Acupressure works by applying pressure and massaging specific points on the body, known as pressure points or acupoints, to help stimulate blood flow, relieve tension, and alleviate pain and headaches. It’s related to the practice of acupuncture, which involves piercing pressure points with a thin needle.

Both acupressure and acupuncture are based on traditional Chinese medicine concepts of energy flow and meridians. These practices are different from reflexology, which is a separate Western-based therapy that focuses on how body parts are connected, particularly through the feet.

Acupressure for Migraine

Some people with migraine find symptom relief using acupressure. There are several acupressure points for migraine and treating symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, aura, and upset stomach.

Members of MyMigraineTeam have shared their experiences using acupressure for migraine relief, with one writing, “Sometimes, if I massage or acupressure my neck correctly, I can relieve a migraine for a bit.”

Other members have recommended acupressure when nothing else works for migraine pain relief. “Try massaging the daith area (a point on the ear) using acupressure,” suggested another member.

Acupressure is not a medical treatment for migraine and shouldn’t replace proven migraine treatments.

Research on Acupressure for Migraine

Although some people find relief from their migraine symptoms with acupressure, current research is limited and shows mixed results.

A 2024 meta-analysis found that while acupressure shows promise in some symptom relief, particularly pain and nausea, the overall evidence remains inconclusive.

A randomized controlled trial from 2019, cited in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, examined sleep quality and fatigue in people with migraine. (Fatigue refers to exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.) Among 76 individuals with migraine without aura, those who applied acupressure on themselves three times a week for four weeks had reduced levels of fatigue.

A 2017 research study examined 98 people with chronic migraine with aura and found that those who used the medication sodium valproate and received acupressure had reduced levels of nausea after eight weeks compared to those taking only the sodium valproate.

Overall, further research needs to be conducted to provide evidence for the effectiveness of acupressure in migraine, specifically, and especially as compared to other medical therapies. Researchers have stated the need for higher-quality studies with better design and larger groups of participants.

What Pressure Points Relieve a Migraine or Headache?

Pressure points (or acupoints) for migraine and headache relief include those on the face, neck, hands, feet, and ears. These points are targeted for both acupressure and acupuncture therapies.

People may receive acupressure treatment from a licensed professional, like a physical therapist or an acupuncturist. To apply pressure on yourself, use your fingers or tools like rollers or the tip of a small, firm object, like an eraser.

Migraine Pressure Points on the Hands and Head

Here are some common pressure points for acupressure on the hands, head, and neck.

Union Valley

The Union Valley pressure point, also called L1-4 or Hegu, is a small area of fatty tissue located on the base of the hand between the thumb and index finger. Pressure applied to this area can help relieve headache pain and tension in the head and neck.

To stimulate this point, pinch this area with the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 10 seconds. While still pinching the area, make small circles in one direction for 10 seconds and then in the opposite direction for 10 seconds. Next, try this process on your other hand.

The Third Eye

The Third Eye (known as GV24.5 or Yin Tang) is the point on the forehead between your eyes. Use your index finger to apply pressure to this point for several minutes. Try doing this several times a week and observe whether it helps relieve headache pain or tension.

Drilling Bamboo

The Drilling Bamboo, also called Bright Light or BL2, is located below the Third Eye, under the tips of the eyebrow, and on each side of the indentation where the forehead meets the bridge of the nose. Use your index fingers to press these points and hold for 10 seconds. Then, rest and repeat, and observe how it feels. Acupressure on the Drilling Bamboo points is said to help with headaches from eye strain and sinus pressure.

Gates of Consciousness

Gates of Consciousness (GB20 or Feng Chi) are points at the base of the skull, just below the hairline on the two parallel neck muscle areas. To stimulate these pressure points, place your index finger, middle finger, or thumb on the points and massage the area in a circular motion for about 10 seconds. Then release and repeat. Acupressure here is said to relieve tension headaches and headaches stemming from back and neck pain.

“I apply pressure on the forehead and back of neck, it does help relieve my migraines,” said a member of MyMigraineTeam.

Pressure Points on the Feet for Migraine

Here are some common pressure points for acupressure on the feet and toes.

The Great Surge

The Great Surge (called LV 3 or Tai Chong) is located on the feet between the big and second toes. It’s in the nook about 1 to 2 inches back from the toes toward the shin. Applying firm pressure to this area using your thumbs may help relieve headaches and stress.

Above Tears

Another pressure point on the foot is called Above Tears (also GB-41 or Zulinqi) and is located between the fourth and pinky toes and slightly back toward the shin. Pressure on this area may help relieve tension and headaches.

Ear Pressure Points for Migraine

Some people find relief using ear pressure points for migraine. The ear contains many acupressure points that practitioners believe connect to different parts of the body.

The “shen men” point is located in the upper ear cartilage, and it may reduce feelings of stress and help you relax. Gently pinch and release the area between your pointer finger and thumb. Repeatedly pinch and release the acupoint five to 10 times to feel relief.

Acupressure Is Not for Everyone

Acupressure is not safe for everyone, and certain precautions should be taken.

If You’re Pregnant

If you’re pregnant, you should be especially careful with acupressure. Certain pressure points (such as LI-4 between the thumb and index finger and SP6 on the lower leg) are thought to potentially stimulate labor and should be avoided during pregnancy. Other points may be safe, but you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any acupressure during pregnancy.

If You Have a Heart Condition

People with heart problems or heart disease are typically advised against acupressure. While it may be safe for those with heart conditions, it’s always best to first discuss it with your healthcare provider.

If you experience migraine, seek medical help from a doctor or migraine specialist before trying any alternative or complementary therapies. The National Headache Institute advises avoiding acupressure if your headaches are sudden and severe, are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or fever, or involve vision disturbances.

Find Your Team

On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

If you tried acupressure for your migraine symptoms, what acupoints helped relieve your symptoms the most? Let others know in the comments below.