Temporal Headacheaccording to TCM

What is Temporal Headache?

Temporal headaches strike at the temple, the flat region on either side of the forehead, aligned with the eyes. These headaches, varying in intensity, can be characterized by a throbbing sensation that might be confused with migraines. While tension headaches are often described as a tight band around the head, temporal headaches specifically target the temples, causing discomfort ranging from mild and nagging to severe and debilitating.

How does TCM view Temporal Headache?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches temporal headaches not as isolated incidents, but as signs of underlying disharmony within the body. TCM posits that headaches in the temple region often relate to Liver and Gall Bladder function, as these areas are connected energetically via meridians.

Identifying the precise pattern of disharmony is crucial for treatment in TCM, as it tailors the approach to the individual’s unique balance of Qi, Yin, and Yang.

Root Causes of Temporal Headache in TCM

TCM sees the etiology of temporal headaches in the context of internal imbalances. A common pattern involves the uprising of Liver Yang, which can create Excessive Heat and result in headaches. Emotional strain, stress, or anger are typical triggers that disrupt Liver Qi and lead to such headaches.

Another pattern involves Liver Wind, often due to a Yin Deficiency, which leads to dizziness and headaches. Understanding these patterns is fundamental, as each diagnosis will lead to a different treatment path.

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

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Temporal Headache

Common Symptoms: Irritability Anger Tinnitus Deafness Dizziness Flushed Face Eye Hyperemia Thirst

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire Blazing	Temporal headaches, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more	Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire	Temporal headaches, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more	Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang

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 Temporal Headache

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire	Temporal headaches, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more	Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Temporal Headache

Common Symptoms: Irritability Anger Tinnitus Deafness Dizziness Flushed Face Eye Hyperemia Thirst

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire Blazing	Temporal headaches, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more	Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire	Temporal headaches, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more	Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Temporal Headache

For a temporal headache rooted in Liver Yang rising, a practitioner may prescribe formulas like Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, which calms the Liver, extinguishes Wind, and clears Heat, with Gastrodia Rhizomes as a key herb.

When symptoms suggest Liver Wind due to Liver Fire, a formula such as Long Dan Xie Gan Tang might be used, featuring Chinese Gentian to purge Fire and detoxify Heat. Herbs are chosen for their properties that correspond to the disharmony within the body, aiming to restore equilibrium and alleviate pain.

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

Top Formula for Heat:
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause temporal headache, such as Liver Fire Blazing

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Temporal Headache Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Liver Fire Blazing
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan	Liver Fire Blazing
Xie Qing Wan	Liver Fire Blazing
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Zi Xue Dan	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Feng Yin Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire

Top Formula for Wind:
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause temporal headache, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Temporal Headache Caused by Wind

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Zi Xue Dan	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Feng Yin Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire

Acupoints for Temporal Headache

In TCM, acupoint selection is tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. Taiyang EX-HN-5, located in the temple region, is often used for its ability to subdue Liver Yang and brighten the eyes.

Zhongzhu TB-3 on the hand can clear Heat in the head and regulate the Lesser Yang, which may alleviate temporal headaches. Meanwhile, Xuanlu GB-5, found within the temporal hairline, can help subdue Liver Yang and expel Wind, addressing the root of the headache according to TCM principles.

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

Taiyang EX-HN-5

At the temple, in the tender depression approximately 1 cun posterior to the midpoint between the lateral extremity of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye.

Zhongzhu TB-3

When the hand is placed with the palm facing downward, Zhongzhu TB-3 is on the hand dorsum between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, in the depression proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction between the heads and shaft of the two metacarpal bones.

Xuanlu GB-5

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the line connecting Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.