The brain, also known as the "Ocean of Essence" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a crucial part of the body, both for well-being and for overall health.
The head is the home of the brain and, with that, controls the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and taste. It is also the place where all facial expressions and speech converge. Beyond its physiological intricacy, the head also serves as a repository of emotions, thoughts, and memories, unraveling the mysteries of the human consciousness. However, headaches can disrupt this delicate balance, affecting both our bodies and our minds.
In this article, we will explore some common causes of headaches and delve into various Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) methods for headache relief, aiming to restore harmony to the body.
Pathogenic Factors and Their Impact on Health
The onset of headaches can have various triggers which depend on the individual patient and on the specific type of headache. Some common causes of headaches include:
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01
Wind Cold / Wind Heat
Exposed to external elements like cold wind or pathogenic heat, including cold air conditioning blowing on our heads will ensure that our bodies face challenges in avoiding headaches.
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02
Summer Heat and Lack of Fluids
Insufficient hydration and exposure to summer heat can lead to various health issues, including constipation.
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03
Fatigue and Work Stress
Severe fatigue & excess stress both at work and in one's personal life can trigger headaches.
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04
Poor Posture
Poor sleeping and working postures can lead to spine disease specifically in the neck, affecting blood flow to the brain leading to headaches.
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05
Inappropriate exercise or muscle strain
Excess tension in the neck or shoulders, even carrying very heavy items for an extended period of time, can hinder circulation resulting in headaches.
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06
Eye Strain
Staring at screens for many hours at a time can cause eye strain followed by orbital headaches; taking frequent breaks to focus on green sceneries can help alleviate this issue.
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07
High Blood Pressure
Monitoring and managing blood pressure is essential for maintaining overall health.
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08
Lack of Sleep
Ensuring sufficient sleep is an easy way to avert headaches.
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09
Brain tumors
Seek proper medical attention in a timely manner to avoid potential risks.
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10
Anxiety
Psychological factors can contribute to stress and lead to headaches; relaxation techniques like meditation may be helpful.
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11
Menstruation
During menstruation or one week before its onset, headaches can become a hindrance to some women, rest and taking care of one's health is especially important at this time.
Here are some TCM methods that can be effective in alleviating headaches.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an essential component of TCM, and it involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to restore the flow of energy (qi) and balance the body's systems.
When it comes to headaches, acupuncture can help address the root causes and provide relief by:
Improving Blood Circulation
Acupuncture enhances blood flow to the head and brain, which can reduce tension and solve headaches.
Relaxing the Muscles
The stimulation of acupuncture points can relax tense muscles in the neck, shoulders, face and head, leading to headache relief.
Releasing Endorphins
Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can help to resolve headache discomfort.
Balancing Energy
Acupuncture seeks to balance the body's energy flow, addressing imbalances that may contribute to headaches.
Reducing Inflammation
Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, which may be a factor in certain types of headaches.
Other methods:
Herbal Medicine
TCM uses a wide range of herbal remedies to address different types of headaches. Herbal formulas are tailored to individual needs and can help reduce headache frequency and intensity.
Did you know that TCM divides the diagnosis of headaches into different anatomical areas? And for each area-specific headache, there is a specific herb that can help alleviate the pain in that area!
Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves placing glass or bamboo cups on the skin to create a suction. This technique can help improve blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and offset headaches.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha therapy uses scraping tools to apply pressure to the skin, and while doing so, it promotes blood circulation and reduces headache-related muscle tension.
Electroacupuncture
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENs) and needling used in combination is a therapeutic technique to treat headaches.
Tuina Massage
Tuina is a form of therapeutic massage in TCM that uses special hand techniques. It targets specific acupoints along the meridians in order to release tension and promote relaxation, thus relieving headaches.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
TCM practitioners may recommend dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes to address imbalances that contribute to the onset of headaches. This can include avoiding certain foods or habits that promote headaches.
Personalized treatment is the key to effective care
Each patient requires a unique treatment approach. Here, we present a selection of various treatments to illustrate the diversity of options available.
Stress Management
Stress is a common trigger for headaches, and TCM emphasizes the importance of managing stress through practices like meditation, taichi, and qigong.
Balancing Energy (Qi)
Headaches are the result of imbalances in the body that disrupt the flow of Qi. By restoring this balance, headaches can be alleviated.
Individualized Treatment
One of TCMs strengths is being able to provide an individualized approach to each patient's treatment. TCM practitioners consider a patient's unique body constitution along with the specific symptoms presenting to create a personalized treatment plan.
Prevention
TCM focuses on preventive measures to reduce the recurrence of headaches, which may include regular acupuncture sessions and/or lifestyle changes.
As each patient's case is unique, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional to address any specific health concerns, and in order to find appropriate solutions for everyone's individual situation.
Also, remembering to pay attention to the body's needs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and dealing with pain promptly, head health can effectively be managed.
Emphasizing preventive measures and seeking suitable therapies can contribute to the body's overall well-being and the elimination of headaches.
Dr. Natasha Lee
TCM Physician
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Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bachelor of Medicine
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Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Master of TCM with Qigong Healing
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Shanghai Yueyang Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, affiliated to Shanghai University of TCM, Clinical Internship in Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Tuina, Internal Medicine, Gynecology, Dermatology and Pediatrics
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Practicing Physician Qualification Certificate of the People's Republic of China
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Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong, Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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American National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Oriental Medicine Certification
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College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia, Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbologist
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Special Interest in: Digestive disorders, Sleep disorders, Pain Management, Depression, Fatigue Syndrome, Neck and Lower Back Pain, Menstruation disorders, and Pediatric Massage
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