Headaches in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different headaches patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Headaches, the quintessential disruptor of daily life, are a widespread ailment experienced by many. Known medically as cephalalgia, these head pains can present in various forms such as a throbbing sensation, a dull ache, or even a sharp, constant pressure.
They might manifest across the head or be localized to regions like the temples or the base of the skull. The spectrum ranges from general discomfort to debilitating conditions like migraines and cluster headaches, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers.
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a headache is considered a symptom of an underlying disharmony, reflective of a specific "pattern" of imbalance. A pattern is a diagnostic framework that encapsulates a patient's constellation of symptoms, guiding TCM practitioners in understanding the root cause of ailments.
Identifying these patterns, which could be due to environmental influences, emotional disturbances, dietary habits, or internal organ imbalances, is vital. It informs a tailored treatment plan involving acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments. This pattern differentiation ensures that the treatment addresses the individual's unique presentation of the disorder, rather than providing a one-size-fits-all solution.
TCM Patterns for Headaches
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Headaches, Occipital headaches, Temporal headaches
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Headaches
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Wind-Phlegm
Headaches
Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Exterior Wind
Headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain, Itchy skin
Interior Wind
Headaches
Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Limb numbness
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Headaches
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Wind-Cold
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Body pain, White and watery sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Weak voice
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing
Wind-Heat
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Temporal headaches
Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood
Greater Yang Attack of Wind
Occipital headaches
Along with: Slight aversion to cold, Wind phobia, Low grade fever, Mild sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing, Occipital headache
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Headaches
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Headaches, Occipital headaches, Frontal headache, Temporal headaches, Dull headache
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Damp-Heat
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Exterior-Heat
Headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Excessive sweating, Thirst, Body pain, Stiff neck
Heat in Uterus Blood
Headaches
Along with: Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Headaches
Along with: Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Headaches
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Headaches
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Wind-Heat
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling
Stomach Heat or Fire
Frontal headache
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Liver Fire Blazing
Temporal headaches
Along with: Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Temporal headaches
Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Dull headache
Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
Headaches
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling, Bitter taste in the mouth, Irritability, Painful urination, Swollen and itchy external genitalia, Foul-Smelling vaginal discharge
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Headaches
Along with: Toothache, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Bad breath
Cold
Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location
Causes: Headaches, Occipital headaches, Vertical headaches
Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.
Dry-Cold
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Skin dryness, Lack of sweating, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Coughing, Scanty sputum
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Headaches
Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities, Nausea
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Headaches
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Wind-Cold
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Headaches
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Body pain, White and watery sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Weak voice
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing
Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel
Vertical headaches
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Testicular pain, Scrotal contraction, Chills, Cold extremities, Vomiting clear liquid, Vaginal atrophy
Greater Yang Attack of Cold
Occipital headaches
Along with: Occipital headache, Aversion to cold, Low grade fever, Lack of sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing, Nasal discharge, Shortness of breath
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Headaches
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs
Headaches
Along with: Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Headaches, Dull headache
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Heat
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Headaches
Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities, Nausea
Summer Heat with Dampness
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety, Thirst, Chest distension, Loss of appetite
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Dull headache
Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain
Dampness in the Gallbladder
Dull headache
Along with: Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Sticky taste in the mouth, Feeling of heaviness
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Headaches
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.
Liver Yin Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Hot palms and soles, Preference for sipping
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility, Melasma
Yin Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools, Dry mouth and throat at night, Nocturnal emission, Pain relieved by pressure and cold, Preference for sipping
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Headaches
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Liver Qi Stagnation
Headaches
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Headaches
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation
Headaches
Along with: Coughing, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Dizziness, Depression, Apathy, Moving pain, Hepatitis, Chronic cholecystitis, Chronic gastritis, Peptic ulcer
Qi Rebellion
Qi flowing against its natural direction, typically surging upward when it should descend
Causes: Headaches
Qi Rebellion represents a fundamental disruption in the body's energy flow, where qi moves against its proper direction - like water flowing uphill or smoke sinking downward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ has a natural directional flow for its qi, and when this flow reverses, it creates a cascade of symptoms that shoot upward through the body.
Rebellious Liver Qi
Headaches
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching, Stomach churning, Irritability, Breast engorgement, Dizziness
Rebellious Lung Qi
Headaches
Along with: Coughing, Asthma, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
Headaches
Along with: Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Summer Heat
Intense summer heat that rapidly depletes both energy and fluids
Causes: Headaches
Summer-Heat (暑 Shǔ) is a unique pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that only occurs during summer. Unlike other disease-causing factors in TCM that can arise internally or externally, Summer-Heat always comes from the environment - specifically from exposure to intense summer heat and humidity.
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Summer Heat with Dampness
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety, Thirst, Chest distension, Loss of appetite
Summer-Heat
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort, Irritability, Thirst
Yang Excess
Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems
Causes: Headaches
Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Headaches
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Liver Yang Rising
Headaches
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Insomnia, Irritability, Exhaustion, Anger, Stiff neck, Shoulder stiffness, Stiff upper back
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Headaches
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Wind-Phlegm
Headaches
Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
Headaches
Along with: Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Vertigo, Pericardial effusion, Pneumonia, Ascites due to liver cirrhosis, Nephritis
Blood Deficiency
Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system
Causes: Headaches
Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Headaches
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Loss of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea, Breast engorgement
Qi Deficiency
Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems
Causes: Headaches
Qi Deficiency is a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's vital energy is insufficient to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to weakness, fatigue, and various organ dysfunctions.
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing
Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation
Headaches
Along with: Coughing, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Dizziness, Depression, Apathy, Moving pain, Hepatitis, Chronic cholecystitis, Chronic gastritis, Peptic ulcer
Dryness
Depletes body fluids and primarily damages the lungs
Causes: Headaches
Dryness is the predominant pathogenic factor of autumn in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It represents environmental dryness that damages the body's fluids and particularly affects the respiratory system.
Dry-Cold
Headaches
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Skin dryness, Lack of sweating, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Coughing, Scanty sputum
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs
Headaches
Along with: Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections
Yang Deficiency
Insufficient yang qi causing coldness, fatigue, and diminished physiological functions throughout the body
Causes: Headaches
Yang Deficiency represents a fundamental weakness of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as an inability to warm the body, transform substances, and maintain normal physiological activities, resulting in various cold-type symptoms and functional decline.
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Headaches
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Weak voice
Herbal Formulas for Headaches
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address headaches
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat...
Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs...
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes Blood
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat...
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Temporal headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Ma Huang Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Greater Yang Attack of Cold
How it manifests:
Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Occipital headache, Aversion to cold, Low grade fever, Lack of sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing...
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes wind
- Invigorates the blood
- Clears heat
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat...
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Yin Qiao San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Exterior-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Excessive sweating, Thirst, Body pain, Stiff neck
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching...
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Cong Chi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Hypertension, Dry throat...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Temporal headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat...
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety...
Jin Fei Cao San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Descends Lung Qi
- Transform Phlegm
- Stop cough and calms wheezing
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Asthma, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Loss of consciousness
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Lian Po Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat...
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
How it manifests:
Dull headache
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning...
Shi Gao Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Exterior-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Excessive sweating, Thirst, Body pain, Stiff neck
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face...
Si Ni San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Liver and Spleen
- Eliminates Internal Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching...
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs...
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Arrests wheezing
- Stops coughing
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Cold
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Asthma, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Xiang Ru San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Scatters Cold
- Transforms Dampness
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea...
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety...
Xing Su San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Dry-Cold
- Disseminates the Lung Qi and relieves cough
- Transforms thin mucus
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Dry-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Skin dryness, Lack of sweating, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries and dissolves Phlegm
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Soothes the Liver and calms Liver Wind (antispasmodic)
- Clear Dampness
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness
Bing Peng San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Dispels putrescence
- Reduces swellings and relieves pain
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Relieves headaches
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Exterior Wind
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat...
Da Chai Hu Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes and releases the Lesser Yang
- Drains internal clumping due to Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire Excess
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Temporal headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Releases the Exterior
- Drains Heat
- Unblocks the bowels
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Frontal headache
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat...
Ge Gen Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
- Forms Body Fluids
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Gua Lou San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Remove breast carbuncle (mastitis) after birth giving
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Summerheat
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Qi
- Removes Dampness
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety...
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and inflammations
- Unblocks the flow of Yang Qi and promotes movement (in areas with painful obstruction)
- Clears Wind and Damp
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Dizziness, Shortness of breath...
Gui Zhi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases pathogens from the muscle layer
- Regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Greater Yang Attack of Wind
How it manifests:
Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight aversion to cold, Wind phobia, Low grade fever, Mild sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Frontal headache
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Huai Jiao Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat from the Intestines
- Stops bleeding
- Disperses wind
- Regulates Qi
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Heat in Uterus Blood
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face...
Jia Wei Xiang Su San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Promote sweating
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Jing Fang Bai Du San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior by sweating
- Dispels Wind and Dampness
- Augments Qi
- Reduces pain
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Clears toxic-Heat
- Disperses Stagnation
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Induces sweating
- Dispels Dampness
- Expels Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
- Augments Qi
- Clears heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Ke Xie Fang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Fire
- Transforms Phlegm
- Preserves the Lungs
- Stops coughing and bleeding
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Dizziness, Flushed face...
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifes the Yang
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain...
Mu Li San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Inhibits sweating
- Stabilizes the exterior
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Nuan Gan Jian
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Liver and Kidneys
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Alleviates pain
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel
How it manifests:
Vertical headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Testicular pain, Scrotal contraction, Chills, Cold extremities, Vomiting clear liquid...
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Qing Gu San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from Deficiency
- Alleviates steaming bone disorder
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Qing Luo Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Summer-Heat
- Clears the Lungs
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Summer-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort, Irritability...
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears summerheat
- Augments the Qi
- Nourishes the Yin
- Generates Body Fluids
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Summer-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort, Irritability...
Qing Wei San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Frontal headache
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Ren Shen Bai Du San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Dispels Wind and Dampness
- Augments Qi
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Fever without perspiration, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention...
San Ren Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Disseminates the Qi
- Facilitates the Qi mechanisms
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Dampness in the Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Dull headache
Accompanying symptoms:
Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting...
Sang Ju Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Shi Shen Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases pathogens from the Exterior
- Regulates Qi
- Descends the Lung Qi
- Relieves coughing
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Shi Zao Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Vertigo, Pericardial effusion...
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Frontal headache
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Wu Ji San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Warms the Interior
- Smoothes the flow of Qi
- Transforms Phlegm
- Invigorates the Blood
- Reduces Stagnation
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
- Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
- Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Dizziness, Depression, Apathy, Moving pain...
Xiao Feng San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Eliminates Dampness
- Clears Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Blood
- Relieves skin itchness
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Fire from the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Frontal headache
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Xie Qing Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Liver and drains Fire
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Temporal headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...
Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Summerheat
- Releases the Exterior
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Dampness
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Xin Yi San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Unblocks the nasal passages
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
- Expectorant, treats hiccups
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat
- Resolves dampness
- Reduces jaundice
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat...
Yu Nu Jian
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears stomach Heat
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis...
Zai Zao San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonfies the Yang
- Augments the Qi
- Induces sweating
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain...
Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Generates Body Fluids
- Nourishes the Yin
- Unblocks the bowels
- Drains Heat
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Zhen Xin An Shen Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Anchors the Heart and calms the Mind
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin and Blood
- Sedates the Heart and calms the Mind
- Calms the Liver
- Anchors the yang
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Zhi Sou San
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Transforms Phlegm and stops coughing
- Disperses the Exterior
- Spreads the Lung Qi
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Vents rashes
- Clears
- Generates Body Fluids
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Zi Xue Dan
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Controls spasms and convulsions
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Temporal headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Zuo Gui Yin
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Tonifies the Kidneys
Addresses These Headaches Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Occipital headache, Insomnia...
Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Release the Exterior
Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Expels wind and dampness
Gun Tan Wan
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Drains Fire and Phlegm
Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Warms the Meridians
- Assists the Yang
- Dispels Cold
- Transforms Dampness
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Wu Ling San
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Promotes urination,
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Qi transformation function
- Drains Dampness
- Clears edema
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves spasmodic pain
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Yue Ju Wan
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Harmonizes the middle burner
- Relaxes tension
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Warms the Channels
- Disperses Cold
- Nourishes the Blood
- Unblocks the Blood vessels
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Traditional formula for headaches
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness