CLAIM:
Placing an ice cube between the thumb and index finger can relieve migraine or severe headache pain by calming pain signals. The method is said to work through nerve pathways connected to the head and may reduce headache intensity without medication.
FACT:
Placing ice between the thumb and index finger (LI4/Hegu point) may provide temporary relief by acting as a sensory distraction. However, experts say it does not cure migraines and should only be used as a supportive method alongside proper medical treatment.
In a viral reel posted by Shivangi Desai, Founder of Fit Bharat Mission, who has over 1 million followers on Instagram, a simple home remedy for migraine relief has caught widespread attention online.
In the reel, she explains that placing an ice cube between the thumb and index finger can help ease migraine or severe headache pain. She suggests that “some people find it very relieving,” adding that if the eyes start watering or the headache intensifies, applying cold at this point may help calm the pain signals.
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She further notes that this area is linked to nerve pathways connected to the head and face, which, according to her, can gradually reduce the intensity of the headache.
The reel has gained massive traction, clocking over 2.9 million views, along with 48.2K likes and more than 52.1K shares.
Does this viral ice trick really calm migraine pain?
According to Healthline, stimulating certain pressure points, known as acupressure, may help some people manage migraine symptoms. “Stimulating pressure points on the body by pressing on them… may provide relief for some people with migraine,” the report notes, adding that it may also have fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments. Among the commonly cited points is the LI4 (Hegu) point, located between the base of the thumb and index finger. Pressing this area, it states, “may reduce pain and headaches.”
When it comes to cold therapy, research looks at a different mechanism altogether. A 2023 systematic review analysing six studies (including four randomised controlled trials) evaluated the role of cold-based interventions - such as cold-gel caps, headbands, intraoral cooling, and cold wraps, in migraine relief. The review found that “cold interventions had a short-term effect on reducing migraine pain” within 30 minutes, based on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. However, the long-term benefits were limited, with only “marginal” improvements observed after 24 hours.
Separately, clinical guidance suggests that cold packs may help manage migraine symptoms when applied directly to the head or neck. People can use an ice pack or even a cold, damp cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time, taking breaks in between to avoid skin damage. An older 2013 study also reported that applying a cold compress around the neck provided notable relief for some individuals, although more recent evidence on this specific method remains limited.
Dr Viswanathan Iyer said that the method shown in the viral reel is part of acupressure practices, involving the well-known Hegu (LI4) point between the thumb and index finger. However, he clarified that it is not a direct treatment for migraine.
He explained that applying ice at this point works more as a sensory distraction. “The intense cold acts like a sensory distraction; your pain signals are diverted, and the headache may feel slightly reduced or shifted,” he said. According to him, while the location is commonly used in acupressure, the relief is temporary.
Dr Iyer noted that one can either press the point or apply ice, but “it is not a replacement for medical therapy, it can only act as an adjunct.” He added that doctors may sometimes suggest such methods along with medication.
Speaking about migraine management, he said it is a chronic condition that may not always be completely cured but can be controlled. He stressed the importance of identifying triggers, suggesting that patients maintain a migraine diary to track patterns - such as lack of sleep, oversleeping, or certain foods like coffee.
Along with avoiding triggers, he said supportive measures like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. He also explained that treatment usually includes medicines for immediate relief during an attack, as well as preventive medication to reduce how often migraines occur.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS