Migraines

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. They can last for hours or even days, severely disrupting daily life. Many migraine sufferers struggle with finding treatments that offer real, lasting relief.

Understanding Migraines in TCM

In TCM, migraines are typically linked to:

• Liver Yang rising due to emotional stress or internal imbalance
• Qi and Blood stagnation blocking meridian pathways in the head
• Wind invasion disrupting circulation
• Deficiency of Qi and Blood failing to nourish the brain

Migraines occur when energy flow to the head is disturbed. Treatment aims to restore balance, calm the Liver, and nourish Blood to prevent attacks.

How Acupuncture Helps with Migraines

Acupuncture supports migraine management by:

• Regulating blood flow to the head and brain
• Calming the nervous system and balancing neurotransmitters
• Relieving muscle tension in the neck and scalp
• Modulating pain signals to lower headache intensity and frequency

Points along the Gallbladder, Liver, Bladder, and Governing Vessel meridians are commonly used. Electroacupuncture may enhance results, particularly for chronic or severe cases.

Clinical studies in the Journal of Neurology Research (2022) confirm that acupuncture reduces migraine attack frequency, duration, and pain severity compared to conventional treatments.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Migraine Relief

Herbal therapy works internally to:

• Smooth Liver Qi and calm Liver Yang rising
• Move Qi and Blood to resolve stagnation
• Nourish the brain and upper body circulation
• Clear Wind and Heat if acute symptoms are present

Common herbs used include:

• Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root): Smooths Liver Qi and relieves headaches
• Gou Teng (Uncaria Vine): Calms Liver Yang and extinguishes Wind
• Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome): Addresses dizziness and spasms
• Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root): Moves Blood and alleviates pain

Herbal formulas are tailored to each patient based on specific patterns, triggers, and constitutional needs.

Migraine Patterns: TCM Approach

Liver Yang Rising Migraines

Common in stress-related migraines, symptoms include:

• Throbbing, intense headache
• Irritability, dizziness, visual disturbances

Treatment focuses on calming Liver Yang, nourishing Yin, and promoting relaxation.

Qi and Blood Stagnation Migraines

Triggered by emotional stress or trauma, symptoms include:

• Sharp, stabbing head pain
• Stiffness in neck and shoulders

Treatment involves moving Qi and Blood, releasing tension, and improving circulation.

Deficiency Migraines

Seen in chronic cases, symptoms include:

• Dull, lingering headaches
• Fatigue, pale complexion, low energy

Treatment focuses on nourishing Qi and Blood and strengthening overall vitality.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Migraine Management

Small adjustments can significantly impact migraine control. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Identifying and avoiding personal migraine triggers (foods, stress, sleep disruption)
• Maintaining regular sleep and meal schedules
• Managing emotional stress through meditation, breathing exercises, or Tai Chi
• Staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration triggers like excessive caffeine or alcohol
• Eating Blood-nourishing foods like leafy greens, black beans, eggs, and bone broth
• Minimising processed, greasy, and spicy foods that generate internal Heat

Proper posture, gentle exercise, and stress management also help prevent migraines.

Final Thoughts

Migraines may be complex, but they are not unbeatable. With the natural, holistic support of Traditional Chinese Medicine, real and lasting improvement is possible.