The causes in western medicine for headaches and migraines are still largely unknown, however they are commonly triggered by stress, fatigue, insomnia, menstruation and tension of the neck and shoulder.
From a traditional Chinese medicine point of view, some headaches are associated with external pernicious influences such as wind cold or wind heat (flu), and some headaches are associated with internal imbalances between organs, for example liver fire raising (high blood pressure), disharmony between heart and liver (stress), phlegm and blood stagnation, or qi (energy) and blood deficiency. It is especially important to have an accurate diagnosis when treating a headache or migraine, as the wrong treatment can actually make the condition worse.
What are the common symptoms?
Headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting , blurred vision, depression, anxiety, insomnia
How can Traditional Chinese Medicine help treat the condition?
Acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments for headaches and migraines. Acupuncture works to relieve the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines by treating the brain’s neural pathways and by altering the activity of the brain’s limbic system, which can control our perception of pain. It reduces the symptoms of physical, emotional and mental stress, and also helps to clear any blocked energy in the body that may be resulting in the headache itself.
With a PhD in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr Hank Chen is a skilled practitioner focusing on both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Dr Chen gives each client a detailed consultation and an accurate diagnosis first and foremost. Then by gently inserting few fine needles in the appropriate acupuncture points according to individual, he is able to help relieve many symptoms via treatment.