Edited by Acupressure Guide Editorial TeamContent reviewed for accuracy on June 1, 2026

Acupressure for Migraine: Best Points for Relief and Prevention

Acupressure offers a drug-free approach that many people use to help manage migraine pain and support their usual migraine care. This guide covers the points most commonly used for migraine and a practical routine for during and between attacks — along with an honest picture of the evidence.

1. GB20 (Fengchi) - Wind Pool

GB20 is the most important point for migraine relief in clinical practice. It is used to release tension in the neck and skull base that often accompanies migraines.

Location: In the hollows at the base of the skull, between the two vertical neck muscles. GB20 guide.

Technique: Press upward into the skull base depressions with both thumbs simultaneously. Hold for 3-5 minutes.

2. LI4 (Hegu) - Joining Valley

LI4 is traditionally used for migraine pain, particularly for pain that is frontal or temporal. It is one of the points most commonly tested in headache research. LI4 guide.

3. LV3 (Taichong) - Great Surge

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, LV3 is especially indicated for migraines linked to stress, anger, or liver Qi stagnation, and is said to help redirect energy downward and calm the mind. This is traditional theory used to guide point selection. LV3 guide.

4. Taiyang (Sun Point)

This extra point is located in the temple region and provides local relief for migraine pain concentrated at the sides of the head.

Location: In the depression at the temple, about one finger-width behind the midpoint between the outer eyebrow and eye corner.

5. GB21 (Jianjing) - Shoulder Well

GB21 is traditionally used to release shoulder tension that can accompany migraine attacks.

During an Attack

  1. Apply firm pressure to GB20 for 3-5 minutes
  2. Press Taiyang points at both temples for 2 minutes
  3. Stimulate LI4 on both hands for 2 minutes each
  4. Finish with LV3 on both feet for 2 minutes each
  5. Rest in a dark, quiet room for 20-30 minutes

Preventive Daily Routine

For supporting overall migraine management between attacks, many practitioners suggest practicing this routine twice daily:

  • GB20 - 2 minutes each side
  • LI4 - 1 minute each hand
  • LV3 - 1 minute each foot
  • GB21 - 1 minute each shoulder

Scientific Evidence

Migraine-specific research is the thinnest part of the evidence base on this site, and we want to be straight about that. The best available study relevant to headache is the 2010 randomized trial by Hsieh et al. (Am J Chin Med, PMID 20128040), which found one month of acupressure more effective than a muscle relaxant for chronic headache — a category that can include migraines and tension headaches. Trials in this area commonly use the points GB20, LI4, and Taiyang, which are the points this guide focuses on. Reviews describe the evidence overall as promising but limited in quality, and no reliable percentage reduction in migraine frequency is established.

Because migraines are a neurological condition that warrants proper medical diagnosis, treat the routines above as something to try alongside, not instead of, your prescribed migraine care.

Medical Disclaimer: Migraines require proper medical diagnosis. Acupressure is a complementary approach, not a replacement for prescribed treatments. Seek emergency care for sudden, severe headache (thunderclap headache).