Headache / Migraine

You may experience headache anytime during the day. TCM focuses on a more comprehensive classification based on how and where headaches manifest in the body. In TCM, a common internal cause of headache is (1) liver yang rising up to the head, as a result of long-term deficiency of liver yin; (2) liver fire, a condition of extreme heat, liver fire going in an upward direction in the body leading to excess in the upper part of the body; and (3) qi stagnation and blood stasis. 

Tension headaches, the most prevalent type of primary headaches, are characterized by a persistent sensation of ache or pressure encircling the head, particularly at the temples or the back of the head and neck. Unlike migraines, tension headaches are typically less severe and seldom induce nausea or vomiting. They tend to rarely disrupt daily activities and are not hereditary. Notably, women, especially in adulthood, are twice as prone to experiencing tension headaches compared to men. Some common causes of tension headaches may be; bad posture, overactivity, stress, anxiety, fatigue or low iron levels. These mild to moderate headaches can come with associated symptoms such as pain that radiates from the upper back, neck, and shoulders, above the eyes, and around the ears, a pulsing sensation, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability, trouble focusing, and mild sensitivity to light or noise.

Migraines are characterized by intense throbbing pain or a pulsating sensation, typically localized to one side of the head. These episodes are frequently accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. Onset commonly occurs during puberty, with the severity peaking in middle age. There is often a familial predisposition, with women being three times more susceptible to migraines compared to men. The causes of migraine are unknown but they are often impacted by hormonal changes, food sensitivities, stress, sensory stimuli, and changes in wake-sleep patterns. Some symptoms of migraines may be a headache that lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated, pain on one side or both sides of the head, that feels throbbing or pulsing, sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, lightheadedness or fainting.

Cluster headaches, acknowledged as one of the most agonizing types, have an unknown origin, potentially linked to environmental, emotional, or genetic factors. These headaches often manifest abruptly, waking individuals in the middle of the night with severe pain concentrated around one eye on a single side of the head. While rare, it’s important to note that cluster headaches are not life-threatening. They may manifest as excruciating pain around one eye but may radiate to other areas of the face, head, neck, and shoulders, restlessness, tearing, redness or swelling of the eye, stuffy or runny nose, forehead, or facial sweating, or flushing on the face.

Sinus headaches arise from sinusitis, an infection in the sinuses, leading to sensations of pressure or pain around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. It’s crucial to note that individuals experiencing headaches due to sinusitis might also concurrently have migraines or tension headaches. Hence, a careful and distinct diagnosis is necessary to differentiate between these various types of headaches. Sinuses, situated within the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the nose bridge, are air-filled cavities. Inflammation, often triggered by allergies or infections, causes swelling and increased mucus production. This inflammation can lead to blockages in the channels responsible for draining the sinuses. Sinusitis is usually caused by a viral upper respiratory. It can show up with thick mucus, decreased sense of smell, and pain in one cheek, upper teeth, or forehead. Sinus headaches can also have pain, pressure, and fullness in the cheeks, brow, or forehead, with worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down, a stuffy nose, fatigue, an achy feeling in your upper teeth, with possible little nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light.

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