/7/2009 Click the link to the acupressure points in the resources section; it has excellent images of the acupressure points. Thanks.

[torque63]

on 5/6/2009 good article...a picture is a thousand words, can you get a picture of the place for acupressure? thanks! 5*

[waters]

on 4/22/2009 Good information; how to relieve headaches with acupressure 5*.