Headaches

What is Headaches?

Definition

Headaches are pains in the head area, ranging from mild to severe, and can occur episodically or chronically. They are among the most common complaints worldwide and can significantly impair quality of life.

Common Causes

• Tension-type headache
• Migraine
• Cervicogenic headache
• Medication-overuse headache

Physiological and Pathological Mechanisms

• Nervous system – overactivation of pain receptors
• Vascular system – dilation or constriction of blood vessels
• Myofascial system – muscle tension in the neck and shoulder region

How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands Headaches

In TCM, headaches are regarded as a disturbance of Qi flow along the meridians of the head. Common patterns include Liver Qi stagnation, Kidney Yin deficiency, or ascending Liver Yang. Diagnosis is made through pulse and tongue examination combined with a detailed case history.

Treatment Principles

Acupuncture

Targeted needling of points such as Du 20, GB 20, LI 4, and LR 3 to regulate Qi flow, relax the musculature, and promote circulation in the head area.

Tuina Treatment

Manual therapy of the neck, shoulder, and head region to release tension, improve circulation, and normalize Qi flow.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Individually composed herbal formulas to address the underlying causes such as Qi stagnation or Yin deficiency.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Regular sleep times, stress reduction, adequate fluid intake, avoidance of trigger factors such as certain foods or prolonged screen time.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Warning Signs

• Sudden, very severe headache (thunderclap headache)
• Headache following head injury
• Headache with fever, neck stiffness, or sensitivity to light
• Headache with neurological deficits (visual disturbances, paralysis, speech problems)
• New-onset headaches after age 50

When to Contact a Clinic

If any of the above warning signs are present, please seek a doctor or emergency room immediately. These symptoms may indicate serious conditions such as cerebral haemorrhage or meningitis.