How to Combat Headaches with Acupuncture, Acupressure and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments including headaches, and Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to be particularly effective in treating migraines. In this blog post, we will discuss how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can assist in relieving headaches, specifically migraines, and the importance of acupressure points located on the head.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing headache symptoms and frequency.
Acupuncture points lie along pathways or meridians that are believed to correspond to various organs and systems in the body. In Chinese medicine, headaches are often seen as a result of an imbalance or blockage in the flow of qi (life force energy) through these meridians.
A clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2017 found that acupuncture was significantly more effective in reducing headache frequency and severity than both sham acupuncture and no acupuncture treatment.
Chinese herbal medicine is another aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that can be used to treat migraines. Herbal formulas can be tailored to the individual and their specific migraine symptoms. For example, a formula containing chuan xiong and bai zhi may be used for migraines accompanied by sinus congestion, while a formula containing gou teng and xie cao may be used for migraines associated with high blood pressure.
In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, acupressure can also be used to alleviate headaches. Acupressure is a non-invasive form of massage that applies pressure to specific acupoints. Some acupressure points that can be used for migraines include:
Taiyang (Extra 2): This acupoint is located in the depression at the temple, between the corner of the eye and the midpoint of the eyebrow. It is often used to relieve migraines.
Shuaigu (GB8): This acupoint is located above the ear, in the depression between the jawbone and the mastoid process. It is said to be effective in treating migraines and vertigo.
Hegu (LI4): This acupoint is located on the hand, between the thumb and forefinger. It is believed to be effective in treating headaches and migraines.
In Chinese medicine, the location of the headache can also be significant in determining the underlying cause. For example, a headache located at the top of the head may indicate an excess of liver yang energy, while a headache at the temples may be a result of stomach heat. For best results, make sure to communicate with your practitioner where you are experiencing pain if you are coming in with headaches.
In conclusion, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and acupressure can all be effective in treating headaches, particularly migraines. By targeting specific acupoints and utilizing herbal formulas, headaches can be treated in a holistic and individualized approach. Additionally, understanding the location of the headache in Chinese medical terms can provide important insights into the underlying imbalance or blockage.
