Do you suffer from Migraines?
Read on to discover how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) could provide you with an evidence-based and lasting solution.
What are migraines?
A migraines is different to a headache. It is a debilitating health condition characterised by many symptoms including a severe throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience numbness and tingling and may also experience difficulties in talking. The pain can be pulsating or pounding and is often accompanied by feelings of depression and apathy.
There are different types of migraine including:
Migraine with aura – where prior to the migraine the sufferer experiences a flashing light sensation.
Migraine without aura: Migraine can also occur without these sensationsÂ
Silent migraine: A migraine aura may also be experienced without the headache. This is known as a silent migraine where symptoms of a migraine are experienced but does not lead to a migraine.
Migraines are more prevalent amongst women than men (1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men are affected by migraines) and they can start at any time including childhood although most people experience the onset of migraines at puberty. The western medical approach to migraine has traditionally relied on painkillers. Recent research into the impact that painkillers can have on our overall health has meant that more and more of us are turning to natural alternatives to resolve pain.
In April 2021 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) made the momentous decision and recommended acupuncture as an effective treatment for pain.
Chinese Medicine For Migraines
According to Chinese Medicine there are 2 common causes of migraine. Invasion of external wind and cold and resulting from lifestyle factors such as stress and overwork. Let us explain what we mean in more detail.
1. Invasion of external wind
Have you ever sat directly underneath an air conditioning unit for an extended period of time? Once the initial relief of feeling refreshed passes we can often feel too cold. This is because the cold has penetrated into us, causing our blood to cool down which causes our Blood to Stagnate and to move sluggishly. Our blood needs to be warm if it is to flow correctly. This invasion of External Wind constricts the blood vessels in our head and can trigger episodes of migraine.
2. Stress related migraines
We often experience migraines at times of great stress in our lives, for example when we have overworked, have not slept enough or have eaten food that doesn’t agree with our constitution. This upsets our Liver which is responsible for the smooth flow of our energy – our Qi- as it moves through our body. The accumulation of these stressful episodes result in Liver Qi Stagnation which leads to blockages in the circulation of our Qi, eventually hindering the smooth flow of our Blood – resulting in an episode of migraine.
When the various Organs of our body work in harmony together you should not experience any migraines. When discord arises across any of the Organs or their associated meridians – the flow of energy as it moves through your body – you may experience a different type of migraine. Here are some examples:
• Pulsating or throbbing migraine can be the result of Excess Liver-Yang
Here the headaches are triggered by heat, over stress or anger. Where Excess Liver Yang is responsible you may also experience a dry mouth, insomnia, painful and itchy eyes and yellowish urine.
• Sharp piercing pain which is painful when pressed can be due to Stagnant Blood
Here you might experience pain when you touch the area – even when not having a migraine attack. You might also have a dry mouth particularly at night, dry skin, and feel sharp pains behind your eyes.
• If your headaches are heavy and pulsating and you experience blurry vision this may be the result of Blocked Phlegm
Sufferers of this kind of migraine also experience irregular bowel movements, scant urination and nausea and vomiting.
How can Chinese Herbal treatment help me with Migraines?Â
There are a wide number of natural Chinese Herbal treatments that will provide you with a tried and tested natural migraine remedy.
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Stress & Migraine Kit  by GinSen
Our Stress & Migraine Kit supplements for example are excellent at calming stress related migraines. They gently support your body’s nervous system and detoxify and strengthen your lymphatic system and energy channels. In addition they promote healthy blood circulation.
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Heaviness Headache & Kit by GinSen
Heaviness Headache & Kit are ideal if your migraines are caused by Yang and Blood deficiency. These natural supplements provide optimum nutrition to your Blood and Yang, boost blood circulation and gently detoxing cold-dampness. The kit consists of Tension Headache Remedy and Shen Ling Bai Zhu Tang.
Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes that I can make?
There are few things at home that may also help to relieve the pain from your migraines:
- Lie down in a quiet, dark room. Try to create a space where you can feel safe, breathe slowly and deeply and encourage yourself to relax. This migraine will pass.
- If you are able to tolerate the pressure try to gently massage your scalp or temples at the first signs that a migraine may be on its way.
- Don’t miss meals. Migraine sufferers often note that missing meals can trigger headache. Long periods of time between meals may trigger migraine attacks, or cause headache to be more severe because of low blood glucose levels.
- Make time for small frequent meals. Regular daily meal times, will support the effective function of your Spleen.
- Try to establish a regular sleep pattern. Let us relax our overstressed Liver and encourage it to release happy flowing Qi!
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with migraines, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
