Headaches and migraines are some of the most common issues people face worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 50% of adults experience a headache disorder at some point. These can range from occasional mild discomfort to chronic, debilitating pain that disrupts daily life and overall well-being.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage headaches and migraines, from medications to natural, non-invasive approaches.
At AcuMedic Specialist Pain Clinic in Camden, London, we draw on over 30 years of expertise to provide tailored, holistic support for a wide range of headache-related concerns.
Visit us in person or take advantage of our free personalised health advice.
How can we help?
Chinese Medicine (CM) has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1979 as a promising approach for managing chronic and acute pain, including headaches and migraines. With a long-standing reputation for being effective and safe, CM provides a natural option that can work alongside conventional care or as a standalone approach for persistent headaches. It also offers the advantage of long-term relief without the side effects often linked to pain medications.
Research suggests that CM supports the body by stimulating the nervous and endocrine systems, encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving hormones like endorphins and adrenal cortisol.
This process can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and may also lower the need for prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications.
How quickly will you see results?
Many people notice improvements after just one or two acupuncture sessions, with occasional severe headaches sometimes easing immediately. For lasting results, we recommend a 3 to 4-week plan of regular acupuncture and daily herbal formulas.
Consistency is key. Most find a six-week plan sufficient, though severe cases may need occasional follow-ups to maintain progress. Your CM physician will tailor your plan and adjust it as you go to ensure the best outcomes.
About Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines are incredibly common, affecting around 80% of the global population. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same.
All migraines are headaches, but not all headaches are migraines
So, what’s the difference?
Migraines are a neurological condition involving seizure-like activity in the brain. They’re typically more severe than regular headaches and often come with additional symptoms such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- visual disturbances (like auras or flashes of light)
- and sensitivity to light and sound
Migraine pain is usually one-sided, throbbing, and lasts between 4 and 72 hours. Common triggers include hormonal changes, food sensitivities, weather shifts, and deficiencies in minerals like iron or thyroid-related issues.
Aside from migraines, the most common type of headaches are categorised as tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus and rebound headaches.
- Tension Headaches
The most common type, tension headaches are often caused by stress, fatigue, poor posture, or dehydration. Pain is mild to moderate, feels like a tight band around the head, and is usually felt on both sides. - Cluster Headaches
Among the most severe, these occur in cycles, typically affecting men under 30. They cause sudden, intense, one-sided pain and often include watery eyes or nasal congestion on the affected side. Triggers include smoking, alcohol, and stress. - Sinus Headaches
Often linked to sinus infections, these headaches feel like pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Symptoms may include congestion, post-nasal drip, and fever. - Rebound Headaches
Caused by overusing painkillers, these recurring headaches create a cycle of dependency on medication. Over time, the body becomes more sensitive to headaches, and reducing medication can trigger withdrawal symptoms.
Regardless of the type, headaches are often triggered by stress, fatigue, poor diet, or emotional factors like anxiety or worry. Maintaining emotional balance and adopting healthy coping strategies can make a big difference.
If headaches or migraines are affecting your quality of life, understanding their triggers and patterns is the first step to finding relief. Don’t hesitate to seek personalised advice for managing or preventing them effectively.
Western Medicine View
Western medicine acknowledges that the exact causes of headaches and migraines—and why some people are more susceptible—are not fully understood. However, it’s clear that a combination of genetic factors, biochemical changes, and triggers such as stress, anxiety, depression, dehydration, and certain foods often play a role.
These triggers can disrupt serotonin levels in the brain, irritating blood vessels or the trigeminal nerve (a key nerve in the brain and face), which leads to pain and discomfort.
The focus of Western medicine is primarily on managing symptoms, often with medications like painkillers.
While these can provide relief, over-relying on them can sometimes backfire, resulting in rebound headaches. These are caused by overuse of pain relief methods, including:
- Consuming three or more cups of coffee daily (caffeine, which is also present in some painkillers, can act as a trigger).
- Taking painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen more than twice a week.
Over time, these medications become less effective, leading to increased use and more frequent headaches—a frustrating cycle to break.
For those dealing with frequent or severe migraines, a visit to your GP is the first step to a proper diagnosis. If other approaches haven’t worked, preventive medication may be worth considering with your doctor’s guidance.
This may be a good option if:
- You experience moderate to severe migraines more than three times a month.
- Pain relief hasn’t been effective.
- The frequency or intensity of your migraines is significantly affecting your quality of life.
Preventive medications won’t eliminate migraines entirely but can help reduce their impact:
- Antidepressants
- Beta Blockers
- NSAIDs
- Calcium Channel Blockers
In stubborn cases, your doctor might suggest combining these medications for better results.
For particularly persistent migraines, MAO inhibitors (like Nardil) may be an option. While effective, these come with strict dietary and medication restrictions, so it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidance.
Western medicine offers a range of tools for managing headaches, but balancing medication with lifestyle changes and identifying triggers can often lead to better long-term outcomes.
Chinese Medical View
In Chinese Medicine (CM), headaches and migraines are seen as more than just isolated symptoms—they’re signs of disruptions in the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood within the body’s organ systems. Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach by addressing both the root cause and the pain itself, aiming for lasting relief while supporting overall health and well-being.
Chinese Medicine also takes mental and emotional factors into account, recognising that stress and anxiety often play a key role. The goal is to restore balance, ease pain, and support physical and emotional well-being.
What Causes Headaches in Chinese Medicine?
In Chinese Medicine, headaches are treated based on their cause. Here are the most common culprits:
- Wind Invasion: External factors like Wind-Heat, Wind-Cold, or Wind-Damp can disrupt Qi and blood flow, leading to headaches similar to those caused by colds.
- Excessive Liver Yang: Imbalances in the Liver system can trigger headaches accompanied by dizziness, irritability, high blood pressure, or a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Deficiency of Qi and Blood: When the head isn’t properly nourished, slow-onset headaches occur, often described as a heavy feeling with fatigue and a pale complexion.
- Blood Stagnation: Sharp, fixed-location headaches are linked to past injuries, poor circulation, or difficulty concentrating.
Migraines and Chinese Medicine
Migraines, often more complex than standard headaches, are commonly tied to internal imbalances influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Chinese Medicine tackles migraines by addressing the root cause with personalised herbal formulas and acupuncture.
Hormone-Related Migraines
Migraines linked to hormonal shifts are often connected to the Kidneys and Liver:
- Kidneys: These store essential energy (Jing) and nourish the brain through Yang energy carried in the blood. A lack of Kidney Yang can cause migraines.
- Liver: Responsible for blood circulation and menstrual support, Liver imbalances are a common cause of hormone-related migraines.
Through acupuncture and carefully chosen herbs, Chinese Medicine works to balance these organs, regulate hormones, and ease migraines at their source.
Stress and Anxiety-Related Migraines
Stress and anxiety play a big role in migraines, often affecting the Liver and Heart:
- Liver: Excessive stress creates heat (Fire) in the Liver, disrupting balance and causing Yang energy to rise to the head, triggering migraines.
- Heart: Stress and poor sleep create Fire in the Heart, reducing blood flow to the brain and leading to pain.
Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture and herbal remedies to calm the Liver and Heart, clear heat, and balance energy flow. Addressing stress and improving sleep reduces both the intensity and frequency of migraines.
Diet and Migraines
Food can also be a migraine trigger, and CM identifies the Spleen as a key player in these cases:
- Poor Spleen Function: Difficulty digesting certain foods can lead to migraines.
In this case, strengthening the Spleen with acupuncture and herbs can improve digestion and reduce food-related migraine symptoms.
If you’re struggling with headaches or migraines, a Chinese Medicine physician can help pinpoint the underlying causes and create a personalised plan tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a standalone approach or something to complement existing treatments, CM offers safe, natural solutions to support your journey to better health.
Lifestyle Advice for the prevention and treatment of Headaches
Headaches and migraines can range from mildly annoying to downright debilitating. The good news? There are plenty of simple, medication-free strategies to help you manage or even prevent the pain.
Here are some easy changes that can make a difference:
- Stay Hydrated: Ditch the sugary drinks, energy drinks, and alcohol. Instead, aim for plenty of water throughout the day.
- Rethink Your Diet: Cut back on processed foods, preservatives, and hormonally treated meats or dairy. Instead, try adding headache-friendly options like coffee (in moderation), foods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and niacin (like liver), as well as spicy foods, ginger, and hydrating fruits and veggies.
- Quit or Cut Back on Smoking: It’s a trigger you don’t need.
- Manage Stress: Stress is a major culprit for headaches. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or even a walk in nature to clear your mind.
- Prioritise Rest: Take some time each day to unwind—your head will thank you.
- Move Your Body: Regular exercise can help prevent headaches by boosting endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.
These small steps not only help with headaches but also support your overall health and emotional well-being.
If you’d like tailored advice, feel free to drop by our clinic or get in touch for a chat. We’re here to help you feel your best.
+ *CLINICAL TRIALS
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