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Self-acupressure at Fengchi (GB20)
風池（ふうち）
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: China and Japan · Tradition: Self-care at acupuncture points · Manual therapy & points
What it is
A hollow at the outer base of the skull, where the neck meets the head. It has traditionally been used for headache, a tight neck, and the early stage of a cold.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Place both thumbs in the hollows just outside the hairline at the back of the head, and press gently upward and forward.
- For 10 to 20 seconds, several times. Do not push hard.
- Stop if you feel dizzy.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Early signs of a cold
- Eye strain
Related symptom videos
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read
There is Cochrane evidence on acupuncture for tension-type headache, but evidence for self-pressing of Fengchi alone is limited.
Sources
Safety notes
Keep the vertebral arteries in mind and do not press while twisting the neck hard. Seek care for an unexplained headache.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- A sudden, worst-ever headache
- After a neck injury
- Unexplained dizziness or nerve symptoms