Effective Headache Management Using Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, headaches are linked to various disease patterns. Some result from external factors like wind cold, wind heat, or wind damp, while others stem from internal imbalances such as liver fire, phlegm, blood stagnation, qi deficiency, or blood deficiency. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as incorrect treatment may exacerbate the condition.

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Addressing Headaches from External Influences with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Headaches triggered by external harmful influences often strike suddenly and may accompany other wind-related symptoms. For wind cold-induced headaches, pain typically concentrates at the back or crown of the head, accompanied by chills, stiff neck and shoulders, and nasal congestion. The recommended remedy is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan, consumed with green tea.

Wind heat-induced headaches are often intense and may include symptoms like fever, sore throat, thirst, and a rapid, floating pulse. Suitable formulas for this condition include Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian or Gan Mao Ling.

Dampness-related headaches are characterized by a dull, heavy sensation, as if the head is wrapped in a wet cloth. Additional symptoms may include fever, chills, nasal congestion, mental fog, and fatigue. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan is an effective remedy for such headaches, including those caused by internal dampness.

For acute headaches caused by external factors, sinus pressure often contributes to the pain. If nasal or sinus congestion is present, combining treatment with Bi Yan Pian is advisable.

Addressing Headaches Stemming from Internal Influences with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Headaches caused by liver yang rising often result from anger, frustration, or prolonged liver yin deficiency. Symptoms include dizziness, irritability, nausea, and throbbing pain on the sides of the head or behind the eyes. The traditional remedy, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, effectively alleviates these symptoms and eases neck and shoulder tension, containing specific herbs for liver-related headaches.

Liver fire, an extreme heat condition, shares symptoms with liver yang headaches but includes additional signs like a red face, red eyes, heightened anger, and a red tongue with a yellow coating. Long Dan Xie Gan Wan is the standard formula to clear liver heat.

Blood stagnation headaches are marked by sharp, localized stabbing pain, a wiry pulse, and a purple tongue, often due to past trauma. Herbs like Yan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Pian are used to promote blood circulation and relieve pain. Qi deficiency headaches worsen after physical activity, improve with rest, and are accompanied by fatigue and poor appetite. Remedies like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan or Shen Qi Da Bu Wan help tonify qi.

Blood deficiency headaches cause dull but more intense pain than qi deficiency, with symptoms like a pale face, dizziness, blurry vision, and a thin pulse. Pain worsens with hunger or after menstruation. Nu Ke Ba Zhen Wan tonifies both qi and blood, while Tang Kwei Gin or Shou Wu Chih offer effective blood-tonifying options in liquid form.

Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment Planning for Headaches

Acupuncture is highly effective for all headache types, often providing pain relief within minutes. A key point for headaches is Large Intestine 4 ("Adjoining Valleys"), known for its general pain-relieving properties and specific benefits for head-related issues. Additional points are chosen based on pain location, such as Gallbladder 20 for the back of the head, Taiyang for the temples, or Stomach 8 for the forehead.

Post-treatment, lifestyle and dietary adjustments are crucial to address the root cause of headaches. For liver heat-related headaches, avoid spicy and greasy foods and focus on stress reduction. For qi or blood deficiency, incorporate more whole grains, beans, nuts, dark greens, and fresh organic vegetables into the diet.

Animal products can help tonify qi and blood but should be consumed in moderation. While their protein, fats, and nutrients aid in rebuilding the body during deficiency, excessive consumption can contribute to heart disease and cancer.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bill Schoenbart has been a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) since 1991, after obtaining his Masters degree in the field. He instructs students in TCM theory and herbal medicine at a California-based acupuncture school and also runs a private practice.

Ellen Shefi is a certified massage therapist, licensed acupuncturist, and registered dietitian. She holds memberships in the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the American Herb Association, and the Oregon Acupuncture Association.