Which acupoints can be massaged to relieve headaches?
Feb 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
The temples are located in the hollow about one cun behind the midpoint between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus. Press the temples on both sides with the thumbs or index fingers of both hands, and massage clockwise and counterclockwise for 30 seconds to 1 minute each. This can relieve dizziness and headache, alleviate fatigue, relieve redness and pain in the eyes, promote sleep, improve sleep quality, help alleviate migraines, and effectively relieve eye fatigue.
Generally, massaging acupoints such as Taiyang (Temporal point), Fengchi (Wind Pool), Baihui (Hundred Convergences), Hegu (Joining Valley), and Yintang (Hall of Impression) can help relieve headaches. The specific details are as follows:
1. Taiyang (Temporal Point)
The Taiyang point is located in the depression about one cun posterior to the midpoint between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye. Using the thumbs or index fingers of both hands, press on both sides of the Taiyang points and massage for 30 seconds to 1 minute in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This can help alleviate dizziness and headaches, relieve fatigue, reduce redness and swelling of the eyes, improve sleep quality, assist in managing migraines, and effectively relieve eye strain.
2. Fengchi (Wind Pool)
The Fengchi point is located on the neck, beneath the occipital bone, level with the Fengfu point, in the depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius muscle. Using the thumbs or index fingers of both hands, press on the Fengchi points gradually until a sensation of soreness and distension is felt. Continue massaging for 1-2 minutes. This point can assist in treating hypertension and related symptoms, and also has therapeutic effects on exogenous diseases, especially influenza, helping to significantly alleviate symptoms through massage.
3. Baihui (Hundred Convergences)
The Baihui point is located at the intersection of the midline of the top of the head and the line connecting the tips of both ears. Gently press the Baihui point with your fingers and massage for 30 seconds to 1 minute in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, or use the fleshy part of the thumb to perform circular motions in a clockwise direction. The pressure should be moderate, and generally massaging for 3-5 minutes is recommended. This helps promote blood circulation in the head and relieve headaches caused by hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and other conditions.
4. Hegu (Joining Valley)
The Hegu point is located on the back of the hand between the first and second metacarpal bones. Apply the point-pressing technique seven times, followed by approximately ten kneading presses. Perform one clockwise and one counterclockwise rotation every two seconds, then repeat the point-pressing seven times and kneading-pressing ten times. Hegu is the Yuan (Source) point of the Hand-Yangming (Large Intestine) meridian. Massaging this point can relieve pain in the head and face, and is particularly effective for neurogenic headaches and migraines.
5. Yintang (Hall of Impression)
The Yintang point is located at the midpoint of the line connecting both medial ends of the eyebrows. With the index and middle fingers together, gently push upward from the glabella to the hairline, then return along the same path. Repeat this movement with moderate pressure to avoid skin damage. Alternatively, massage using alternating thumbs. Massaging the Yintang point can improve vision, clear nasal congestion, dispel wind, and promote circulation in the meridians, which can help relieve headaches.
Massage can only relieve headache symptoms and cannot replace medication. If the headache is severe or persists for a prolonged period, timely medical consultation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
