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Pressure Points for Tension Headaches

Below are some of the key pressure points for tension headaches. One of the most common points for headaches is LI 4 or Union Valley. It is located in the muscle between the thumb and index finger. The point GB 20 or Wind Pool is also often used for headaches, and especially when they start in the back of the head. Similarly, Tai Yang, or the Sun Point can be used for tension headaches, as people often hold stress in their temples. 

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It should be kept in mind that acupressure works best when at least 2 or 3 points are used in combination. It is also important to select points based on where you feel the pain. 

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LI 4/Union Valley

Great for pain in general and in most locations. 

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GB 20/Wind Pool

Use for headaches in the back of the head.

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Tai Yang/Sun Point 

A primary point for temple headaches.

What are tension headaches?

Tension headaches are a very common health disorder and are one of the most prevalent neurological conditions. Consequently, practically everyone experiences them at least once in their lifetime and there is a need for effective treatments. While many people resort to medications, not everybody knows that acupressure can be a helpful long-term form of maintance care.

What causes tension headaches?

  • Apply firm pressure to the points..

  • Hold for 20 seconds to 2 minutes.

  • Gently rub around the local area making small circles. 

  • Use 2 or 3 different points to get the best results. 

Tips on Applying Pressure

Tension headaches frequently occur with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep or insomnia. For this reason, if you are suffering from them, it is always worth a while to take a closer look at your current lifestyle and mental state. You may also discover that your body is tense most of the time without realizing it. Luckily, there are lots of remedies for these kinds of headaches.

How does acupressure help with tension headaches?

Acupressure helps in several ways. One thing it does is help to relieve muscle stiffness and trigger points. It also helps to alleviate anxiety by working on the nerves and nervous system. 
 
Stress can build up in the body and cause many symptoms such as tight muscles, pressure in the chest, stomach problems, insomnia, headaches, and dizziness. By releasing tense muscles, pressure points can help with many of these symptoms. Stress also affects the nerves and over stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The SNS is related to the fight or flight response, and releases adrenaline and a similar neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. 
 
Our body also has a division of the nervous system that helps us to relax and slow down, this is called the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Things like slow breathing, meditating, listening to soothing music, eating, sex, massage and touch help to activate the PNS. This is why you feel calm or even sleepy after these activities. People will often fall asleep during massage because touch is soothing and can relax the nerves.  

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