TCM Migraine Treatment: Types, Triggers, and Natural Relief

Migraines in TCM

Migraines fall under 'head wind' (Tou Feng) in TCM. The head is the meeting point of all Yang meridians, making it vulnerable to Qi and Blood stagnation, Liver Fire rising upward, Phlegm obstructing the channels, or external Wind invasion. The key to treatment is identifying which pattern is causing YOUR migraines.

Pattern 1: Liver Fire Rising

Symptoms: Throbbing pain (often one-sided), red face, bloodshot eyes, irritability, bitter taste, pain worsens with stress. Tongue: Red with yellow coat. Pulse: Wiry and rapid. Trigger: Anger, frustration, repressed emotions. Treatment: Clear Liver Fire, move Qi. Points: LV2, LV3, GB20, Taiyang. Herbs: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang. Foods: Celery, cucumber, green tea, chrysanthemum.

Pattern 2: Blood Stagnation

Symptoms: Severe stabbing pain at a fixed location, long history of migraines, dark spots under eyes, purple tongue. Trigger: Chronic unresolved migraines. Treatment: Move Blood, unblock channels. Points: BL17, SP10, LV3. Herbs: Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang. Foods: Turmeric, ginger, rose tea, eggplant.

Pattern 3: Phlegm-Damp Obstruction

Symptoms: Heavy, foggy, wrapped feeling in head, nausea, dizziness, chest oppression, overweight. Trigger: Humid weather, dairy-rich diet. Treatment: Transform Phlegm, open orifices. Points: ST40, SP9, CV22. Herbs: Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang. Foods: Warm ginger tea, brown rice, avoid dairy and sugar.

Pattern 4: Kidney and Liver Deficiency

Symptoms: Dull headache with emptiness, dizziness, low back pain, tired eyes, worse after exertion. Trigger: Overwork, aging, poor sleep. Treatment: Nourish Liver and Kidney. Points: KD3, BL23, LV3, BL18. Herbs: Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. Foods: Goji berries, black sesame, walnuts.

Acupressure for Immediate Relief

For ANY migraine type: 1. GB20 (Fengchi): Base of skull, in the hollows. Press firmly 3-5 minutes. 2. Taiyang (Sun Point): Temple hollow. Gentle circular pressure. 3. LI4 (Hegu): Between thumb and index finger. Strong pressure. 4. LV3 (Taichong): Between big toe and second toe. 5. GB1 (Tongzilao): Outer edge of eye socket. Lie down in a dark room while pressing these points. Breathe slowly and deeply.