What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that's been practised for thousands of years. The core principle is that life energy, or 'qi', flows through specific pathways in the body called meridians. When this energy is blocked, it can
lead to pain and illness. Acupressure involves applying firm pressure with your fingers to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to release this blockage, relax muscles, improve blood flow, and promote healing. Unlike acupuncture, which uses fine needles, acupressure uses the power of touch, making it an accessible technique for self-care.
Union Valley (LI4 or Hegu)
This is perhaps the most famous acupressure point for pain relief, especially for headaches. The LI4 point, also called Hegu, is located on the back of your hand in the fleshy webbing between your thumb and index finger. To find it, squeeze your thumb and index finger together; the point is at the highest part of the muscle bulge. Once you've found it, relax your hand and use the thumb of your opposite hand to apply firm, steady pressure. You can press firmly or massage it in a small circular motion for about one to two minutes before switching to the other hand. Many people report this helps with tension headaches and facial pain. Note: This point is traditionally avoided during pregnancy as it may induce contractions.
Gates of Consciousness (GB20 or Feng Chi)
The GB20 points, also known as Feng Chi or 'Wind Pool', are highly effective for relieving tension headaches, migraines, and neck stiffness. You have two of these points, located at the base of your skull. To find them, place your thumbs on the back of your neck where it meets your head. Slide them outwards into the hollows between the two large vertical neck muscles (the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid). These spots often feel tender. Apply firm, upward pressure with your thumbs into these depressions for 30 seconds to a minute while breathing deeply. This can help release the tension that often travels from the neck up into the head.
Third Eye (Yintang)
The point known as Yintang, or the 'Third Eye' point, is located directly between your eyebrows, where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead. This point is particularly useful for headaches caused by eyestrain and sinus pressure. Using your index or middle finger, apply firm but gentle pressure to this spot for about one minute. Many find that closing their eyes and breathing slowly while pressing this point has a calming effect on the mind and helps soothe frontal headaches.
Drilling Bamboo (BL2 or Zanzhu)
The BL2 points, also called Zanzhu, are found in the small indentations on either side of where the bridge of your nose connects with the ridge of your eyebrows. These points are excellent for relieving sinus headaches and pain around the eyes. Use both of your index fingers to apply firm pressure to both points at once. Hold the pressure for about 10 seconds, release, and repeat a few times. Some people prefer to gently pinch this area at the inner corner of the eyebrow.
Why and How People Try It
People often turn to acupressure because it is a free, non-invasive method that can be used for self-treatment. From a TCM perspective, it works by restoring the balanced flow of qi. Modern science suggests that applying pressure to these points may help by stimulating nerves, increasing blood circulation, relaxing tense muscles, and encouraging the body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. While many users report feeling relief, scientific research on acupressure for headaches is still developing, with some studies showing promise but acknowledging the need for more extensive research. For best results, find a comfortable position, relax, and use firm, deep pressure to massage each point for at least 30 seconds to two minutes, breathing deeply throughout the process.
