The Greatest Acupressure Point for Headaches

li4cuse 150x150 The Greatest Acupressure Point for Headaches

Location of Large Intesting 4- He Gu

Large intestine 4, called He Gu in Chinese, is the best acupressure point for headaches.  It is especially helpful for sinus headaches and headaches that are centered in the forehead.

Acupressure works by relieving imbalances in the acupuncture channels on the body. Because the large intestine channel goes from the hands to the face, LI 4 can be used for diseases of the head and face including headaches, toothaches, and the common cold.

Location: To locate LI 4, hold your hand on the side, thumbs side up. LI 4 is a half inch towards the body from the web of the thumb, in the muscle.

How to Massage:
Often with a headache, the muscle will feel distended.  Massage in gentle circles and press until the muscle releases.  With practice, you can feel that the muscle will release under your fingers.  Rub for 30 seconds to two minutes.  Acupressure works quite fast, usually withing a minute or two, to soothe headaches.  If the headache comes back, repeat the massage.

Symptoms: This is best used for tension and sinus headaches located on the forehead or over the sinuses.  It can also be used for sinus and nasal congestion, toothache, and the common cold.   If you have chronic headaches, then the imbalance is deeper and you will probably require acupuncture treatment.

Caution: Because LI 4 strongly moves the qi, it should not be used during pregnancy.

- Also you should note that forceful rubbing can lead to a minor bruise.

Acupressure Book Coming Soon!

Just wanted to let my readers know I am working on an acupressure book.  This book will guide you through a number of acupressure routines introducing the location of the acupressure points, the massage technique, and how to combine the appropriate acupressure points.  The routines will be focused on specific health concerns, such as headaches, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, and stress, insomnia, and anxiety.

Sign up for blog updates through the Sign Up box on the right or send me an e-mail indicating you want to find out more information about the acupressure book.  We’ll let you know as we develop this invaluable tool.

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7 Responses for "The Greatest Acupressure Point for Headaches"

  1. When To Look For Help In Headache Clinics | Hot Tub Parts February 7th, 2009 at 3:21 am

    [...] The Greatest Acupressure Point for Headaches « Alban Acupuncture … [...]

  2. The Greatest Acupressure Point for Headaches « Alban Acupuncture … February 7th, 2009 at 10:11 am

    [...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptJoseph Alban, New York State Licensed Acupuncturist practicing in New York City, helps people with chronic pain and illness through individualized diagnosis and treatment with Chinese Medicine. [...]

  3. Acupuncture for Tension Headaches « Alban Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs Clinic, New York City February 23rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    [...] can treat your headaches and make you feel better.  For those with occasional headaches, acupressure may even be [...]

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    [...] is associated with irritability, tightness in the chest and rib-sides, and neck pain.  Use LV 3 and LI 4 for liver qi stagnation. Sometimes stagnation in the stomach harasses the spirit, which will cause [...]

  5. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for Eczema | Alban Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs Clinic, New York City January 6th, 2010 at 9:11 am

    [...] This patient was a woman in her early 30’s.  She was experiencing raised red and scabbed lesions on her hands which were which were very itchy.  At times there was a thin and watery discharge.  There was a direct relationship between the temperature and the irritation– the colder the temperature, the worse the inflammation.  The spots lay only on the hands between the thumb and the index finger, at the acupuncture point Large Intestine 4. [...]

  6. Acupuncture Energy Boost | October 1st, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    [...] works best for people with too little qi or energy, but it does not move stagnated qi as well as LI 4 or SP6 [...]

  7. Humming Can Heal Your Headache | New York Acupunture and Herbs January 5th, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    [...] more susceptible to sinus infections especially during the winter months.  I often recommend self acupressure to supplement the acupuncture treatment.   Some traditions of qi gong and acupressure self care [...]


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    Joseph Alban is a licensed acupuncturist. All information provided on alban acupuncture.com is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. If you have a specific health concern, please contact us at 917.887.4946 regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.



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