Tou tong (headache)
Headaches & migraine
Where your headache sits is a clue. Pattern diagnosis by location, character and triggers, with acupuncture and lifestyle changes.
When people come in
- Frequent tension headaches or migraines
- Headaches around your period
- Attacks with poor sleep or stress
The Chinese medicine view
“The head is where the yang channels meet.” External wind, rising Liver yang or depleted qi and blood can all cause headaches, and the location follows the channel.
Common patterns
Ascendant Liver yang
Distending pain, dizziness, irritability
Qi and blood deficiency
Dull ache, worse when tired or after a period
Turbid phlegm
Heavy, wrapped head, chest oppression
Blood stasis
Stabbing, fixed, long-standing
Patterns are identified by a practitioner through all four examinations. They are here to explain the thinking, not for self-diagnosis.
The medical view
Most headaches are not dangerous, but a sudden severe headache, fever with a stiff neck, changes in speech or vision, weakness, or a headache after a head injury need emergency care. Overusing painkillers can also cause rebound headaches.
Sudden severe headache, stiff neck with fever, or changes in speech or vision: go to A&E now.
What the consultation covers
Location, timing, triggers and links to your cycle guide point selection by channel and pattern, with advice on routine and diet.
Therapies that may be discussed: Acupuncture
What to bring
- A headache diary: time, place, trigger
- How often you take painkillers
- Any link with your period
Questions
Does the location really matter?
TCM maps it to channels: forehead Yangming, sides Shaoyang, back of the head Taiyang, top Jueyin. It helps choose points.
Can period headaches be addressed?
Care can follow the pattern around your cycle, with a diary of when attacks come.
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