Chinese & Naturopathic Medicine for Headaches

Headache is literally a pain in the head and everyone will experience one at some point in their life. Though if they are persistent, recurrent or interfere with normal life, this suggests a chronic imbalance that needs to be addressed - this is where Acupuncture, Naturopathic & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help. 

There are a number of different causes or triggers of headache and these involve one or some of the following: wind, cold &/or damp (TCM), emotions like anger & frustration, foods such as chocolate, peanuts, citrus fruit, aged cheese and MSG. Alcohol, lack of sleep, dehydration, blood sugar irregularities, hormonal changes e.g.: menopause, and muscular tension are also common causes.    

TCM describes two different mechanisms of headache - deficiency or excess, and each produce very different types of headache. A deficiency headache is due to insufficient qi, blood, yin or yang reaching the head. They are mild to moderate, dull and associated with physical or mental fatigue. An excess headache is due to obstruction of qi and blood flow due to ‘wind, cold or damp’. These headaches are more severe and often debilitating. Acupuncture can help to reduce the acute pain as well as treat the underlying condition.

While it is beneficial to talk with your favourite health care professional first, here are some options to explore:
Magnesium is my fave go-to for headaches. Soak your whole body in it or have a foot bath (epsom salts), spray it on (magnesium chloride), or ingest it (magnesium citrate or glycinate, approximately 300mg per day)
Know your triggers and avoid them - it sounds simple but easy to forget or ignore. Check out the triggers mentioned above, avoid for 1 month and see if there is a change
Reduce stress - stress causes the muscles of the neck and shoulders to contract and cause tension headaches. Meditation and exercise can help
Peppermint or lavender oil - rubbed on the temples or back of the neck may provide relief
Massage - to relieve tension anywhere in the body, so regular treatments are a must! 

(Note: If you have an unusual, sudden, acute and severe headache this may hint at something more sinister, if you are concerned, see your doctor for further testing).

Sarah McKenzie is a registered Acupuncturist & Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, Naturopath, Herbalist & Nutritionist; with a passion for empowering and educating clients on how to make good health simple - blending traditional wisdom with modern medicine. Her practice, The Mind and Gut Clinic, is in Currumbin Valley