Migraine: Acupressure Points & Self-Care

A migraine is a type of headache. It can cause throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and may come with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people have an aura, a group of nervous system symptoms, shortly before the headache. Triggers include stress and anxiety, missed meals, loud noises or bright lights, and certain foods.

Traditional use: in TCM, points such as GB-20, TE-5 and LR-2 are traditionally used for migraine. What research says: a 2016 Cochrane review found that adding acupuncture to the usual treatment of attacks reduces how often migraines happen; the effect over sham acupuncture is small, and acupuncture may be about as effective as preventive drugs. The review studied needle acupuncture by a practitioner, not self-applied acupressure.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Throbbing pain, usually on one side
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Aura before the headache

Primary Points for Migraine

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

Select a point to learn more.

Self-Care Acupressure Routines

Migraine Routine (10-15 minutes)

  1. Lie down in a dark, quiet room and close your eyes
  2. Optional: place a cool cloth on your forehead first
  3. Press GB-20 upward toward the skull, with moderate pressure, for 2 minutes
  4. Press TE-5 for 1 minute each arm
  5. For temple throbbing: apply gentle pressure to EXT-5
  6. For stress-related migraines: add LR-2
  7. For hormone-related migraines: include SP-6

Everyday Considerations

During and between attacks

  • Fluids: Drinking fluids often helps
  • Rest: Rest in a quiet, dark room with a cool cloth on your head
  • Triggers: Notice what sets attacks off: stress, missed meals, noise, bright light or certain foods

Pregnancy

  • Traditionally avoided during pregnancy: SP-6. Skip this point if you are or may be pregnant.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact a health care provider if

  • Your headache pattern or pain changes
  • Treatments that used to work no longer help