migraine

 Migraine – Treatment Methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Migraine is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It presents with severe headaches that are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraines are seen as an energy imbalance in the body. In this post, I will discuss TCM migraine treatments, including acupressure, herbs, Qi Gong, Taiji, and a dietary recipe that may provide relief.

CAUSES OF MIGRAINE IN TCM

In TCM, migraine is most often associated with imbalances in the function of the liver, kidneys, and spleen, as well as improper flow of energy (Qi) and blood. Key causes may include:

Qi and Blood Stasis – Caused by stress, poor diet or lack of exercise.

Blood Deficiency – Weakness of the body, which can lead to headaches.

Cold and Damp – Exposure to cold or damp weather conditions.

MIGRAINE TREATMENT METHODS IN TCM

1. Acupressure

Acupressure is a method that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body that can help relieve migraine pain. Here are some points to try:

LI4 (Hegu) – A point on the palm, located between the thumb and index finger. Pressing on this point can help relieve headaches and tension.

PC6 (Neiguan) – A point on the inside of the wrist that supports emotional balance and reduces nausea.

GB20 (Fengchi) – Located at the base of the skull, pressing on this point can provide relief from tension headaches.

SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – A point on the inside of the leg that supports a healthy nervous system and hormonal balance.

2. Herbs

Herbs are a key part of TCM therapy. Here are some herbs that can help treat migraines:

Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii) – Used to improve blood circulation and relieve pain.

Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) – Used to treat damp and cold headaches.

Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) – Helps improve blood circulation and relieve headaches.

Fu Shen (Poria cocos) – Has a calming effect on the mind and helps regulate spleen function.

3. Qi Gong and Tai Chi

Qi Gong and Taiji are traditional Chinese practices that combine movement, meditation, and breath control. They are particularly beneficial for migraine sufferers because they help with:

Regulating Qi flow – Enables improvement of energy and blood circulation in the body.

Stress reduction – Improves mental well-being, which is key in the treatment of migraines.

Strengthening the body – Helps build strength and flexibility, which may reduce the risk of headaches.

Practicing Qi Gong or Taiji several times a week can have long-term health benefits. It is worth taking lessons from experienced teachers to learn the correct techniques.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

In TCM, diet is key to health. To minimize the risk of migraines, it is worth avoiding:

Processed foods – These can cause inflammation in the body.

Sugar – This can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which in turn can trigger migraines.

Alcohol and caffeine – These substances can cause dehydration and tension.

Instead, it is worth reaching for foods that strengthen Qi and blood, such as:

Whole grain cereals

Seasonal vegetables and fruits

Seeds and nuts

Diet Recipe: Herbal Soup to Strengthen Qi and Blood

Ingredients:

1 cup brown rice

1 carrot, diced

1 sweet potato, diced

1 cup of spinach

2 tablespoons Chuan Xiong (root)

1 tablespoon Bai Zhi (root)

1 clove garlic, minced

1.5 liters of water

Himalayan salt to taste

Fresh herbs for decoration (e.g. cilantro)

Preparation:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add brown rice and cook for about 30 minutes.

After this time, add carrot, sweet potato, garlic and herbs (Chuan Xiong and Bai Zhi). Cook for another 15 minutes.

Finally, add the spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Season with Himalayan salt to taste and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

This soup is rich in nutrients and supports the balance of Qi and blood, which is key to preventing migraines.

5. Relaxation Techniques

Stress management and relaxation are key to preventing migraines. Try:

Meditation – Helps reduce stress and improve well-being.

yoga – Strengthens the body and mind, improving flexibility and reducing tension.

Breathing exercises – Facilitate relaxation and improve circulation.

SUMMARY

Migraine is a complex condition that can be effectively treated using TCM methods. Acupressure, herbs, Qi Gong, Taiji, dietary changes, and relaxation techniques can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced TCM therapist to tailor the appropriate treatment to your individual needs. By understanding the causes of migraines and using holistic methods of treatment, you can effectively improve your quality of life and reduce pain.

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