Understanding and Treating Headaches with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Headaches are viewed in Traditional Chinese Medicine as disruptions in the body’s Qi flow, often linked to imbalances in organ systems or external pathogens. TCM identifies distinct patterns based on location, nature of pain, and accompanying symptoms.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), headaches are not treated as a singular condition but are differentiated based on their underlying patterns. One effective way of diagnosing and treating headaches is by describing how diseases progress through different energetic layers of the body. In TCM, that concept is known as the Six Conformations. By identifying which "conformation" a headache belongs to, we can determine the best acupuncture points and herbal formulas for relief.

1. Tai Yang Headache (Greater Yang)

Pain is located at the back of the head, neck, and upper back. It is caused by the invasion of wind-cold or wind-heat, which is characterized by stiffness, aversion to cold, or a possible fever.

TCM Pattern: Exterior condition affecting the Bladder and Small Intestine channels

2. Shao Yang Headache (Lesser Yang)

This headache is felt at the sides of the head and behind the eyes. Common complaints of those with shao yang headaches are throbbing pain, dizziness, and nausea. They may also report a bitter taste in the mouth and alternating chills & fever. Liver-Gallbladder disharmony, stagnant Qi, or Heat rising can cause this headache.

TCM Pattern: Half-exterior, half-interior (Gallbladder channel)

3. Yang Ming Headache (Bright Yang)

The pattern of pain is on the forehead and face, and sometimes, the whole head. It is often described as intense, distending pain accompanied by a feeling of heat, thirst, and constipation. This is often rooted in stomach or intestine heat that is rising upward.

TCM Pattern: Excess Heat in the Stomach or Large Intestine

4. Tai Yin Headache (Greater Yin)

The dull, heavy pain in the whole head is caused by qi deficiency and dampness. This type of headache is often worsened by damp weather. Symptoms of fatigue, bloating, and loose stools are also noted in this type of headache.

TCM Pattern: Spleen and Lung dysfunction leading to Phlegm-Damp accumulation

For both Tai Yin and Yang Ming headaches, strengthening the digestion is necessary.

5. Shao Yin Headache (Lesser Yin)

Shao yin headaches are often deep and chronic. Usually, the pain is experienced on the whole head, and sometimes affects the face and throat. The headache is aggravated by exhaustion and could have accompanying symptoms of cold limbs and low back pain.

TCM Pattern: Kidney and Heart deficiency (lack of nourishment)

6. Jue Yin Headache (Terminal Yin)

Lastly, we have Jue yin headaches, which are caused by cold or rebellious qi rising. The pain is often at the vertex or top of the head and is described as severe, stabbing pain. Due to its severity, it can even cause a person to vomit and experience cold extremities.

TCM Pattern: Liver channel dysfunction (Cold or Stagnation)

Each type of headache requires a unique approach based on its root cause. The first step? Consult a licensed acupuncturist experienced in diagnosing and treating headaches. Our skilled practitioners here at NYC Acupuncture + Wellness specialize in identifying headache patterns and creating a personalized treatment plan. Click the "book online" button to get a consultation schedule.