Understanding Headache - Occipital

Pain at the base of the skull often linked to occipital neuralgia—nerve irritation or compression in the upper cervical spine.

Occipital headaches cause pain at the back of the head and neck, often radiating toward the eyes. They can be triggered by poor posture, neck strain, or nerve irritation. Acupressure techniques targeting the base of the skull may help relieve muscle tightness, support circulation, and lessen the intensity of pain.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Sharp or burning pain
  • Pain behind eyes
  • Tender scalp
  • Neck stiffness

Emotional Impact

  • Irritability
  • Cognitive fatigue
  • Anxiety about recurrence

Primary Points for Headache - Occipital

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

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Back-of-Head Headache Relief (5-10 minutes)

Treatment Protocol

  1. Sit upright with neck and shoulders relaxed
  2. Locate the hollow at the base of your skull and massage BL-10 (on either side of neck centerline) with firm circular motions
  3. Press GV-16 (center back of skull, at hairline) gently but steadily for 1 minute
  4. Massage SI-3 (outer edge of hand, below pinky) to release neck tension
  5. For chronic patterns: add LU-7 (wrist, thumb side) or KI-3 (inner ankle) for deeper support

Supporting Your Recovery

Lifestyle

  • Posture Awareness: Poor neck posture can trigger occipital tension — adjust screen height and seating
  • Gentle Neck Movement: Incorporate slow neck rolls and shoulder release exercises

Important

  • Hydration: Dehydration may contribute to tension headaches
  • Rule Out Neurological Causes: Persistent or radiating pain may require medical evaluation