Migraines are severe headaches typically occurring on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and significantly affecting quality of life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, migraines result from blocked Qi and blood circulation, as well as internal organ imbalances, particularly the liver and kidneys.
Acupuncture for migraines works by stimulating points on the head, neck, and hands, such as Taiyang, Fengchi, and Hegu points. This balances Qi and blood circulation, reduces tension in head and neck muscles, and helps reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
Chinese herbal medicine for migraines is formulated specifically based on individual causes. For stress-related migraines with liver heat, doctors use herbs to clear heat and balance the liver. For blood deficiency, blood-nourishing herbs are used. This provides holistic, targeted treatment beyond general painkillers.
Migraine patients treated with TCM typically see improvement after 4-6 weeks of continuous treatment. Frequency decreases, severity reduces, and some can stop using painkillers entirely. Long-term treatment helps prevent recurrence.
Beyond acupuncture and herbs, doctors recommend lifestyle adjustments: adequate sleep, avoiding trigger foods (chocolate, wine, cheese), stress management, and regular gentle exercise to reduce migraine triggers.
TCM migraine treatment is ideal for: those with frequent headaches, those who find painkillers ineffective, those wanting to reduce medication use, and those seeking to treat the root cause rather than just symptoms.