Headache Types Explained + Pressure Points for Relief (GB20, GV16, BL10)

Headache Chronicles

Deciphering headache types, pressure points, and holistic solutions (without jumping straight to medication)

Headaches are annoying. But they’re also informative.

Most of the time, a headache isn’t your body being dramatic—it’s your body giving you a data point: stress load, sleep debt, dehydration, neck tension, screen posture, hormones, or sensory overload.

Medication can help. But it’s not the only tool.

Learn the most common headache types, how to tell them apart, where to find key pressure points (GB20, GV16, BL10), and a simple self-massage routine—plus sleep, hydration, breathing, and stretch tips to prevent headaches.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

• the most common headache types (so you can stop guessing)

• key pressure points (GB20, GV16, BL10) with clear “how to find” instructions

• a simple self-massage routine

• prevention basics: sleep, hydration, breathing, stretching

• and red flags (when a headache needs medical attention)

First: when a headache is not a DIY situation 🚨

Seek urgent medical care if you have a headache that is:

• sudden and severe (“thunderclap”) or peaks very quickly

• new neurological symptoms (weakness, confusion, fainting, trouble speaking/seeing)

• accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or after head injury

• more frequent, more severe, or not improving compared with your normal pattern

If you’re unsure: get checked. Headaches are usually benign, but the rare serious ones deserve fast attention.

Types of headaches and how they usually feel

Here’s a quick “pattern recognition” guide:

1) Tension headache (most common)

Feels like: dull, tight “band” pressure; often linked to stress, posture, jaw/neck tension.

Often comes with: tight shoulders, screen fatigue, shallow breathing.

2) Migraine

Feels like: moderate to severe throbbing; may be one-sided.

Often comes with: nausea, light/sound sensitivity; sometimes aura.(If you suspect migraine and it’s new or changing, medical advice is smart.)

3) Sinus-related headache (less common than people think)

Feels like: pressure around cheeks/forehead; often with congestion, facial pressure.

Note: many “sinus headaches” are actually migraine—worth assessing if recurrent.

4) Cervicogenic headache (neck-driven)

Feels like: starts in neck/occipital area and refers forward; worsens with neck position.

Often comes with: restricted neck mobility.

5) Cluster headache (urgent medical evaluation)

Feels like: very severe pain around one eye/temple, often with tearing or nasal symptoms on one side.

If this is you: get medical help—don’t self-treat at home.

Pressure points for tension/neck-driven headaches

You included three excellent points commonly used in acupressure traditions for head/neck tension. Let’s update and refine them with clear location cues.

Point 1: GB20 (Gallbladder 20) – “Wind Pool”

Why people use it: head/neck tension patterns and occipital headache support.

Location (simple):At the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two vertical neck muscles (between upper SCM and trapezius area).

How to find GB20:

1. Feel the bony ridge at the base of your skull (occiput).

2. Slide your fingers slightly outward from the midline.

3. You’ll find two soft hollows—those are GB20.

Self-massage:

• Place index/middle fingers or thumbs on the hollows.

• Press up and in gently (not hard), 10 seconds on / 5 seconds off, repeat 3–5 times.

Point 2: GV16 (DU16) – “Wind Mansion”

Location:On the midline at the back of the head, just below the external occipital protuberance (the “bump”), in a depression between the trapezius muscles.

How to find GV16:

1. Nod your head slightly forward to feel the base of skull.

2. Find the central hollow just below the bony bump.

Self-massage:

• Use fingertips to make slow circles.

• Keep pressure gentle—this is a sensitive area.

Point 3: BL10 (Bladder 10) – “Celestial Pillar”

Location:At the nape/base of skull, about one finger-width outward from the thick neck muscles, slightly below the occipital ridge.

How to find BL10:

1. Locate GB20 first.

2. Move slightly inward/down toward the ropey muscles beside the spine (not on the spine).

Self-massage:

• Thumb circles or gentle press-and-release, 20–30 seconds each side.

Your 4-minute “Headache Reset” routine

Best for tension headaches and neck-driven headaches.

GB20, GV16,BL10 accupressure points for headaches

1. Breath first (30 sec)Inhale 4 seconds → exhale 6 seconds (3–4 rounds).

2. GB20 (60 sec)Press 10 sec / release 5 sec × 4 rounds.

3. GV16 (45 sec)Soft circles on the central hollow.

4. BL10 (45 sec)Thumb circles on each side.

5. Temples (30–45 sec)Fingertips, tiny circles, light pressure.

6. Neck stretch (30 sec)Slow ear-to-shoulder stretch each side, no forcing.

   
   

If your headache worsens, you feel dizzy, nauseous, or “electric/shooting” sensations appear—stop and reassess.

Prevention: the “boring basics” that actually work

Sleep

Sleep disruption is one of the biggest headache amplifiers. Protect your “wind-down” like it’s a meeting with your future self.

Hydration

Even mild dehydration can contribute to headache frequency in some people.Tip: don’t only “drink more”—spread it through the day.

Breathing + nervous system

Shallow breathing keeps the neck and jaw recruited. Two minutes of slow exhale breathing can reduce the “band tension” feeling for many people.

Stretching + posture breaks

Microbreaks matter: 60–90 seconds every 45–60 minutes (shoulder rolls, neck glides, chest opener).

Where massage therapy fits (holistic + practical)

If your headaches are linked to:

• neck/shoulder tension

• desk posture

• jaw clenching

• stress load and poor sleep

…massage can be a powerful support tool (especially combined with simple daily resets). And if you’re in Paphos, mobile massage makes it easier to actually do consistently—without driving while tense or rushing straight back into stress.