Headache
AliasMigraine
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, "Tongniao" (commonly referred to as "headache") refers to the symptom of discomfort or pain in the head. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," headaches are often caused by external invasion of wind pathogen, internal injury to liver Yang, blood deficiency, and phlegm-dampness, among other causes. The pathogenesis involves the dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidney organs, leading to blockage of the meridians in the head and impeded circulation of Qi and blood.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, "Tongniao" is a common disease syndrome, with the core pathogenesis being the blockage of meridians in the head and the impeded circulation of Qi and blood. Common triggers include external invasion of wind, emotional disturbances, and irregular diet. During the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing the cold, heat, deficiency, and excess:
1. Wind-cold headache: Characterized by headache extending to the neck and back, aversion to wind and cold, exacerbation upon exposure to wind. The therapeutic approach is to disperse wind and cold, and relieve pain by unblocking the meridians.
2. Liver Yang headache: Characterized by distending and throbbing headache with dizziness, irritability, red face, and bitter taste in the mouth. The therapeutic approach is to calm the liver and subdue Yang, and stop the wind and pain.
3. Blood deficiency headache: Characterized by mild headache, palpitations, insomnia, pale complexion, and fatigue. The therapeutic approach is to nourish blood and moisten Yin, and relieve pain by harmonizing the meridians.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of headaches should be tailored to the specific syndrome, with emphasis on holistic treatment, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking the meridians to achieve the goal of alleviating pain and restoring health. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the treatment of headaches should follow the principle of differential diagnosis and treatment, combined with individual differences to formulate personalized treatment plans.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Wind-Cold Headache
Main Manifestations: Headache extending to the nape and back, aversion to wind and cold, exacerbated by wind exposure
Management Approach: Disperse Wind and Relieve Cold, Unblock Channels and Alleviate Pain
Liver Yang Headache
Main Manifestations: Headache and dizziness, irritability, red face and bitter taste in the mouth
Management Approach: Calming the Liver and Subduing Yang, Stopping Wind and Relieving Pain
Blood Deficiency Headache
Main Manifestations: Mild headache, palpitations, insomnia, pale complexion, fatigue and lack of energy
Management Approach: Nourishing Blood and Moistening Yin, Harmonizing the Collaterals and Relieving Pain
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Physicians' Insights: Headache patients often suffer from hyperactivity of liver Yang or insufficient Qi and blood. During differentiation, it is necessary to distinguish between deficiency and excess and use medication reasonably.
— Fan Li Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)