HEADACHE & MIGRAINE

Manifestation of migraine

Migraine is a recurrent headache caused by neurovascular causes. The attacks are often one-sided, and a few migraines may affect both sides of the head. The attacks may be accompanied by varying degrees of nausea and vomiting, as well as photophobia. About one-third of people with migraines also experience neurological symptoms such as changes in mood, fatigue, lack of concentration, and changes in eating habits before the attack.

TCM’s understanding of migraine

Migraine triggers are very complex. In TCM theory, it can broadly be divided into internal and external factors that can both be triggered simultaneously. 

• Invasion of external wind, cold, heat, dampness due to the environment:For example, facing the air-conditioning directly for long hours of time. This constricts the blood vessels in the head, causing less blood flow to the head and triggering migraine episodes.
• Imbalances of the body’s vitals due to improper lifestyle:For example, long-term stress and fatigue leading to troubled sleep, which eventually leads to blockages in qi and blood and triggering migraine episodes.

TCM migraine treatment

Generally, TCM doctors will turn to a combination of acupuncture and acupressure (tui na) modalities to deliver rapid pain relief for different types of migraine conditions. Acupuncture is most appropriate during an episode of migraine attack. By inserting fine needles into acupoints and muscles in the neck and head regions, the attacked can be disrupted. Similarly, acupressure, or tui na, involves massaging various acupoints around the head and neck regions. Although tui na does not provide immediate pain relief, it reduces the intensity of pain and aids in the prevention of future migraine attacks.

In addition, Scraping therapy is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture or acupressure therapies. Scraping works to remove myofascial trigger points (commonly referred to as “knots”) that form in the neck and head muscles due to prolonged pain. 

These TCM techniques will stimulate the release of endorphins in the body, which will enable a soothing and relaxing sensation after the treatment.  

1. Acupuncture for migraines

Acupuncture for migrains  is the best employed during the attack stage of a migraine episode. By stimulating certain acupoints and muscles, a migraine attack can be aborted within a few minutes to several hours. Acupuncture can also be performed during the prodrome or aura stage of migraine to alleviate the accompanying symptoms.

• Ear Acupuncture For Migraines for headache

Ear (auricular) acupuncture involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into particular acupoints around the ear. There are more than 200 acupoints in the ear, but only 10 of them are commonly used during the treatment since their stimulation delivers the best outcomes.

A typical ear acupuncture session will last from 10 to 20 minutes, during which you’ll sit or lie quietly. The acupuncturist may focus on other points, as well. The session is entirely safe and free of side effects. Ear acupuncture has provided significant results in treating migraine pain and delivering long-term improvements to patients with chronic headaches.

2. Acupressure/Tui Na massage

Acupressure/Tui Na therapy is an effective alternative for migraine suffers with an aversion to needles. By correctly identifying and applying pressure to correct acupoints in the neck and head regions, a migraine episode can be aborted. Acupressure/Tui Na therapy is not only effective for all stages of migraine, but aids in the prevention and reduction of intensity for future migraine episodes.  Please refer to the article “Say goodbye to headache in 3 minutes“. 

• Acupressure points for migraine 

An acupuncturist will choose exact acupoints for treating migraines. Combining these points will encourage blood and energy flow, promoting headache relief, and eliminating its potential causes.

The most useful acupressure points for migraines include:

Yintang (EX-HN 3)

Yintang can be used to reduce migraine headache and dizziness. It is located between the inner edges of the eyebrows. Press it lightly with your forefinger and applying pressure using small circular motions. Then, start with your forefinger right above the bridge of the nose and stroke upward towards the forehead.

Baihui (GV20)

Baihui can be used to relieve migraine headache and sore neck. It is located at the top of the head. Press it gently for about 1 minute. Then, release your finger for about 30 seconds, and repeat the process for few times.

Fengchi (GB20)

Fengchi is recommended for migraine headache. It improves blood circulation in the neck and head. It is located behind your earlobe, toward the top of your neck and the base of your skull. Use your thumb or forefinger and apply pressure or you can do circular motion with finger.

Hegu (LI4) 

Hegu can be used to relieve pain and headache. It is located on the highest spot of the muscle when the thumb and forefinger are brought close together. Use your thumb and apply pressure or you can do circular motion with thumb. This procedure should have been repeated for the other hand.