Quick Self-Massage For Headache Relief
While many muscles can contribute to headaches, the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is one of the "usual suspects." This prominent vertical neck muscle is known to create pain behind the eyes and near the temple in some people.
Several massage therapists we interviewed recommend massaging the SCM. And they say self-massage techniques can be effective if you have no access to a professional massage therapist.
LI-4 Acupressure Point
Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine that involves stimulating distinct pressure points on the body. This technique can be used for headaches and migraines.
The LI-4 acupressure point — also known as Hegu — is located on the back of your hand, in the space between your thumb and index finger. This is a very powerful point that can be used for a variety of conditions, including migraines and nausea.
L14 Pressure Point
Stimulating the pressure points in your feet, hands, and ears can relieve stress-related headaches and migraines. Licensed acupuncturists access these same spots using needles, but you can do the same thing with your fingers or thumbs.
Find the Hegu pressure point (LI-4) on the back of your hand between your thumb and index finger. (Don’t press this spot if you’re pregnant, as it may induce labor.)
LI-5 Acupressure Point
The LI-5 or Hegu pressure point is located on the back of the hand in the crease between the thumb and index finger, just below the knuckles. It can be helpful for reducing headache pain and stress.
Traditionally this acupoint is used to disperse wind and clear heat, so it's great for addressing issues related to the head like headaches, eye pain, epistaxis, or toothaches. It also helps with fevers without sweating and delayed labor.
LI-6 Acupressure Point
Located on the back of your neck between your ear and jaw bone. To find this point, clasp your hands together with thumbs facing down and feel for the ditch where your neck muscles attach to the back of your skull.
Acupressure, or the use of physical pressure on specific points called acupoints (AK-yoo-PREH-sher), has been found to relieve pain and tension from headache.
LI-7 Acupressure Point
Stimulating the LI-7 pressure point can help relieve headaches caused by eyestrain and sinus pain or pressure. It can also be used to treat a variety of other symptoms, such as nosebleeds, earaches and sore throat.
In another small study, people who received regular massages experienced a reduced frequency and duration of migraine attacks. There are products available that help you stimulate these pressure points, including a portable neck pillow and a vibrating wristband.
LI-8 Acupressure Point
The Wind Screen (San Jiao 17) acupoint, located on the back of the jaw bone in an indentation below the earlobe, can be used to relieve headaches and dizziness. It also can help ease sinus pain and eye aches.
While there are many ways to alleviate a headache, acupuncture may be one of the most effective. Try these eight acupressure pressure points for headaches to get relief.
LI-9 Acupressure Point
If you’ve ever instinctively rubbed your temples when a headache strikes, you’re engaging in a small, but effective, self-massage. One small study found that massages significantly lowered the number of headaches over a two-week period for people with chronic tension headaches.
Press this point with the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand firmly — but not painfully — for 10 seconds. The union valley point is located on the back of your neck muscles, below your ear.
LI-10 Acupressure Point
There are two of these pressure points located at the bony base of your skull on both sides. Place your thumbs into them and apply firm, deep pressure.
Stimulating this point can help to alleviate headaches, neck stiffness and shoulder pain. It also helps to reduce sinus congestion and eye strain. This point is less dispersive and more tonifying than other LI points.
LI-11 Acupressure Point
The LI-11 acupuncture point is a great way to reduce stress and boost your immune system. It also helps to relieve sore throats, hives, and odorous bowel movements.
Acupressure is the practice of pressing pressure onto specific points on the body called acupoints. Acupuncturists use acupressure to treat many symptoms including headaches. This type of massage is quick and easy to do at home.
LI-12 Acupressure Point
The LI-12 acupressure point is on the fleshy webbing of your palm between your thumb and index finger. It can be used for a wide variety of ailments, including headaches.
Acupressure can also be helpful for nausea and fatigue resulting from cancer or chemotherapy treatment. But more research is needed to support these claims. Acupressure is generally safe, but avoid areas that are irritated or prone to inflammation.
While many muscles can contribute to headaches, the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is one of the "usual suspects." This prominent vertical neck muscle is known to create pain behind the eyes and near the temple in some people. Several massage therapists we interviewed recommend massaging the SCM. And they say self-massage techniques can be effective if…