Headache Conditions

Tension Headaches

Band-like pressure around the head, often from stress, poor posture, or eye strain. Most common type.

Migraines

Intense throbbing (usually one-sided), with nausea, light/sound sensitivity. May have aura.

Cluster Headaches

Severe pain around one eye, occurring in clusters over weeks. Less common but intense.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches originating from neck problems. Pain often starts at base of skull.

Understanding Your Headache Type

In TCM, headaches aren't just "headaches" — they're symptoms of underlying patterns. Accurate pattern diagnosis is essential for effective treatment:

Liver Yang Rising

Throbbing temples, worse with stress/anger, dizziness, red face. Very common in high-stress lifestyles.

Blood Stasis

Fixed, stabbing pain in specific location. May have history of head injury.

Qi Deficiency

Dull ache worse with fatigue, improves with rest. Often accompanied by tiredness.

Phlegm-Dampness

Heavy, foggy feeling, worse in humid weather. May have dizziness, nausea.

Blood Deficiency

Dull pain with dizziness, pale complexion, worse during/after menstruation.

Wind-Cold Invasion

Headache with stiff neck, worse in cold/windy weather. Often comes on suddenly.

How We Treat Headaches

Acupuncture: Points like GB20, LI4, and Taiyang provide immediate relief while constitutional points address the root pattern. Research shows acupuncture can reduce migraine frequency by 50%+.

Herbal Medicine: Customized formulas based on your pattern. May include Chuan Xiong (for blood stasis), Tian Ma (for Liver yang), or Bai Zhi (for wind-cold).

Cupping/Gua Sha: Applied to neck and upper back to release tension, improve circulation, and relieve cervicogenic headaches.

What to Expect

Many patients experience relief during or immediately after the first session. For chronic headaches, a course of 8-12 sessions is typically recommended. Many patients significantly reduce or eliminate their reliance on pain medication.

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