Acupuncture Points for Head Pain

15 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Head Pain

How often each point appears across the 15 entries ranked highest for Head Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian10 of 15
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian8 of 15
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian8 of 15
  • GB08Leading ValleyGallbladder Meridian6 of 15
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian5 of 15
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel5 of 15
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian4 of 15
  • BL60Kunlun (Mountains)Bladder Meridian3 of 15
  • BL02Gathered BambooBladder Meridian2 of 15
  • BL10Celestial PillarBladder Meridian2 of 15
  • GB41Foot Governor Of TearsGallbladder Meridian2 of 15
  • GV16Wind MansionGoverning Vessel2 of 15

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (21 points)

100%

LI04 · ST08 · ST36 · ST40 · ST44 · SP06 · BL02 · BL10 · BL11 · BL60 · PC06 · TB05 · GB02 · GB08 · GB14 · GB34 · GB41 · LV02 · LV03 · GV18 · GV23

Point 1 of 21

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST44, BL60, PC06, TB05, GB08, GB34, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-374

Protocol (3 points)

100%

TB05 · GB20 · GB34

Point 1 of 3

TB05Outer Gate

TB05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 外關 (wài guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Sweating, Kidney Deficiency, Dizziness, Tinnitus

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-123
Corroborated by a second study. TB05, GB20, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-374

Protocol (18 points)

100%

LI04 · ST29 · ST44 · SI03 · BL60 · KD12 · PC06 · TB05 · TB20 · GB08 · GB13 · GB20 · GB34 · GB40 · LV03 · CV03 · GV20 · GV24

Point 1 of 18

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-374
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST44, BL60, PC06, TB05, GB08, GB34, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241

Protocol (3 points)

100%

TB08 · TB19 · GB33

Point 1 of 3

TB08Three Yang Connection

TB08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陽絡 (sān yáng luò)

🎯 Location: 4 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist between radius and ulna.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Pain, Channel Stagnation, Benefit Sanjiao, Channel Stagnation, Benefit Sanjiao

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s12967-014-0351-6
Not corroborated. No other study in the index uses any of these points for this search.

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · GB20 · LV03 · GV20

Point 1 of 4

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2021/5567697
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, GB20, LV03, GV20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-374

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI04 · BL02 · GB08 · GB20 · LV03

Point 1 of 5

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04617-9
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, BL02, GB08, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241
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Using Acupoints for Head Pain

Self-Treatment Guidelines

  • Locate acupoints using anatomical landmarks
  • Apply firm, steady pressure for 1-3 minutes
  • Treat 2-3 times daily for best results

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Severe or persistent Head Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

Disclaimer: The acupoint information provided is for educational purposes only.