Headache / Migraine

Headache (migraine) is characterized by recurring attacks of headache wihich may be preceeded by 'warning signs' such as visual disturbance including blurred vision, sensitivity to light or aura's. They may also be accompanied by nausea and other digestive upsets. Chinese medicine aims to treat the root cause so that headache's are no longer an issue. Western medical treatment usually focuses on pain management through the use of pain killing medication.

At Dan-tien we will use all forms of acupuncture and herbs to get the best results for you. In my experience a combination of traditional and abdominal acupuncture gets the best results.

It is advised that people suffering with recurring migraine or debilitating headache see their G.P. first to clarify the diagnosis.

There are 5 possible categories of causes of headache in Chinese medicine, namely:

Climatic factors (e.g. Wind) , as seen in common cold. Remember the old wives tale about going out with your hair wet!!

Excessive liver yang energy, headache accompanied by dizziness, bitter taste, irritability and anxiety as seen with high blood pressure (often preceeded by an outburst of anger).

Deficiency of Blood and Qi, slow onset of headache often worse after exertion. Tiredness and heaviness of head and eyes.

Blood Stagnation, result in headaches that are sharp, they are often fixed in one area. They can be a result of a head injury.

All of the above causes will be treated differently with acupuncture and herbs. It is important that the correct diagnosis is given so that the root cause of the problem can be addressed and the reason for the headache or migraine is resolved. For example a person suffering with migaine due to Liver yang rising needs to have the liver yang energy subdued so that headache and other related symptoms stop.

Chinese medicine is a very potent method of treating headache / migraine as a result of its attention to a correct diagnosis.