When headaches strike, especially those caused by stress, screen time, or nervous system fatigue, our instinct is often to push through or reach for painkillers.
However, there’s another option that I’ve often found works a treat.
Certain pressure points in the hands, when gently stimulated, have been shown to support headache relief by calming the nervous system, improving circulation and easing muscular tension in the head, face and neck.
You don’t need tools, oils, or certifications.
You just need a moment and a willingness to listen to your body’s quiet wisdom.
The hands are incredibly rich in nerve endings and energy pathways.
According to traditional Chinese medicine and modern acupressure practices, specific areas in the hands correspond to systems throughout the body.
By applying pressure to these zones, we can support:
- Relief from tension headaches
- Reduced facial and jaw tightness
- Improved circulation to the head
- A calming of emotional overload and mental fatigue
These points don’t replace treatment for chronic migraines or serious health concerns, but they are powerful allies in moments of tension, overwhelm, or early-onset discomfort.
Key hand pressure points for headache relief
1. LI4 (Hegu) — the classic calmer
Location: The fleshy web between your thumb and index finger.
How to activate: Use your opposite thumb to press firmly into this area while the rest of your fingers support the back of your hand.
Massage in slow, steady circles for 30 to 60 seconds, then switch hands.
Why it works: This point is one of the most commonly used in acupressure to relieve headaches, sinus pressure, jaw tension, and neck tightness.
It is also known to stimulate endorphins and help shift the nervous system out of “fight or flight”.
Avoid this point if you are pregnant, as it may induce uterine contractions.
2. Pericardium 8 (Lao Gong) — the emotional reset
Location: The centre of your palm, where your middle finger touches when you make a soft fist.
How to activate: Gently press the tip of your opposite thumb into the centre of your palm. Apply steady pressure while breathing deeply for 30 seconds to a minute.
Why it works: This point is calming and grounding.
It is used in stress and anxiety protocols and can help ease tension-related headaches brought on by overwhelm, emotional strain, or restlessness.
3. Shen Men thumb point — for emotional headaches
Location: At the outer corner of the base of your thumbnail, opposite the cuticle.
How to activate: Use your nail or fingertip to apply gentle pressure to the side edge of the nail. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds, then switch sides.
Why it works: This lesser-known point helps soothe emotional intensity and supports nervous system regulation — ideal for headaches that feel connected to mental overload or emotional tension.
Tips for gentle practice
- Use steady, firm pressure, but never sharp or painful.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose, and exhale twice as long through your mouth.
- Hydrate after, as with any bodywork, to help support the shift in circulation and energy.
- These points can be repeated up to three times a day if needed.
When to use these
- At the first sign of a headache
- During breaks from screen time or concentrated work
- As a bedtime ritual
- In the middle of a stressful moment or wave of anxiety
- After long periods of jaw clenching, tension, or poor posture
Your hands are tools of doing, but also of undoing.
They hold simple, time-honoured ways to restore balance, even in the face of discomfort.
The next time you feel the first hint of a headache, try this: take a quiet moment, press gently into the place that holds so much, breathe slowly, and trust in the healing power you hold, when you work in tune with your body.
