Migraine

What is Migraine?

Migraines are a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike typical headaches, migraines can be debilitating and may require specific triggers to be identified and managed. They are not just intense headaches but a neurological condition that can significantly impact daily life.

How Does TCM View Migraine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives migraines as a disturbance in the body's harmony, resulting from an imbalance of Yin and Yang energies. In TCM, identifying the specific 'pattern' of disharmony is crucial for treatment. A pattern is not just a single symptom but a constellation of signs and bodily responses. Understanding the underlying pattern in migraines, such as Blood Stagnation or Liver Qi Stagnation, helps TCM practitioners to tailor treatments that restore balance rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Causes of Migraine According to TCM

In TCM, migraines are often seen as a result of external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold or internal imbalances such as Liver Yang Rising. For example:

Wind-Cold: Can invade the channels of the head, leading to pain.

Liver Yang Rising: An internal imbalance that might cause a pulsating headache.

The Liver's role in ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in the body is critical, and any disruption can lead to migraines. By understanding these patterns, TCM practitioners can select treatments that address the root of the issue.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Migraine

Addressing migraines in TCM involves the use of specific formulas and herbs. Here are some examples:

For Wind-Cold Patterns:
- Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang: With Notopterygium Roots, used to expel the pathogen and alleviate pain.
For Blood Stagnation:
- Tao He Cheng Qi Tang: With Peach Kernels, invigorates Blood and removes stasis, easing the headache.
For Liver Blood Deficiency:
- Suan Zao Ren Tang: With Jujube Seeds, nourishes the Heart and calms the Mind.

Each herbal prescription is tailored to the patient's unique pattern of disharmony.