How to Use Shiatsu for a Tension Headache

Tension headaches are often triggered by excess work and/or excess emotional stress that continue over a period of time, leaving your body tense and fatigued. Use the following shiatsu points along the base of the skull and on the neck to release chronic muscle tension, calm the nervous system and promote the flow of congested energy down and out of the head.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Tension Headache Points

1. Relax and strengthen the tendons, clear stuck energy, and soften your stiff neck as you press the five points located under the base of your skull with the pad of your thumb. Begin at the center of the back of your head with your right thumb and move to the right one finger-width at a time to press each point.

2. Repeat using your left hand to apply pressure along the left side of your skull.

3. Stimulate the point often felt as a hard knot on the top of your shoulder where your neck curves upward to release neck and shoulder tension.

4. Release neck and shoulder tension and remove stiffness from your spine as you apply pressure to the point located just before your knuckle on the pinkie side of your hand.

5. Eliminate the pain of a tension headache by pressing on the outer heel bone between the ankle and the Achilles tendon to release tension and move congested energy away from the neck and shoulders.

Tension Release Points

6. Clear the congestion and tension from your head by applying pressure to the central calming point on the top of your head. Place your thumbs on the tops of your ears, bring your index fingers one over the other on the top of your head and apply pressure.

7. Apply pressure to the point at the web between your thumb and index finger on the back side of your hand to release tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders. Press toward your index finger with the pad of your opposite thumb.

8. Slide your middle finger to the area on top of the foot between the first and second toes where the small bones merge. Apply gentle pressure and movement to promote the smooth flow of energy, to release muscle cramps and spasms and to release tension.

Tips & Warnings

• Applying pressure to the tension release points stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to calm and quiet the body and mind.
• Avoid the calming point on top of your head if you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.
• Avoid using the point at the web of your index finger and thumb if you are pregnant.
• Notify a physician immediately if you experience sudden headache; headache accompanied by blurred or double vision, confusion, or motor and sensory loss; or a highly localized headache.
• Fever and neck stiffness accompanying a headache may indicate meningitis.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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