Occipital Headacheaccording to TCM

*redirected from Occiput pain

Symptom family: Headaches

Parent symptom: Headaches

What is Occipital Headache?

An occipital headache is characterized by persistent pain at the base of the skull that sometimes radiates toward the neck. This type of headache is recognized by TCM as a distinct pattern within the broader category of headaches, known for its location and unique attributes which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

How does TCM view Occipital Headaches

In TCM, occipital headaches are not seen as isolated symptoms but as signals of an underlying imbalance. The holistic approach of TCM aims to identify the root cause or 'pattern' of disharmony causing the headache. Recognizing the correct pattern is vital, as it guides the personalized treatment plan, focusing on restoring harmony and balance within the body.

Root Causes of Occipital Headache in TCM

TCM attributes occipital headaches to several patterns, often related to the invasion of Wind, the presence of Cold, or a deficiency of Yin. For instance, the Greater Yang Attack of Wind can manifest as occipital headaches with accompanying symptoms like stiffness in the neck and a slight aversion to cold.

Similarly, Wind-Cold pattern may present with a stiff occiput, sneezing, and nasal congestion. The treatment in TCM revolves around dispelling Wind, warming the channels, and nourishing the deficient energies to alleviate symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Occipital headache according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Occipital Headache

Common Symptoms: Sneezing Anemophobia Aversion To Cold Fever Coughing Nasal Discharge Occipital Stiffness Congested Nose

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Greater Yang Attack of Wind Occipital headaches, Slight aversion to cold, Anemophobia, Low grade fever, Mild sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing, Occipital headache... see more Gui Zhi Tang
Wind-Cold Occipital headaches, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more Ma Huang Tang | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Jin Fei Cao San | Wu Ji San
Wind-Heat Occipital headaches, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm... see more Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang | Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang | Xiao Feng San | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Occipital Headache

For occipital headaches arising from Wind-Cold patterns, TCM suggests formulas like Gui Zhi Tang, which uses Cinnamon Twigs to release the Exterior and dispel Wind. In cases where Cold attacks the Greater Yang channel, Ma Huang Tang, which includes Ephedra, warms the Interior and expels Cold. Each herbal prescription is tailored to address the specific TCM diagnosis, ensuring a targeted approach to treatment.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address occipital headache, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Occipital Headache Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold
Gui Zhi Tang Greater Yang Attack of Wind
Jing Fang Bai Du San Wind-Cold
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang Wind-Cold
Jia Wei Xiang Su San Wind-Cold
Shi Shen Tang Wind-Cold
Jin Fei Cao San Wind-Cold
Wu Ji San Wind-Cold
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat
Sang Ju Yin Wind-Heat
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Wind-Heat
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang Wind-Heat
Xiao Feng San Wind-Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San Wind-Heat
Bing Peng San Wind-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin Wind-Heat
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan Wind-Heat

Acupoints for Occipital Headache

TCM also prescribes acupuncture as a method to relieve occipital headaches. Points along the Bladder Channel, like Fengchi (GB-20), located at the nape of the neck, are often selected for their effectiveness in treating headaches by clearing Wind and easing tension. Dazhui (DU-14) is another crucial point that is believed to clear Wind-Heat and release the Exterior, providing relief from pain.

Explore below some acupoints used to address occipital headache, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Small Intestine Channel
Yuzhen BL-9

Yuzhen BL-9

First identify Naohu DU-17 which is on the superior border of the external occipital protuberance. Yuzhen BL-9 is 1.3 cun lateral to Naohu DU-17.

Tianzhu BL-10

Tianzhu BL-10

1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15 on the posterior midline, 0.5 cun above the posterior hairline, on the lateral side of trapezius muscle.

Fengmen BL-12

Fengmen BL-12

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).

Feiyang BL-58

Feiyang BL-58

On the posterior border of fibula, about 1 cun inferior and lateral to Chengshan BL-57, 7 cun directly above Kunlun BL-60.

Kunlun BL-60

Kunlun BL-60

In the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

Shenmai BL-62

Shenmai BL-62

In the depression directly below the lateral malleolus tip.

Shugu BL-65

Shugu BL-65

On the lateral side of the foot dorsum, proximal to the head of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.

Zhiyin BL-67

Zhiyin BL-67

On the lateral side of the little toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Added to Cart