Headaches are one of the most common discomforts many people face daily. They can result from stress, poor posture, dehydration, or eye strain. Instead of reaching for painkillers, you can use pressure point massage—a simple, natural way to relieve pain and relax your body.
Pressure points are specific areas where nerves, muscles, and connective tissues meet. When stimulated, these points can help ease tension, improve blood flow, and calm the nervous system. You can perform these massages anywhere, whether you’re at your desk, home, or traveling.
Here are eight effective pressure points you can massage to relieve headaches and tension naturally.
1. Union Valley Point (LI4)
Union Valley Point is one of the most popular acupressure spots for headache relief. It’s located in the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger. Stimulating this point helps release muscle tension in your head and neck.
How to do it:
- Use your thumb and index finger on one hand to grasp the area between your opposite thumb and forefinger.
- Apply steady pressure for 15–30 seconds.
- Release slowly, then repeat two or three times.
- Switch hands and repeat.
Massaging this point can help reduce tension headaches, facial pain, and stress-related discomfort. It’s beneficial for people who spend long hours typing or gripping devices.
2. Third Eye Point
This point sits between your eyebrows, just above the bridge of your nose. The Third Eye Point helps calm your mind and relieve pressure that builds up behind your eyes or forehead.
How to do it:
- Use your index finger to press gently on the area between your eyebrows.
- Maintain firm but comfortable pressure for 30 seconds.
- Release slowly, then repeat two more times.
This pressure point works well for headaches caused by eye strain, fatigue, or stress. You can combine it with deep breathing for better relaxation.
3. Drilling Bamboo Points (BL2)
These twin points are located at the inner edges of your eyebrows, just above where your nose meets your forehead. They help relieve headaches around the eyes and sinus pressure.
How to do it:
- Use both index fingers to press gently on the inner ends of your eyebrows.
- Apply even pressure for 20–30 seconds.
- Release, rest for a few seconds, and repeat twice.
Massaging the Drilling Bamboo points can also help reduce sinus congestion and eye fatigue. It’s beneficial if your headaches come with stuffiness or pressure around your eyes.
4. Gates Of Consciousness (GB20)
The Gates of Consciousness points are located at the base of your skull, in the hollows on either side of your spine. They are key pressure points for easing neck tension and headache pain.
How to do it:
- Place your thumbs in the hollows just below the base of your skull.
- Tilt your head back slightly and apply gentle upward pressure.
- Hold for 15–20 seconds, then release.
- Repeat several times while taking slow, deep breaths.
These points help relieve headaches caused by neck stiffness or poor posture. They’re ideal if you spend long hours looking at screens or sitting in one position.
5. Shoulder Well Point (GB21)
This point lies midway between the base of your neck and the tip of your shoulder. It’s effective for releasing upper body tension and stress-related headaches.
How to do it:
- Use your opposite hand to locate the highest point of your shoulder muscle.
- Apply firm pressure with your fingertips or knuckles.
- Hold for 10–15 seconds, then release.
- Repeat on the other shoulder.
Massaging this area helps relax tight shoulder and neck muscles that often contribute to headache pain. Avoid excessive pressure if you are pregnant, as this point can stimulate contractions.
6. Temple Points (Taiyang)
The temple area, located on each side of your head between your eye and ear, is a common site for tension headaches. Gently massaging this area helps increase circulation and relax facial muscles.
How to do it:
- Place your index and middle fingers on your temples.
- Apply light, circular pressure for 30 seconds.
- Release and repeat three times.
Massaging the temples is one of the quickest ways to ease stress and promote relaxation. It also helps relieve eye strain and mild headaches caused by fatigue.
7. Wind Mansion Point (GV16)
The Wind Mansion point is located in the center of the back of your head, just below the base of the skull. Stimulating this point can relieve headaches, neck pain, and mental tension.
How to do it:
- Use your middle finger to press gently into the hollow just under your skull at the back of your neck.
- Apply steady pressure for 20–30 seconds.
- Release slowly and repeat two or three times.
This point helps relax the upper neck muscles and improve blood flow to the head. It’s especially effective for headaches caused by tightness or stress.
8. Below The Eye Point (ST2)
This point is located just below your eye, in line with the center of your pupil. While gentle pressure here may not eliminate pain immediately, it can reduce sinus-related tension that contributes to headaches.
How to do it:
- Place your index fingers just below your eyes, on the cheekbones.
- Apply gentle upward pressure for 15–20 seconds.
- Release and repeat once more.
This technique can relieve sinus congestion and reduce puffiness around the eyes. It’s best done while sitting upright and breathing deeply.
How To Combine Pressure Point Massage For Best Results
You can combine several of these techniques for faster relief. Start with your temples and forehead, move down to the neck and shoulders, and finish with hand or scalp pressure points. Keep the following in mind:
- Use slow, steady pressure rather than fast movements.
- Focus on breathing deeply while massaging.
- Drink a glass of water afterward to stay hydrated.
- Sit comfortably with relaxed shoulders.
- Avoid pressing too hard, especially near sensitive areas.
Practicing these techniques regularly can help prevent headaches caused by tension and stress.
When To Use These Techniques
Pressure point massage works best when you notice early signs of tension such as neck stiffness, eye strain, or a dull ache behind your head. You can use these methods before bed, during breaks, or anytime you feel tension building.
For chronic or severe headaches, pairing these techniques with good posture, hydration, and regular stretching can improve long-term comfort and well-being.
Conclusion
Massaging pressure points offers a natural, effective way to relieve headaches and reduce tension. Each point targets specific muscles and nerves that contribute to pain, helping your body relax and restore balance.
By incorporating these eight pressure point techniques into your routine, you can manage discomfort without relying on medication. A few minutes of focused self-massage each day can ease tension, boost circulation, and leave you feeling calm, clear, and pain-free.