Got a Headache? Try These 3 Simple Pressure Points You Can Massage Anywhere

You’re at your desk, eyes glued to the screen, and suddenly that familiar throb creeps into your temples. Or maybe it starts at the back of your head after a long day carrying groceries or commuting in traffic. Headaches—they’re annoying, exhausting, and sometimes hard to ignore. Many of us brush them off with a shrug, thinking, “It’s not serious—it’ll go away.” But even if a headache isn’t a disease, it can ruin your mood, lower productivity, and make everything feel heavier.

Before reaching for medication, there’s a simple, hands-on alternative that you can try anytime: acupressure. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure involves pressing or massaging specific points on your body to relieve pain and restore balance. With just your fingers and a few minutes, you can ease tension and feel noticeably better. In this article, I’ll introduce three easy-to-find acupressure points—Taiyang (Sun), Fengchi (Wind Pool), and Hegu (Joining Valley)—that can help you tackle headaches naturally, whether it’s tension, migraine, or eye-strain pain.

Taiyang: Relieving Tension in Your Temples

Taiyang is located in the temples, in the shallow depression about one finger-width outside the outer corner of each eye. You can easily find it by gently placing your fingers near your eyes and moving slightly outward. Using your index and middle fingers, apply gentle but firm pressure on your temples, massaging in small circular motions for one or two minutes. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths as you do this, letting your shoulders and neck relax.

Taiyang is especially helpful for tension headaches caused by long hours in front of a screen or stress. Pressing this point helps relax the tight muscles around the eyes and temples, improve blood circulation, and release pent-up tension. This makes it a perfect point to target during short breaks at work, while watching TV, or even before bed. Pairing it with gentle neck and shoulder stretches can amplify the effect.

Fengchi: Easing Neck Stiffness and Migraines

Fengchi is at the base of the skull, just below the occipital bone, where the neck muscles meet the skull. You can locate it by placing your thumbs at the nape of your neck and moving outward to feel two hollow spots—these are the Fengchi points. Press your thumbs firmly into these spots and massage in small circular motions or maintain steady pressure for one to three minutes. Tilting your head slightly forward can enhance the effect.

Fengchi is excellent for headaches caused by stiff necks, stress, or exposure to cold. Many people with migraines or tension headaches that start at the back of the head and radiate toward the eyes find this point particularly soothing. Stimulating Fengchi helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and release the so-called “wind” in the head and neck, as described in traditional Chinese medicine. For even better relief, try using Fengchi in the morning to loosen stiffness from sleeping awkwardly or in the evening to unwind after a long day. Combining the massage with a warm compress on the neck can further enhance relaxation.

Hegu: A Convenient Point for All Types of Headaches

Hegu is located on the hand, in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger. Make a loose fist, and you will see the highest point of the muscle mound—this is Hegu. Pinch or press it firmly with the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, holding the pressure for thirty seconds to one minute, then switch hands. You can also massage in circular motions for extra effect.

Hegu is a versatile point that can help with a variety of headaches, facial pain, or stress, especially those affecting the forehead, eyes, or sinus areas. Pressing Hegu improves blood flow, relaxes muscles, and relieves tension that may be radiating from other parts of the body. Its convenience makes it perfect for quick relief anywhere—while standing in line, during a commute, or while relaxing at home.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While acupressure is effective for mild to moderate headaches, it’s important to recognize when professional care is needed. Sudden, severe headaches, or headaches accompanied by fever, vision changes, confusion, or those following an injury, should be evaluated by a medical professional. Acupressure is a supportive method, not a replacement for medical care when serious issues are involved.

Headaches may not be life-threatening, but they are a signal from your body that something needs attention. Learning and using these three acupressure points—Taiyang, Fengchi, and Hegu—gives you a simple toolkit to take control of your discomfort naturally. Even a few minutes of mindful pressing and deep breathing can bring noticeable relief. Over time, these small, daily practices can reduce headache frequency and improve overall well-being.

Remember, caring for yourself doesn’t always require medication. Sometimes, the best remedy is right at your fingertips. With a little practice and awareness, you can turn these three acupressure points into your personal, everyday headache relief routine—quick, easy, and effective.