I knit continental by default and do this too. I think it’s much easier getting the tension with my hands as I have more control. There are so many factors that determine how smoothly yarn comes of the skein (e.g. the fiber itself) so I don’t want to depend on that.
Usually I tension with my index finger, one wrap for grippy yarn and two wraps for slick yarn.
Thank you. People with chronic headaches or migraines are the ones that should not follow this advice, as painkiller-induced headaches are a thing and only make matters worse. Just see a doc.
As for occasional headaches: It’s going to be a lot easier fixing the issue that lead to a headache once you don’t suffer.