TCM Gua Sha Expert Technique for Headache Relief

A Note Before We Begin 

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Product used in this tutorial:

TanmuCare Almighty Full Body Gua Sha Tool

These techniques come from Professor Zhang, a renowned Chinese Gua Sha expert and my teacher's teacher.

I use this routine whenever someone in my family has a headache, and we've found it incredibly helpful.

The best part is that you can perform these techniques on yourself or use them to help your family and friends.

Method 1 👉 Scalp Gua Sha

Gua Sha on different areas of the scalp plays an important role in this routine.  

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), scalp Gua Sha and headaches are closely related because the head is where several important meridians meet and pass through. The head is also traditionally considered the place where the body's Yang energy gathers.

Scalp Gua Sha is traditionally used to help promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, relax areas of tension, and regulate the meridians running through the head. Depending on the location and type of headache, different scalp areas and acupoints may be selected

I recommend starting with the 5-meridian Gua Sha technique, working along these directions to help release tension across the entire scalp.

Take your time and move slowly. If you're performing Gua Sha on someone else, always ask how they feel and which areas feel most uncomfortable. You can spend a little more time on those areas, using slow, gentle strokes.

Next, work on both sides of the scalp, moving from the temples toward the ears. This technique may also help ease tension around the temples.

Many people feel a wonderful sense of relief after having their scalp massaged with Gua Sha.

If the headache is still bothering you, spend a little more time gently working on the middle of the scalp. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is thought to help move stagnant Qi and support the body's energy flow.

Remember: slow and gentle is always the way to go!

Method 2👉 Shoulder Gua Sha, focus on GB21

Gua Sha from the back of the neck, across the Jianjing point (GB21), and toward the outer edge of the shoulders. Repeat on both sides.

GB21 is an important acupoint on the Gallbladder Meridian, located on the upper shoulder.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Gallbladder Meridian travels along the sides of the head and temples. That's why GB21 is sometimes included in traditional headache-relief routines.

It's also commonly used to address neck and shoulder tension, making it a helpful complementary point when working on the head and upper body.

Be patient with this part of the routine. You can also gently massage GB21 to complement the Gua Sha.

Method 3👉 QuChi 曲池 acupoint Gua Sha

If working on the shoulders isn't convenient for you, here's another option. Try Gua Sha on Quchi (LI11).

LI11 (Quchi, 曲池穴) is an important acupoint on the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located at the outer end of the elbow crease when the elbow is bent. In TCM, the Large Intestine Meridian travels from the hand, along the arm and shoulder, and reaches the head and face.

That's why LI11 can be selected as a distal acupoint in certain traditional headache-relief routines. It is also traditionally known for its Heat-clearing properties.

Apply some cream or oil if your skin is dry, and gently Gua Sha from the elbow crease toward your wrist.

Method 4👉 He Gu 合谷 acupoint Gua Sha

There's an easy way to locate Hegu (LI4), also known as the Joining Valley point.

Fit your thumb knuckle into the web space between the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Where your thumb tip touches is the Hegu point (LI4).

LI4 is one of the most important acupoints in Traditional Chinese Medicine.It's traditionally known as a key point for head and facial discomfort.In TCM, the Large Intestine Meridian travels from the hand, along the arm and shoulder, and reaches the head and face. That's why LI4 is frequently selected as a distal acupoint in traditional headache-relief routines.

It is also traditionally used to promote the smooth flow of Qi and relieve stagnation.

Gua Sha from this point toward your fingertip. This position should make it easier for you to perform the technique on yourself.

Scrape slowly and gently. You can also massage this acupoint for a few minutes.

With these Gua Sha techniques and commonly used acupoints, you may find some relief from headache-related discomfort.

After your routine, give yourself some time to rest and relax. A good night's sleep can make a difference, too!

And if you often experience tension or headaches, you can try incorporating gentle scalp Gua Sha into your regular self-care routine.

Consistency is important. Give yourself a couple of weeks to build this habit and pay attention to how you feel.

Take care of your scalp, release tension, and give your body a little more love every day!