EFT Tapping for Headaches and Migraines: Fast Relief and Lasting Change
When a headache or migraine hits, all you want is relief — fast. It’s hard to think clearly, work, or enjoy life when there’s throbbing pressure in your temples, a heavy ache behind your eyes, or a pounding migraine that makes you want to hide under the covers.
This is where EFT Tapping for headaches and migraines can make a real difference. EFT works directly with the body’s stress response to reduce pain, calm the nervous system, and restore balance.
First Step: Reduce the Pain
The first priority when you’re in pain is simple — reduce the intensity of the headache. EFT is incredibly effective for this because it helps shift both the physical and emotional tension that fuels pain.
One of the most powerful methods is called “chasing the pain.” Here’s how it works:
Tune into the pain and give it a rating from 0–10.
Notice where it’s located and what it feels like (throbbing, tight, sharp, dull).
Tap through the EFT points while describing exactly what you feel.
As the pain changes — maybe it shifts location, becomes lighter, or less sharp — you update your words to match it.
Often within 10–15 minutes, the intensity drops. Sometimes the headache disappears completely. Even a small reduction is a positive sign that the body is releasing tension.
Going Deeper: Addressing Root Causes
Once the acute pain has settled, the next step is to ask: Why do these headaches keep showing up?
This is where lifestyle, stress levels, and underlying imbalances come in. Traditional Chinese medicine can be a useful guide here, helping identify whether the root cause is:
Excess/heat (too much tension, stress, or inflammation)
Deficiency (lack of rest, nutrition, or energy)
Stagnation (blocked energy flow, often in the neck and shoulders)
Sinus-related issues (congestion, poor breathing patterns)
EFT can be used in each case to release not only the immediate pain but also the emotions and stress patterns that contribute to the headaches in the first place. I go into this in more detail in the Certified EFT Practitioner Training Program.
A Simple EFT Script for Headache Relief
👉 Step 1: Tune in to your headache.
Notice where the pain is, what it feels like (throbbing, dull, stabbing, tight), and give it a rating from 0–10.
Setup (tap on the side of the hand):
Repeat three times:
“Even though I have this headache, and it feels [describe sensation], I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though this pain is distracting and overwhelming, I accept myself and how I feel.”
“Even though I just want this pain to go away, I choose to let my body begin to relax.”
Round 1: Acknowledge the pain
(Tap through the points: eyebrow, side of eye, under eye, under nose, chin, collarbone, under arm, top of head)
This headache in my [forehead/temples/back of head].
It feels so [throbbing, heavy, sharp, tight].
All this tension in my head.
My body is holding onto this pain.
I notice how strong it feels.
It’s hard to focus with this headache.
All this pain weighing me down.
I acknowledge it fully right now.
Round 2: Begin softening the pain
Allowing this pain to gently soften.
Letting my body know it’s safe to relax.
Maybe this pain doesn’t need to stay so strong.
I give myself permission to feel calmer.
Letting go of some of this pressure.
Allowing space and flow in my head.
My body knows how to release tension.
Breathing ease into this area now.
Round 3: Addressing stress behind the pain
Some of this pain might be from stress.
My body is carrying so much pressure.
Maybe I’ve been holding on too tightly.
I allow myself to let go, just a little.
Releasing stress from my shoulders and neck.
Releasing the tightness in my head.
I choose calm over tension.
Letting my nervous system settle down.
Round 4: Invite relief and balance
I welcome more ease into my body.
Allowing fresh energy to flow through my head.
Releasing any stuck pressure or emotions.
Inviting balance, calm, and clarity.
My head can relax now.
My mind feels clearer.
My body knows how to heal.
Choosing peace and relief in this moment.
👉 Step 2: Re-check your pain level.
Has it shifted, reduced, or changed location? If yes, adjust your words to describe the new sensation and repeat the process.
👉 Step 3: Repeat as needed.
Even small changes are a positive sign. Keep tapping until the intensity reduces or you feel calmer and clearer.
Learn More
I sometimes offer special classes on headaches and migraines, where we go deeper into tapping techniques and self-care practices that really work.
If you’d like to go further, you can also check out:
Heal Yourself with EFT Program — a 30-day guided program designed to help you use EFT for emotional and physical healing.
EFT Practitioner Training — for those who want to get certified in EFT tapping, to help themselves and others, and even start a professional practice.
Final Thoughts
Headaches and migraines don’t have to control your life. EFT Tapping offers a fast, drug-free way to ease acute pain while also helping to uncover and release the deeper emotional and energetic patterns that keep headaches coming back.
The key is simple: start with reducing the immediate pain. Once you’ve got that under control, you can begin working on the bigger picture — the root causes that Chinese medicine and EFT together can help you identify and clear.
With consistent practice, many people find that headaches become less frequent, less intense, and sometimes disappear altogether.
— Michael Hetherington (The Taoist Tapper)
