Acupuncture Points for Headache Tension-type

18 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Headache Tension-type

How often each point appears across the 18 entries ranked highest for Headache Tension-type. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian16 of 18
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel15 of 18
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian14 of 18
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian11 of 18
  • XH05Supreme Yang (Sun)Extra Points: Head8 of 18
  • BL60Kunlun (Mountains)Bladder Meridian5 of 18
  • GB41Foot Governor Of TearsGallbladder Meridian5 of 18
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian5 of 18
  • SI03Back StreamSmall Intestine Meridian5 of 18
  • ST44Inner CourtStomach Meridian5 of 18
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian5 of 18
  • XH03Hall Of Impression Or Seal HallExtra Points: Head5 of 18

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

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:10.1177/02692155241229282

Protocol (10 points)

100%

LI04 · ST44 · SI03 · BL60 · PC06 · TB05 · GB20 · GB41 · LV03 · GV20

Point 1 of 10

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:10.1177/02692155241229282
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST44, SI03, BL60, PC06, TB05, GB20, GB41, LV03, GV20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1177/0333102421989620

Protocol (4 points)

100%

SI14 · GB21 · GV14 · GV20

Point 1 of 4

SI14Outer Shoulder Point

SI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩外俞 (jiān wài yú)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra where GV13 is located.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Wind, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3390/jcm13154457
Corroborated by a second study. GV20 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2021/5567697

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST08 · GB20 · GV20 · GV24

Point 1 of 4

ST08Head Corner

ST08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頭維 (tóu wéi)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the head, 0.5 thumb widths above the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead & 4.5 thumb widths lateral to the midline of the head.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, Vomiting, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230189
Corroborated by a second study. ST08, GB20, GV20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.27879/d.cnki.ggxzy.2025.000086

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI04 · ST08 · GB20 · LV03 · GV20

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:10.27879/d.cnki.ggxzy.2025.000086
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:10.1155/2021/5567697

Protocol (2 points)

100%

LI04 · LV03

Point 1 of 2

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:10.26988/d.cnki.gcdzu.2023.000358
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2021/5567697
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Using Acupoints for Headache Tension-type

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 Headache Tension-type
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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