How TCM Observes Headaches

faisal khan
May 3
2 min read

Updated: May 21

What is a Headache in Terms of TCM?

A headache is one of the most common health complaints—but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s never viewed in isolation. Instead of masking the pain, TCM looks beneath the surface to identify which internal imbalance is causing it. Whether it’s related to your digestion, emotions, or external environmental factors, the location and quality of the headache offer valuable clues. By understanding these patterns through the lens of organ-meridian theory, TCM offers personalized treatment to relieve pain naturally and restore harmony to your body.

Understanding Headaches by Location in TCM

🌞 Forehead (Frontal) Headache – Stomach Meridian (Yangming)

Organ Link: Stomach
Cause: Qi stagnation, internal heat, or dampness
Common Triggers: Overeating, greasy food, poor digestion
TCM Insight: The forehead is governed by the Stomach meridian. Dull, pressing pain often reflects digestive imbalance or heat rising from the middle jiao.

🌿 One-Sided (Temporal) Headache – Liver Qi Stagnation

Organ Link: Liver
Cause: Emotional stress, suppressed anger, tension
Pain Nature: Throbbing, sharp, stress-related
TCM Insight: The Liver governs the smooth flow of qi. When qi becomes stuck, it can cause lateral headaches, especially at the temples.

👑 Top of Head (Vertex) Headache – Liver Blood or Kidney Deficiency

Organ Link: Liver & Kidneys
Cause: Chronic exhaustion, poor sleep, hormonal issues
Pain Nature: Dull, empty, or persistent
TCM Insight: This region is linked to Jueyin meridian (Liver). Deficiencies in blood or essence may fail to nourish the brain, leading to vertex pain.

🌬️ Back of Head/Neck (Occipital) Headache – Bladder Meridian / External Wind

Organ Link: Bladder meridian (Taiyang)
Cause: External wind-cold or wind-damp
Triggers: Cold exposure, wind, flu, seasonal shifts
TCM Insight: Pain at the occiput often indicates wind invasion disrupting the flow of qi. It's commonly acute and associated with chills or stiffness.

🌿 Why Choose TCM for Headache Relief?

Western medicine often suppresses pain with medication. TCM, however, looks beneath the surface to identify the root cause.

With tools like acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, and dietary therapy, TCM offers individualized, drug-free solutions. Each treatment is tailored to your headache pattern and body constitution, promoting long-term balance and wellness.

Book Your First Session with Health Traditional Medicine

Uncover the true cause of your headaches with a detailed TCM screening. Our personalized treatment plans aim not only to relieve pain but to rebalance your body for sustained wellness.

👉 Schedule now to begin your natural healing journey.