Vascular Headacheaccording to TCM
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What is Vascular Headache?
Vascular headache is a term used to describe a group of headache disorders thought to involve abnormal function of the brain's blood vessels. These headaches are often characterized by throbbing pain and may be preceded by an aura in the case of migraines, a common type of vascular headache. The pain is typically on one side of the head and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.
How does TCM view Vascular Headache?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers vascular headaches as a manifestation of an imbalance in the body's energetic systems. Rather than focusing on vascular irregularities, TCM looks at the headache's root in systemic disharmony.
It's believed that identifying and correcting the specific pattern of imbalance is essential to treating the headache. This holistic approach encompasses the flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang within the body.
Causes of Vascular Headache According to TCM
TCM attributes vascular headaches to various internal disharmonies. One common pattern involves Liver Qi Stagnation, which can lead to the Stagnation of Blood and result in headaches. Emotional stress is a significant factor contributing to this pattern.
Another potential pattern involves the obstruction of Heart Vessels by Cold, leading to pain. These patterns are discerned through a comprehensive assessment of symptoms and pulse and tongue diagnosis, reflecting the unique TCM perspective on vascular headaches.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Vascular Headache
To treat vascular headaches, TCM practitioners might prescribe formulas such as Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, particularly if the headache is due to Heart Vessel obstruction. This formula, with Dong quai as a key herb, warms the Interior and dispels Cold.
For headaches arising from Blood Stagnation, Dang Gui Shao Yao San, containing White Peony Roots, may be used to invigorate Blood and address Liver Blood Deficiency.
When Liver Fire is blazing and contributing to headache symptoms, Xie Qing Wan with Chinese Gentian can clear Heat from the Liver. The specific choice of formula is tailored to the individual's pattern of imbalance, aiming to alleviate not just the headache but also to correct the underlying disharmony.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address vascular headache, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm interior cold
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
Formulas that warm Interior Cold
Vascular headache can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an internal cold condition, needing treatments that warm the body's interior.
One such formula is Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Vascular headache can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Vascular headache can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Xie Qing Wan, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Vascular Headache
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address vascular headache, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Vascular headache can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vascular headache, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for vascular headache
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Vascular headache can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vascular headache, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for vascular headache
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Xie Qing Wan |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Vascular headache can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vascular headache, like Xie Qing Wan.