Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and Migraines stem from disruptions in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, often linked to the Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, or external pathogens. Treatment focuses on pain relief while addressing the root cause to prevent recurrence.

1. Acupuncture

• Moves stuck Qi & Blood: Stagnation, especially in the Liver or neck area, can trigger migraines. Liver 3 (Taichong) and Gallbladder 20 (Fengchi) help relieve tension and improve circulation.
• Clears excess heat: If headaches come with red eyes, irritability, or dizziness, points like Liver 2 (Xingjian) and Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) cool the body and reduce inflammation.
• Tonifies deficiencies: If headaches come from exhaustion, points like Stomach 36 (Zusanli) and Kidney 3 (Taixi) strengthen the body’s energy.

2. Herbal Medicine

Herbs are selected based on the pattern causing headaches:

• Liver Yang Rising (pulsing temples, red face, stress-related migraines) → Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
• Blood Deficiency (dull, persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue) → Si Wu Tang
• Dampness & Phlegm (heavy, foggy head, sinus pressure, nausea) → Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang

3. Cupping & Gua Sha

• Release tension in the neck & shoulders, improving blood flow to the head.
• Expels wind & cold, especially if headaches are triggered by weather changes.

4. Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments

• Reduce alcohol, caffeine, and fried foods, which can trigger Liver heat and migraines.
• Eat Blood-nourishing foods (dark leafy greens, beets, eggs) to prevent deficiency headaches.
• Practice stress management, as tension is a common trigger. Qi Gong, deep breathing, or gentle stretching can help.

Chinese medicine provides both quick relief and long-term prevention by treating the root cause. Are your headaches frequent, or do they come with specific triggers?