Therapists use tools like plum-blossom needles and seven-star needles to tap on the skin, using the distribution of superficial collaterals on the body surface as guides. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the superficial collaterals of the skin create skin segments on which reflect the functions of the twelve regular meridians. Any abnormal signs on the skin segments help diagnosis particular organ disharmonies, and other treatment methods like hot compress, herbal paste and moxibustion can also be based on this principle. Needle tapping is aimed to regulate the functions of the meridians and facilitate the recovery of the body, which is often used to treat headaches. During applications, therapists tap along the meridians, around the localized area and on specific acupoints. Needle tapping techniques for headaches Three vertical lines Start from the middle of eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3), up and across the midline of head and neck, and stop at the bottom of the neck (Gv14); Start from the hairline corner (St 8), across the sides of the head, along the sides of the neck and stop at the upper chest (Bl 12); Start from the temple (Ex-Hn 5), along the ears and stop at the lowest point of the ears (Sj 17). One transverse line Start from the midpoint of the front hairline (Gv 24), and tap towards the sides of the head (Gb 8). Tap three times on each line, once daily; the tapping force should be gentle. Do NOT tap on the areas with skin lesions. Plum-blossom needle and seven-star needle used in Chinese medicine Needle tapping route chart for headaches