Chinese Non-medicinal Approaches to Headaches

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The experience of headaches differs from person to person. Most people suffer from mild
headaches once in a while, but there are people whose headaches occur repeatedly and last
for a long time, completely disrupting their lives. Headache is only a symptom which can
have many causes. Factors able to stimulate the blood vessels, nerves, or muscles
surrounding the skull could trigger off headaches, while factors able to soothe these tissues
are beneficial to headaches. Therefore, a number of non-medicinal methods are available to
keep headaches under control, learning some of the techniques can help you better copy
with headache attacks and less depend on pain medications.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the head is regarded as "the confluence of yang"
and "the dwelling of lucid yang," which mean the head is closely connected with other
parts of the body, and all the organs are responsible for nourishing it. The body has a giant
web called the meridian system to supply the head with fundamental substances like
essence, qi and blood. When the meridian system is dysfunctional, which causes
obstruction of the head collaterals or under nourishment of the head orifices, headaches
will occur. TCM therapeutic principle for headaches is to unblock the meridians and
collaterals, and reactivate qi and blood. Apart from the routine approaches like acupuncture
and herbal remedies, many non-medicinal methods are employed as auxiliary. They help
reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, and improve the overall efficacy of
headache treatment. TCM methods like massage, auricular stimulation, scraping and
cupping are all non-medicinal approaches, which are simple and safe to apply. These
treatment options are worth a try.

Acupressure | Auricular therapy | Hand and foot reflexology

Needle Tapping therapy | Blood letting therapy | Cupping therapy
Scraping therapy

Chinese acupressure for headaches

This type of massage is based on the meridians. Massage therapists use the fingers to
strike, press, knead and pinch the acupoints along the meridians, so as to produce local or
general therapeutic effects. Chinese acupressure massage has been used to treat a wide
range of diseases, among them bone and joint problems or painful conditions have the most
satisfied results, others such as internal organ problems, gynecology, pediatrics, localized
problems of the head can also be treated. Due to the influences from different academic
sources, regional cultures and practical experiences, many different schools and branches
were established in Chinese acupressure, which have contributed hundreds of bodywork
techniques for clinical application. Below are the acupressure protocols for headaches.
Acupressure protocol for headaches (I)
Massage therapists mainly use the thumbs to apply pressure on the body surface. "Pushing
with One-finger Meditation" is a common technique in Chinese massage; therapists uses
the thumb to push and rotate forward along a meridian, the swing frequency is usually up
to 120-160 times per minute, so that the pressure can acts on the selected region for some
time.

1. Push with the thumbs, along the sides of the neck (the courses of the bladder meridians),
back and forth for 3~4 minutes;
2. Knead the acupoints on the upper neck, feng chi (Gb 20), feng fu (Gv 16) and tian zhu
(Bl 10), 30 seconds each;
3. Use one hand to grasp feng chi (Gb 20) on both sides, and then grasp along the sides of
the neck, up and down for 4~5 times;
4. Push with the thumbs, from the middle of eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3) up to the hairline (Gv 24),
then push along the hairline to the hair corners (St 8), and then down to the temples (Ex-
Hn 5), repeat the steps for 3~4 times;
5. Knead the acupoints like yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), yu yao (Ex-Hn 3), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5) and
bai hui (Gv 20), 30 seconds each;
6. Comb and grasp the scalp with both hands, 2 minutes;
7. Use the thumb, forefinger and middle finger to grasp along the neck, up and down for
4~5 times.
 Acupressure protocol for headaches (I)

Acupressure protocol for headaches (II)

Use the thumbs to apply pressure on the body surface.

1. Push with the thumbs, from the middle of eyebrows (Ex-Hn3) up to the hairline (Gv 24);
2. Push from the middle of eyebrows to the outer sides of the eyebrows (Sj 23);
3. Push from the middle of eyebrows, along the lower orbital (St 2) to the outer corners of
the eyes (Gb 1), and stop at the temples (Ex-Hn 5);
4. Push from the temples to the back of the ears (Gb 6), and down to the base of the skull
(Gb 20);
5. Wipe the forehead, knead the temples (Ex-Hn 5), and then wipe along the back of the
ears and down to the base of the skull (Gb 20);
6. Grasp feng chi (Gb 20) on both sides, and then knead the middle point feng fu (Gv 16);
7. Push the inter-scapular regions of the back (Bl 43);
8. Grasp the middle of the shoulders (Gb 21);
9. Rub the sides of the lower chest.
During applications, the above steps are often modified according to individual conditions.
For example, if the headache sufferer feels weak and dizzy, remind him close the eyes
when doing the pushing techniques, while open the eyes when doing the wiping or
grasping techniques. For headaches induced by common cold, it is advised applying the
grasping techniques first, and then follow by pushing techniques.

Acupressure protocol for headaches (II)

Click to see more acupressure techniques for headaches.

Auricular Therapy for Headaches

This involves stimulating points on the auricles that correspond to different organ systems
in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the ears are not just isolated hearing
organs; they are closely connected with the internal organs. TCM regards the auricular
region as an important body part for clinical diagnosis and treatment, and stimulating the
points on the auriculars can achieve general or local effects.

Auricular points that help relieve headaches include the forehead (17), occipital (22),
temple (19), subcortex (other side of brain point), brain point (20) and ear apex (68), see
the graphic for references. They can be stimulated by needling, pressing and blood letting
methods.

Needling method
Select 2~3 points on one ear. Sterilize the ear and stimulate with 0.5cm needles. Insert a
needle into the cartilage and then twirl rapidly for 30 seconds, be careful not to penetrate
through the ear, retain the needle for 30 minutes to enhance stimulation or to facilitate
further manipulation. Do this every two days, 10~20 times as one course, and rest for one
week before the next course. If individuals cannot receive treatment on time due to work,
intradermal needles are used instead, which can keep 3~5 days, remind the headache
sufferer to press the patches several times a day.

Pressing method
Select 2~3 points on one ear and sterilize them, put magnetic patches on the points.
Individuals should press on the patches frequently, especially after meals and before sleep,
for 3-5 minutes each time. The pressure should be sufficient to make the areas turn red, and
feel heat and pain. Change the patches and side every two days.

The intradermal needles used in

 Chinese medicine

The auricular points for headaches

Hand and Foot Reflexology for Headaches

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the hands and feet are the confluences of the
body's yin and yang meridians which make the regions have vigorous blood and qi
activities. Based on the order and arrangement of the twelve meridians flow, internal
organs and tissues have their corresponding reflection areas on the hands and feet.
Stimulating on specific areas of the hands and feet can help regulate the organ functions,
and thus facilitate healing.

Generally, the techniques of hand and foot reflexology are simple, but a stronger
stimulation is required to get the desirable results. Needling can achieve immediate and
effective results, however this produces an intense pain that is not acceptable by most
individuals, and so massage or moxibustion is usually employed. The following areas help
relieve headache, which are usually act on them forcefully and for some time during a hand
or foot massage session. See the graphics for references.

Hand
Selected according to the pain locations: anterior headache point (1), posterior headache
point (2), crown headache point (3), migraine point (4).

Foot
Midline of the sole and one thumb-width apart from the edge of heel (1), the web between
the big toe and second toe (24), the web between the second toe and third toe (25).

Hand and foot reflexology for headaches

Needle Tapping Therapy for Headaches

Therapists use tools like plum-blossom needles and seven-star needles to tap on the skin,
using the distribution of superficial collaterals on the body surface as guides. In traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM), the superficial collaterals of the skin create skin segments on
which reflect the functions of the twelve regular meridians. Any abnormal signs on the skin
segments help diagnosis particular organ disharmonies, and other treatment methods like
hot compress, herbal paste and moxibustion can also be based on this principle. Needle
tapping is aimed to regulate the functions of the meridians and facilitate the recovery of the
body, which is often used to treat headaches. During applications, therapists tap along the
meridians, around the localized area and on specific acupoints.

Needle tapping techniques for headaches

Three vertical lines

1. Start from the middle of eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3), up and across the midline of head and
neck, and stop at the bottom of the neck (Gv14);
2. Start from the hairline corner (St 8), across the sides of the head, along the sides of the
neck and stop at the upper chest (Bl 12);
3. Start from the temple (Ex-Hn 5), along the ears and stop at the lowest point of the ears
(Sj 17).
One transverse line
4. Start from the midpoint of the front hairline (Gv 24), and tap towards the sides of the
head (Gb 8).

Tap three times on each line, once daily; the tapping force should be gentle. Do NOT tap
on the areas with skin lesions.

Plum-blossom needle and seven-star needle used in Needle tapping route chart for
 Chinese medicine headaches

Chinese Blood Letting Therapy for Headaches

This method is also known as "blood letting acupuncture," because therapists often use a
three-edged needle as tool. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), using
appropriate techniques to release a few drops of blood can improve the localized qi and
blood flow, which is beneficial to conditions like toxic heat accumulation, swelling, pain,
blood stasis, qi stagnation, hyperactive organs, restless mind and head orifices blockages.
Blood letting therapy is indicated for acute, heat, excess and painful syndromes in TCM,
physicians often use it to relieve high fever, faintness, throat soreness, stubborn joint pain,
muscle sprain, as well as localized swelling and numbness.

Before operation, the tool and the selected area must be cleaned and sterilized. Prick the
area quickly and squeeze gently to release 4-5 drops of blood, then press the punctured
points with a clean swab to stop bleeding. This can be done every two days, prick on
alternative side each time. Those who have bleeding problem, anemia, hypotension or
pregnant women are NOT recommended.

Blood letting for headache with dizziness

Select areas like middle of the eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3) or temples (Ex-Hn 5), find an engorged
vein to prick. Do this every two days.

Blood letting for headache with hypertension and bloodshot eyes

Select one or two points in the ear. Rub the ear back with a clean swab, and prick an
engorged vein swiftly with a three-edged needle. This can be done every two days. It can
also prick the apex, the lobe or the helix of the ear.
 Chinese blood letting technique

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping was called "horn method" in ancient times. The therapy consists of creating a
vacuum by burning a taper inside a cupping jar and quickly placing it over the selected
area, which aims to induce local congestion and blood stasis for healing. TCM believes the
resulting suction effect helps draw out pathogens, promote the flow of blood and qi,
unblock the meridians, and release swelling and pain.

In its early applications, animal horns and bamboo jars were used,
which was mainly for draining running sores. Nowadays, cupping is
widely applied in muscle strain injuries, and also in the treatment of
gastroenteritis, hypertension, headaches, common cold, coughs,
menstrual cramps, skin problems, poisonous insect and snake bites.
There are different ways to apply cupping, and it often uses
alongside others methods like acupuncture and moxibustion, so as to
treat complicated conditions. After treatment, there are some marks
or bruises left, which are normal and will disappear in a few days. Traditional bamboo
Cupping therapy is NOT suitable for individuals with high fever, cupping treatment
generalized spasms, skin allergic or ulcers and those who bleed
easily.

Below are the cupping therapies for headaches.

Applications based on the disharmony patterns of headaches

1. Headaches due to wind-cold: feng men (Bl 12), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5), xin she
(extraordinary acupoint, at the side of the fourth cervical vertebra), and wai guan (Sj 5);
2. Headaches due o wind-heat: feng men, tai yang, qu chi (Li 11), and da zhui (Gv 14);
3. Headaches due to liver yang: feng men, tai yang, yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), tai chong (Lr 3,
needling or pressing only);
4. Headaches due to turbid phlegm: feng men, tai yang, zhong wan (Cv 12) and feng long
(St 40);
5. Headache due to blood stasis: feng men, tai yang, yin tang, ge shu (Bl 17);
6. Headache due to kidney deficiency: feng men, tai yang, shen shu (Bl 23) and tai xi (Ki
3).

Keep the cups for 20 minutes, apply daily or every two days. For headaches due to wind-
heat, liver yang, turbid phlegm and blood stasis, cupping in combination with bleed letting
method will have better results. For headaches due to wind-cold and kidney deficiency,
moxibustion should be applied after cupping.

Applications based on the locations of headaches

1. Pain on the front head (stomach meridian): yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), he gu (Li 4), da zhui (Gv
14) and center of forehead;
2. Pain on the sides of the head (gallbladder meridian): wai guan (Sj 5), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5)
and dan shu (Bl 19);
3. Pain on the back of the head (bladder meridian): fei yang (Bl 58), da shu (Bl 11), feng
men (Bl 12), zhi yang (Gv 9) and kun lun (Bl 60);
4. Pain on the head crown (liver meridian): yin tang (Ex-Hn3), tai chong (Lr 3), gan shu (Bl
18) and xin she (extraordinary acupoint, at the side of the fourth cervical vertebra);

Keep the cups for 15~20 minutes, five times as one course. Cupping in combination with
bleed letting method will have better results. If the areas are not smooth or flat, cup with a
pad to help sucking on the surface.

Cupping in combination with blood letting method

Cupping in combination with blood letting method

Select points like ge shu (Bl 17, both sides), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5) and he gu (Li 4). Clean and
sterilize the points, prick them with a three-edged needle quickly and then apply cupping
for 10 minutes, there will be a mild bleeding. After removing the cups, press the punctured
points with a clean swab to stop bleeding. Do this every day or every two days, five times
as one course.

Scraping Therapy for Headaches

Scraping therapy (gua sha) is an old and popular folk remedy throughout China. Its
Chinese name, "Gua" means to scrape, while "Sha" refers to reddish skin patches that
created by scraping. From a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, many health
problems are due to invasion of pathogens that leads to a sluggish flow in the meridians
and poor distribution of blood and qi. Scraping therapy promotes the flow of blood and qi,
activates the meridians, and induces perspiration to expel pathogens from the body surface,
thus facilitating the recovery of the body. The appearing of "Sha" indicates that the
pathogens are being released, individuals may feel relax or refreshed after treatment.
Modern study has showed that scraping on the skin can activate the nervous system,
accelerate the blood and lymphatic flows, raise metabolic rate, and thus improve the body's
defense against disease. Scraping techniques are easy to learn, it can be a useful and
convenient way for relieving common ailments like common cold, sunstroke, stomach
upset, dizziness, headache, chest stuffiness, diarrhea, indigestion, travel or motion sickness.
Below are the scraping therapies for headaches.

Nipping to relieve headaches

Select body regions like the temples (Ex-Hn 5), middle of the eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3) and the
sides of the skull base (Gb 20). Before the process, the areas and fingers are moistened with
water, then use two fingers (the forefinger and middle finger, or the thumb and forefinger)
to nip the skin forcefully and repeatedly. Nip for about 6-8 times in each region, until there
appear ellipse-shaped patch on the skin.

Scraping to relieve headache and dizziness due to sunstroke

Clean and wipe the neck and upper back. Select a smooth-edged tool like horn blade or
jade, dip into vegetable oil or warm water, then scrape along the sides of the neck, always
scrape in the same direction, apply consistently and enhance the strength gradually. Scrape
for 10~20 times in one side, till a reddish stripe appear on the skin. Afterward, scrape or
rub the temples (Ex-Hn 5).

Don't scrape the areas again if the skin patches have not faded. Scraping therapy is NOT
suitable for individuals who are too skinny, have skin lesions, a tendency to bleed easily or
those with severe conditions.

Nipping to create therapeutic effects

Massage to relieve headache

Headache is a symptom of many acute and chronic conditions. TCM claims that headache
is either due to pathogenic obstructions or inadequate nourishment in the head region.
Chinese massage is most suited for headache due to flu, migraine or muscular tension.

1. Press and knead between the eyebrows 30 times.

2. Wipe the forehead with the middle knuckles of the index fingers, 30 times.
3. Thumb-knead the temples 30 times, then wipe back towards the hairline 30 times.
4. Press and knead the depressions below the occipital bone (Gb20), at the bottom of the
skull, 30 times.
5. Clench the fists and beat the middle of the back of the opposite shoulder (Gb21), 15
times on each side.
6. Nip and knead the middle part of the palm web, between the thumb and the index finger
(Li4), 30 times on each hand.

Add the following steps for individuals with:

Migraine Use the middle fingers to knead the corners of the forehead
inside the hairline (St8), 30 times.
Firmly wipe again the temple of the affected side, 20 times.
Nip and knead the back of forearm 2-finger-breadths above
the wrist (Sj5), 30 times on each side.
Nip and knead on the back of the palm between the ring and
little finger (Sj3), 30 times on each side.
Headache located in the Knead the center of the crown of the head (Du20), 30 times.
crown Knead the front of the forearm, 2-finger-breadths above the
midline of the wrist (Pc6), 30 times on each side.
Knead the dorsum of the foot in the depression between the
big toe and the second toe (Lr3), 30 times on each side.
Rub the center of the sole of the foot (Kl1), 30 times on each
side.
Headache located in the Knead the back of the head with the thumbs, 30 times.
back of the neck Knead the base of the little finger (Si3), 30 times on each
side.
Massage to relieve headache
Acupuncture Therapies for Headaches

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), painful conditions are generally considered from
two aspects: "pain due to obstruction" and "pain due to under nourishment." An obstructive
pain is often due to pathogens disturbing the organs and meridians leading to sluggish flow
of blood and qi in the region. For example, when external wind and cold invading the body,
they usually disturb the bladder meridian and result in headaches and stiff neck. On the
other hand, internal disharmonies that cause progressive exhaustion of the fundamental
substances, there will be a lack of nutrient supply for normal functioning, and pain can be
one of the symptoms. Typical situations like this are headaches triggered by fatigue or
headaches after delivery.

The head is regarded as "the confluence of yang" and "the dwelling of lucid yang," which
mean the head is closely connected with other parts of the body, and all the organs are
responsible for nourishing it. When the meridian system is free flowing and supply
sufficient blood and qi to the head, normal activities of the head can be ensured. However,
when the meridian system is disrupted by internal or external factors that result in impeded
flow of blood and qi in the head region, headaches will then develop. Chinese acupuncture
therapies for headaches always aim to unblock the meridians and collaterals, and regulate
qi and blood.

Acupuncture therapies are like herbal remedies, which are designed according to the
underlying disharmonies of the body, so as to relieve different types of headaches
effectively. Appropriate point selection and stimulating techniques are essential. The major
acupoints in the prescriptions are often selected in the head, which can stimulate the
affected collaterals, eliminate local stagnation and relieve pain directly. Since there are
many meridians and collaterals distributed in the head, making it has the most abundant
acupoints of the body, TCM physicians will consider the location of pain and the
corresponding meridians when looking for appropriate acupoints for headaches.

Generally, acupuncture has significant and rapid effects during acute attacks of headaches,
but it should work alongside herbal remedies for more sustainable results.

Below are some important acupoints for headaches and their combinations. (See the
graphics for references.)

Feng chi (Gb 20)

Feng chi (Gb 20) is located at the base of the skull, and belongs to the gallbladder
meridian. The gallbladder meridian runs through the side of the head and has twenty
acupoints in the region. Modern research has found that stimulating feng chi (Gb 20) can
improve the flow of the basilar artery in the neck (a major artery supplying the brain),
lower blood pressure, promote circulation inside the brain, enhance visual ability and relax
the muscles in the neck. In TCM terms, stimulating feng chi (Gb 20) can regulate qi and
blood and unblock the collaterals of the brain. It is an essential point for treating various
headaches, such as migraine, tension headache, or headaches due to neurovascular
problems or common cold.

For tension headaches, feng chi (Gb 20) is used with tai yang (Ex-Hn 5), tou wei (St 8),
jing jia ji (Ex-B2), tai chong (Lr 3), zu san li (St 36) and san yin jiao (Sp 6).

For migraine headaches, feng chi (Gb 20) is used with tai chong (Lr 3), zu lin qi (Gb 41),
wai guan (Sj 5), feng long (St 40), tou wei (St 8), tian zhu (Bl 10), shuai gu (Gb 8) and jiao
sun (Sj 20).

For headaches induced by common cold and flu, feng chi (Gb 20) is used with lie que (Lu
7), he gu (Li 4), da zhui (Gv 14), tou wei (St 8), wai guan (Sj 5) and tai yang (Ex-Hn 5).

Xin hui (Gv 22) and qiang jian (Gv 18)

Xin hui (Gv 22) is located on the top of the head, while qiang jian (Gv 18) is located at the
back of the head, the two points belong to the governor vessel meridian which branches
into the brain. Puncturing the two points not only can unblock the superficial collaterals of
the head, but also the collaterals deep inside the brain.

During applications, other points such as zhi yin (Bl 67), he gu (Li 4) and feng chi (Gb 20)
can be combined to enhance the pain relieving effects; if there is dizziness, feng chi (Gb
20) and tai chong (Lr 3) are combined.

Xuan lu (Gb 5) and han yan (Gb 4)

Both xuan lu (Gb 5) and han yan (Gb 4) are located above the ear, on the section of the
gallbladder meridian which passes through the side of the head. Headaches appear on both
sides of the head are closely related to dysfunction of the gallbladder meridian, and the
points are often selected as the major points for the condition. Puncturing them can activate
and unblock the local collaterals, promote blood flow and stop pain directly.

During applications, other points such as wai guan (Sj 5) and zu lin qi (Gb 41) are
combined to enhance the pain relieving effects; if there is eye soreness, tong zi liao (Gb 1)
and si zu kong (Sj 23) are combined; if there is ear ringing, er men (Sj 21), ting gong (Si
19) and tai xi (Ki 3) are combined.

Si zhu kong (Sj 23) and shuai gu (Gb 8)

The triple burner meridian (Sj) and the gallbladder meridian (Gb) have many acupoints in
the lateral sides of the head, including si zhu kong (Sj 23) and shuai gu (Gb 8). Shuai gu
(Gb 8) is located above the ear, while si zhu kong (Sj 23) is located at the outer side of
eyebrow. They can unblock the local collaterals and stop pain in the region. For typical
migraine headaches that are often aggravated by physical activities and accompanied by
nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, si zhu kong (Sj 23) and shuai gu (Gb 8) can be selected
as the major acupoints.
During applications, if there are also fatigue, no appetite, lower chest discomfort,
abdominal distension, mouth and tongue sores, other points such as lao gong (Pc 8), wai
guan (Sj 5), zu lin qi (Gb 41) and zu shan li (St 36) are combined for regulating the middle
burner additionally. If there are bitter taste in the mouth, ear ringing, flushed face and
irritability, other points such as xing jian (Lr 2), tai chong (Lr 3) and xia xi (Gb 43) are
combined in order to purging liver fire.

Shen mai (Bl 62) and jin men (Bl 63)

Shen mai (Bl 62) and jin men (Bl 63) are located at the outer side of the heel, and the
acupoints of the bladder meridian. Jin men (Bl 63) is also a cleft point of the bladder,
which specializes in treating acute pain. They can effectively relieve pain and relax muscle
along the bladder meridian, such as the back of the head and the neck.

During applications, if there are dizziness and blurred vision, other points like feng chi (Gb
20) and tou wei (St 8) are combined; if there are neck problems , jing jia ji (Ex-B 2) and
feng chi (Gb 20) are combined.

Hou xi (Si 3)

Hou xi (Si 3) is located at the outer edge of the palm, and the acupoint of the small intestine
meridian. This point is the stream point of the small intestine which is often used to stop
pain. It is also a confluent point, which connects the small intestine meridian with the
governor vessel meridian. It can promote the flow of qi and blood in the governor vessel,
and relieve headaches and stiff neck rapidly.

During applications, if headaches are due to cervical problems, other points like the a-shi
points, feng chi (Gb 20) and jian jing (Gb 21) are combined; for headaches induced by
common cold, points like feng chi (Gb 20), feng men (Bl 12) and da zhui (Gv 14,
moxibustion), he gu (LI 4) and lie que (Lu 7) are combined.

Yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), cuan zu (Bl 2), nei ting (St 44), he gu (Li 4) and feng chi (Gb 20)

The points are effective to relieve pain on the front head. According to the distribution of
meridians, the front head is mainly governed by the Leg Yang Ming Stomach Meridian,
headaches with apparent pain on this region is called yang ming headaches.

Yin tang (Ex-Hn 3) and cuan zhu (Bl 2): yin tang (Ex-Hn 3) is located at the middle of
the eyebrows, cuan zhu (Bl 2) is located at the inner side of the eyebrow. The two points
are selected based on the effects to local region that can directly promote the flow of qi
and blood in the front head, serving as the major acupoints.
Nei ting (St 44): the spring point of the stomach meridian, which specializes in clearing
the accumulated heat.
He gu (Li 4): an acupoint of the large intestine meridian, which specializes in unblocking
the collaterals of the nose and face. When combining with nei ting (St 44), they promote
 the flow of qi and blood in the stomach meridian.
Feng chi (Gb 20): regulates the collaterals of the head and face, promotes the flow of qi
and blood, and stops pain.

Shang xing (Gv 23), bai hui (Gv 20), nao kong (Gb 19), yong quan (Ki 1) and he gu (Li
4)

The acupoints are effective for headaches with apparent pain on the crown, in particular
pricking pain, dragging pain or throbbing pain. They are also applicable to other head
conditions.

Shang xing (Gv 23) and bai hui (Gv 20): important acupoints of the governor vessel
meridian on the head. They can unblock the local collaterals and stop pain, serving as the
major acupoints in the remedy.
Nao kong (Gb 19): an acupoint of the gallbladder meridian. The point is selected based
on the effects to local region.
Yong quan (Ki 1): the well point of the kidney meridian, it regulates the governor vessel
and bladder meridian indirectly. The point can reinforce and regulate the qi activity in the
head crown, and unblock the meridians to stop pain.
He gu (Li 4): unblocks the meridians and collaterals of the head and face, so as to
promote the flow of qi and blood.

If the headaches are associated with hypertension, and there is dizziness, other points like
feng chi (Gb 20), taichong (Lr 3) and feng long (St 40) are combined.
Important acupoints for headaches