Tension-type headaches

Tension-type headaches are one of the most common forms of headaches, affecting people of all ages. Characterised by a dull, aching pain, often described as a tight band around the head, they can be occasional or chronic. Stress, muscle tension, posture problems, and emotional strain are common triggers.

Understanding Tension Headaches in TCM

In TCM theory, tension-type headaches are linked to:

• Qi and Blood stagnation blocking circulation in the head
• Liver Qi stagnation caused by stress or emotional strain
• Wind invasion (external pathogens like Cold or Wind)
• Spleen Qi deficiency leading to insufficient nourishment of muscles and brain

Pain occurs when Qi and Blood cannot flow smoothly to the head and muscles become tight. TCM treatments aim to restore this balance, clear blockages, and nourish the body's systems.

How Acupuncture Helps with Tension Headaches

Acupuncture offers effective relief by:

• Increasing blood circulation to the scalp and neck
• Releasing muscle tension in the shoulders and upper back
• Calming the nervous system and reducing stress responses
• Modulating pain pathways to lower headache intensity and frequency

We select points along the Gallbladder, Liver, Bladder, and Governing Vessel meridians to release tightness, promote circulation, and balance emotional wellbeing.

Clinical research published in the Journal of Pain Research (2022) confirms that acupuncture significantly reduces the frequency, duration, and severity of tension-type headaches compared to conventional care.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Headache Relief

Chinese herbal medicine works internally to:

• Move Qi and Blood to ease tightness and pain
• Nourish Blood and improve tissue flexibility
• Calm the Liver and reduce emotional tension
• Clear Wind and Cold that may obstruct meridians

Commonly used herbs include:

• Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root): Moves Blood and relieves headaches
• Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root): Clears Wind and alleviates head pain
• Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Nourishes Blood and promotes circulation
• Bo He (Mint Leaf): Releases Wind and soothes the head

Herbal formulas are personalised based on the root cause—whether tension, deficiency, or external invasion.

Stress-Related vs Postural Headaches: TCM Approach

Stress-Related Tension Headaches

Emotional stress causes Liver Qi stagnation, leading to:

• Muscle tension in the neck and scalp
• Emotional irritability or frustration
• Pain worsening during stressful periods

Treatment focuses on smoothing Liver Qi, calming the mind, and relaxing muscles.

Postural or Mechanical Tension Headaches

Poor posture and repetitive strain create:

• Chronic tension in neck and shoulder muscles
• Restricted Qi and Blood flow to the head
• Daily low-grade headaches worsened by activity

Treatment aims to restore circulation, correct posture habits, and strengthen the body's support systems.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Headache Prevention

Small daily changes can greatly help manage and prevent tension headaches. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Maintaining good posture, especially during computer or desk work
• Taking regular breaks to stretch shoulders and neck
• Practising stress-reduction techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, or Tai Chi
• Applying warm compresses to the neck and shoulders
• Eating foods that nourish Blood and relax the Liver, such as leafy greens, black sesame, and small amounts of ginger
• Reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods that can trigger headaches

Adequate hydration and proper sleep hygiene are also key factors in headache prevention.

Final Thoughts

Tension-type headaches may be common, but they don’t have to be your normal. With the natural, holistic treatments of Traditional Chinese Medicine, real, lasting relief is possible.