Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views headache as a symptom caused by imbalances in the body’s energy, or Qi. TCM treatment of headache aims to restore balance and harmony to the body’s energy, which can relieve headache symptoms. Here are some of the TCM management approaches for headaches:
Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. For headache treatment, acupuncture is often used to target specific pressure points that correspond to the head, neck, and shoulders.
Herbal remedies: TCM uses a wide variety of herbs to treat headache. Some of the most commonly used herbs for headaches include angelica root, chrysanthemum flower, and peppermint.
Dietary changes: In TCM, certain foods are believed to trigger headaches, while others can help prevent them. TCM practitioners may recommend dietary changes such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and foods that are too spicy or greasy, and increasing the intake of water, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Massage and other therapies: TCM practitioners may also recommend massage therapy, acupressure, or other relaxation techniques to help relieve tension and stress that can contribute to headaches.
It’s worth noting that TCM treatment is individualized, and each person’s headache may require a different approach. TCM practitioners may also combine several different treatments to achieve the best results. It’s important to consult with a licensed TCM practitioner for a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific headache symptoms.
20 Acupoints for headache in details
There are many acupuncture points that can be used to treat headaches in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Here are 20 of the most commonly used acupoints for headache treatment:
Yintang (Extra Point): Located between the eyebrows, Yintang is a point that can help relieve frontal headaches, sinus headaches, and eye strain.
Taiyang (Extra Point): Located at the temple, Taiyang is a point that can help relieve tension headaches, migraines, and eye strain.
Baihui (GV20): Located at the top of the head, Baihui is a point that can help relieve all types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, and sinus headaches.
Fengchi (GB20): Located on the back of the neck, Fengchi is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by neck tension, migraines, and sinus congestion.
Hegu (LI4): Located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, Hegu is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by stress, tension, and sinus congestion.
Shuaigu (GB8): Located above the ear, Shuaigu is a point that can help relieve migraines, tension headaches, and eye strain.
Qubin (GB7): Located in front of the ear, Qubin is a point that can help relieve migraines, tension headaches, and ear pain.
Yanglingquan (GB34): Located on the lower leg, Yanglingquan is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by stress, tension, and eye strain.
Taichong (LV3): Located on the top of the foot between the big toe and the second toe, Taichong is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by stress, tension, and eye strain.
Zusanli (ST36): Located on the lower leg, Zusanli is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by stress, tension, and fatigue.
Neiguan (PC6): Located on the inside of the wrist, Neiguan is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by stress, tension, and nausea.
Yifeng (TE17): Located behind the ear, Yifeng is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by stress, tension, and eye strain.
Yangbai (GB14): Located above the eyebrow, Yangbai is a point that can help relieve frontal headaches, sinus headaches, and eye strain.
Sanyinjiao (SP6): Located on the inside of the leg, Sanyinjiao is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by menstrual cramps, stress, and tension.
Quanliao (SI18): Located on the cheek, Quanliao is a point that can help relieve migraines, sinus headaches, and eye strain.
Yangu (TH21): Located in front of the ear, Yangu is a point that can help relieve migraines, tension headaches, and ear pain.
Heguan (LI4): Located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, Heguan is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by stress, tension, and sinus congestion.
Shenting (GV24.5): Located on the forehead, Shenting is a point that can help relieve all types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, and sinus headaches.
Tianzhu (BL10): Located on the back of the neck, Tianzhu is a point that can help relieve headaches caused by neck tension, migraines, and sinus congestion.
Yuzheng (LU6): Located on the forearm, Yuzheng
natural options for headache details
There are many natural options for headache relief, including lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and herbal remedies. Here are some details on these natural options:
Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage headaches. These include getting enough sleep, maintaining good posture, reducing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and avoiding triggers such as loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells.
Dietary modifications: Diet can play a role in preventing and managing headaches. Some people find that certain foods trigger their headaches, such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and artificial sweeteners. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, can help prevent headaches.
Hydration: Drinking enough water and staying hydrated is essential for preventing headaches. Dehydration can cause headaches, and drinking water can help alleviate them. It’s recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, have been shown to help alleviate headaches. These oils can be inhaled or applied topically to the temples, forehead, or neck.
Herbal remedies: Some herbs have been traditionally used to treat headaches, such as feverfew, butterbur, and ginger. These herbs can be consumed in tea or supplement form, and they have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and it can also help reduce stress and tension in the body.
It’s important to note that natural remedies may not be effective for everyone, and it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment. If headaches are severe, occur frequently, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions.
allopathic medicines for headache
There are various allopathic medicines available for the treatment of headaches, including over-the-counter medications and prescription medications. Here are some examples:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are commonly used to treat headaches. They work by reducing inflammation and pain.
Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is a pain reliever that is often used to treat headaches. It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause pain.
Triptans: Triptans such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan are prescription medications used to treat migraines. They work by constricting blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation.
Ergotamines: Ergotamines such as dihydroergotamine are prescription medications used to treat migraines. They work by constricting blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation.
Opioids: Opioids such as codeine and oxycodone are prescription medications used to treat severe headaches. They work by blocking pain signals in the brain.
Anti-nausea medications: Anti-nausea medications such as metoclopramide and prochlorperazine are sometimes used to treat headaches, especially those associated with nausea and vomiting.
It’s important to note that overuse of some of these medications can actually lead to rebound headaches, so it’s important to use them as directed by a healthcare provider. If headaches are severe, occur frequently, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions