Why One Pain Can Have Many Causes

When a headache strikes, our first instinct is often to reach for a painkiller. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, a headache is not seen as a singular issue but as a symptom with many possible root causes. 

A practitioner’s first step is to discover the underlying pattern of imbalance within the body. By understanding this pattern, the aim is to treat the source of the pain, not just the pain itself. 

At Weald we believe this is the key to providing a truly personalised treatment.

Not All Headaches Are Created Equal

While two people may experience a similar headache, the location, quality of pain, and accompanying symptoms can be vastly different. 

A sharp, throbbing pain on the sides of the head is not the same as a dull, heavy ache at the back. 

These differences are vital clues that guide a Chinese medicine practitioner to the specific pattern of imbalance, which then informs the treatment.

Liver Yang Rising vs. Blood Deficiency: Two Very Different Headaches

Chinese medicine identifies many distinct patterns of headaches. 

A common one is Liver Yang Rising, where a headache is often throbbing, on the sides of the head or temples, and may be accompanied by irritability or a red face. In this case, the treatment would focus on calming the liver and bringing the Yang energy down.

In contrast, a blood deficiency headache is often dull, feels empty, and may be located on the top of the head. This type of headache is typically worse with fatigue and may be accompanied by dizziness. Here, the treatment would aim to nourish the blood and build up the body’s reserves.

Dampness, Wind, and Qi Stagnation

Beyond these two common examples, headaches can be caused by other patterns. 

• A dampness headache might feel heavy and foggy, as if the head is wrapped in a towel. 
• A Wind headache comes on suddenly and is often migratory, moving from one part of the head to another. 
• A Qi Stagnation headache is a distending or pressure-like pain.

How Acupuncture Targets the Root Cause

Acupuncture is used to restore balance to the specific pattern that is causing the headache. 

By selecting points that are known to subdue Liver Yang, nourish blood, or dispel dampness, a practitioner can target the root cause of the pain. This is why two people with the same symptom can receive completely different acupuncture treatments.

Herbal Medicine and Lifestyle Support for Chronic Headaches

For chronic headaches, acupuncture is often supported by herbal medicine and lifestyle advice. Certain herbal formulas can be used to specifically address the underlying pattern.

Lifestyle recommendations, such as avoiding specific foods that might contribute to dampness or practising relaxation techniques to soothe the liver, are also an essential part of the healing process.

Treating the Pattern, Not Just the Pain

Headaches are the body’s way of sending a message. 

By learning to decode this message and understand the underlying pattern, Chinese medicine offers a profound way to approach pain. It is a reminder that lasting relief often comes not from masking the symptoms, but from restoring harmony to the entire body.