Migraines and Headaches in Chinese Medicine
Migraines and headaches are among the most common conditions we treat at Bodhi Health Acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ideal treatment option—it engages the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces systemic stress, and interrupts pain signals. In Chinese medicine, we view headaches as a key diagnostic indicator—pointing to internal imbalances that can be addressed through a tailored treatment plan.
At every treatment, I ask whether headaches or migraines are part of the current picture. They’re an important aspect of health, and often accompany other physical or emotional imbalances. They can fluctuate with stress, hormones, diet, sleep, or environment. Understanding their nature and root cause allows us to respond effectively.
I generally assess headaches by breaking them into three broad categories:
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Structural Tension:
These headaches arise from neck and shoulder strain, posture, or screen fatigue. They often manifest as tight, band-like pain across the occiput or sides of the head. -
Blood Flow-Related:
These are commonly linked to the menstrual cycle, especially the days leading up to a period. Blood deficiency or Liver Qi stagnation can both play a role. Improving blood flow and nourishment often brings significant relief. -
Stress-Related:
Emotional overload, frustration, or overthinking can cause the Qi to rise, stagnate, or create pressure. These headaches often feel like a tight band or pressure in the temples or behind the eyes.
Most clients fall into a combination of these three patterns. It’s not unusual to see structural and stress headaches together, or hormonal migraines compounded by neck tension.
In Chinese medicine, the location of the headache provides further diagnostic insight:
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Back of the head or neck (occipital): Gallbladder channel tension—often structural.
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Sides or temples: Liver Qi stagnation, often from emotional stress.
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Behind the eyes or vertex: Liver Fire or Liver Yang Rising—can involve red eyes, irritability, or dizziness.
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Forehead and face: Stomach or digestive-related, and sometimes sinus involvement.
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Whole-head or dull ache after exhaustion: Kidney deficiency—especially after burnout or long-term fatigue.
Acupuncture is an excellent choice across these categories. For structural and stress-related headaches, I often combine acupuncture with cupping and massage. For hormonal and blood flow-related patterns, herbal medicine is often essential.
The herbal formula Xiao Yao San, or its heat-clearing variant Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, is one of our core tools. It supports Liver Qi circulation, nourishes the Blood, and cools internal heat when required. While historically a menstrual formula, it suits both men and women experiencing stress-induced or hormonal migraines.
In clinical practice, I haven’t yet met someone we couldn’t help manage their migraines with Chinese medicine. Our results are consistent. One client, a long-term migraine sufferer, experienced aggravation with the full dose of herbs. Once we lowered it to two or three capsules daily, her headaches improved significantly. The key was identifying the right dose—something we constantly tailor in this system.
From an evidence-based standpoint, acupuncture is recognised globally for its effectiveness in treating migraines and tension-type headaches. Clinical trials, including Cochrane reviews, consistently show that acupuncture reduces the frequency and intensity of migraines and offers fewer side effects than most medications.
Headaches are not just a nuisance—they’re a signal from the body. With the right treatment approach, they don’t have to be part of your everyday life. Acupuncture, cupping, and herbs provide a powerful combination that can reset the system.
If you or someone you love struggles with migraines or frequent headaches, it’s worth exploring a Chinese medicine approach. This is one of the areas where we should be a front-line treatment, not a last resort. With proper assessment and consistent care, long-term relief is absolutely possible.
Luke Paten – Bodhi Health Acupuncture / Sunshine Coast
