Understanding Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), no two headaches are the same. Whether it's a dull ache, a sharp stabbing pain, or a heavy head sensation, TCM believes that the root cause must be identified before true healing can begin. Understanding the various types of headaches and their underlying causes is essential for effective treatment.

What Causes Headaches in TCM?

In TCM, a headache isn’t just a head issue — it reflects an imbalance in the whole body. Common causes of headaches include:

1. External Pathogenic Factors

• Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat Invasion: These are common causes of sudden-onset headaches, especially after exposure to cold wind or changes in weather.

• Symptoms: Chills, fever, neck stiffness, aversion to cold or heat.

2. Liver Yang Rising or Liver Fire

• Often linked to stress, anger, or emotional suppression.

• Symptoms: Throbbing pain at the temples, dizziness, irritability, red eyes, bitter taste in the mouth.

3. Qi and Blood Deficiency

• Seen in those who are overworked, post-illness, or postpartum.

• Symptoms: Dull headache that worsens with fatigue, pale complexion, poor memory, palpitations.

4. Phlegm and Dampness Accumulation

• Often due to diet (too much greasy or cold food) or weak digestion.

• Symptoms: Heavy-headedness, foggy thinking, nausea, chest oppression.

5. Blood Stagnation

• Can result from long-term stress, trauma, or chronic conditions.

• Symptoms: Sharp, fixed stabbing pain, worse at night.

Migraine vs. Headache in TCM

Migraines are typically more severe and often associated with Liver imbalances, such as Liver Yang rising or Liver Fire. They may also have underlying Blood deficiency or Blood stasis, especially if triggered by menstruation, emotional stress, or poor sleep. Understanding these distinctions can aid in effective treatment strategies.

TCM Approaches to Relief

Acupuncture & Bojin (TCM Gua Sha)

• Promotes circulation of Qi and Blood, releases tension, and calms the nervous system.

• Especially effective when targeting meridians like the Gallbladder, Bladder, and Liver channels.

Herbal Medicine

• Formulas are customized to the root imbalance — whether it’s to calm Liver Yang, nourish Blood, or expel Wind.

• Common herbs: Chuan Xiong (川芎), Bai Zhi (白芷), Ju Hua (菊花), Tian Ma (天麻).

Dietary Therapy

• Avoid cold, raw, greasy, or spicy foods if prone to headaches.

• Include warming teas like ginger tea, and nourishing foods like goji berries, red dates, and steamed fish.

Lifestyle Tips

• Sleep early — Liver Qi replenishes between 11pm–3am.

• Manage stress through breathwork, yoga, or journaling.

• Avoid excessive screen time and overstimulation.

When to Seek Help

If your headaches or migraines are frequent, severe, or disrupting your quality of life, a personalized TCM consultation can help uncover the root cause. TCM doesn’t just mask the pain — it works holistically to restore balance and prevent recurrence. Seeking professional guidance can lead to effective headache management.

At Grand Oak TCM Clinic, we offer gentle, effective TCM treatments tailored to your body constitution and lifestyle. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic migraines or occasional tension headaches, we’re here to help you heal — naturally.