Migraineaccording to TCM
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What is Migraine?
Migraines are a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike typical headaches, migraines can be debilitating and may require specific triggers to be identified and managed. They are not just intense headaches but a neurological condition that can significantly impact daily life.
How does TCM view Migraine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives migraines as a disturbance in the body's harmony, resulting from an imbalance of Yin and Yang energies. In TCM, identifying the specific 'pattern' of disharmony is crucial for treatment. A pattern is not just a single symptom but a constellation of signs and bodily responses.
Understanding the underlying pattern in migraines, such as Blood Stagnation or Liver Qi Stagnation, helps TCM practitioners to tailor treatments that restore balance, rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Causes of Migraine according to TCM
In TCM, migraines are often seen as a result of external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold or internal imbalances such as Liver Yang Rising. For instance, Wind-Cold can invade the channels of the head, leading to pain, while an internal imbalance like Liver Yang Rising might cause a pulsating headache.
The Liver's role in ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in the body is critical, and any disruption can lead to migraines. By understanding these patterns, TCM practitioners can select treatments that address the root of the issue.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Migraine
Addressing migraines in TCM involves the use of specific formulas and herbs. For Wind-Cold patterns, Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang with Notopterygium Roots may be used to expel the pathogen and alleviate pain.
For Blood Stagnation, a formula like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang with Peach Kernels can invigorate Blood and remove stasis, easing the headache. When migraines are due to Liver Blood Deficiency, herbs like Jujube Seeds in Suan Zao Ren Tang nourish the Heart and calm the Mind. Each herbal prescription is tailored to the patient's unique pattern of disharmony.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address migraine, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Migraine can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang, with notopterygium root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for migraine
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) |
| Ma Huang Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Migraine can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Suan Zao Ren Tang, with jujube seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for migraine
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) |
| Gan Mai Da Zao Tang | Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Migraine 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 Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for migraine
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Safflowers (Hong Hua), Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) |
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Migraine can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, with maltose as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for migraine
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Maltose (Yi Tang) |
| Wu Zhu Yu Tang | Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) |
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Migraine can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Fang Feng Tong Sheng San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Migraine can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Migraine can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Migraine can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Migraine can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Migraine can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Yue Ju Wan, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Migraine can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Migraine
TCM also utilizes acupuncture to treat migraines, with specific points chosen based on the diagnosed pattern. Points such as Tongziliao GB-1 may be selected to clear Heat from the eyes and head, while Waiguan TB-5 can expel Wind-Heat and alleviate symptoms. Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of Qi and Blood, reduce tension, and balance Yin and Yang energies to provide relief from migraines.
Explore below some acupoints used to address migraine, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Triple Burner Channel
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Xuanli GB-6
Within the hairline inferior to the corner of the temporal region, midway of the lower half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubing GB-7.
Luxi TB-19
Posterior to the ear, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the curve formed by Yifeng ST-17 and Jiaosun ST-20 behind the helix.
TCM Herbs for Migraine
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address migraine, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Migraine 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 Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Fang Feng Tong Sheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for migraine
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Migraine can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Fu Zi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for migraine
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Fu Zi Tang |
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Long Peppers (Bi Ba) | Not applicable |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Migraine can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for migraine
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Yue Ju Wan | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Migraine can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Silkworms (Jiang Can), which is directly recommended for migraine.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for migraine
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Silkworms (Jiang Can) | Not applicable |
| Centipedes (Wu Gong) | Not applicable |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Migraine can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Fang Feng Tong Sheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Purgative herbs that drain downward" recommended for migraine
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Rhubarb (Da Huang) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
| Mirabilites (Mang Xiao) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Migraine can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Maltose (Yi Tang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Xiao Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for migraine
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Yue Ju Wan |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Migraine can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Giant Typhonium Rhizomes (Bai Fu Zi), which is directly recommended for migraine.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Migraine can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Migraine can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Wu Ling San.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Migraine can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Xiao Chai Hu Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Migraine can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for migraine, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.