Back and Headache Relief: Pressure Points Guide

Acupressure on specific points may provide temporary relief for back pain and headaches. Apply firm, steady pressure for 30–60 seconds, breathing deeply. Discontinue if pain increases.

Pressure Points for Back Pain

Upper Back

• Feng Chi (GB20): Base of skull, in depressions lateral to trapezius.
• Jian Jing (GB21): Midpoint of upper trapezius, halfway between C7 and acromion.
• Geshu (BL17): 1.5 cun lateral to lower border of T7 spinous process (near inferior angle of scapula).

Mid Back

• Bai Hui (GV20): Vertex of skull, midpoint of line connecting ear apexes.
• Dazhui (GV14): Below C7 spinous process.
• Tiantu (CV22): Suprasternal notch.

Lower Back

• Ming Men (GV4): Below L2 spinous process (opposite navel).
• Kunlun (BL60): Depression between lateral malleolus and Achilles tendon.
• Zhiyin (BL67): Lateral corner of 5th toenail base.

Pressure Points for Headache

Tension Headache

• Feng Chi (GB20) (as above)
• Taiyang (EX-HN5): Temple depression, 1 cun posterior to lateral canthus.
• He Gu (LI4): Dorsal web between 1st and 2nd metacarpals (avoid in pregnancy).

Migraine

• Zanzhu (BL2): Medial end of eyebrow.
• Yingxiang (LI20): Nasolabial groove, lateral to ala nasi.
• Tai Chong (LR3): Dorsal foot, depression between 1st/2nd metatarsals.

Sinus Headache

• Yintang (EX-HN3): Midpoint between eyebrows.
• Yingxiang (LI20) (as above)
• Qu Chi (LI11): Lateral elbow crease, thumb-width from crease.

Note: Acupressure complements, not replaces, medical care. Seek professional evaluation for persistent or severe pain. Pregnant women should avoid LI4, SP6, and other contraindicated points.