Migraine in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different migraine patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
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.
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.
Herbal Formulas for Migraine
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address migraine
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and Disperses Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
- Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels
- Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Nourishes Blood and Alleviates Pain
Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold
- Assists Yang
- Dispels Cold-Dampness
- Tonifies Qi
- Dispels Cold and Alleviates Pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Induces Sweating and Releases the Exterior
- Dispels Wind-Dampness
- Clears Interior Heat
- Relieves Painful Obstruction
- Relieves Headaches
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Induces Sweating and Releases the Exterior
- Descends Lung Qi and Calms Wheezing
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Warms and Unblocks Yang
- Unblocks the Channels and Alleviates Pain
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and Warms the Interior
- Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Disperses Wind-Cold from the Exterior
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood and Calms the Spirit
- Clears deficiency Heat and eliminates irritability
- Nourishes Liver Blood
- Calms the Heart and Quiets the Spirit
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Breaks Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Purges Heat from the Lower Burner
- Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels
- Nourishes Blood and Unblocks the Vessels
Wu Ling San
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Releases the Exterior
- Supplements Earth to Control Water
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Supports the Upright and Dispels Pathogens
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Relaxes Spasms and Relieves Urgency
- Harmonizes Yin and Yang
- Nourishes the Spleen and Stomach
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Tonifies Qi and Generates Blood
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Opens the Chest and Disperses Stagnation
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Guides Herbs and Blood Downward
Yue Ju Wan
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Resolves the Six Stagnations (Liu Yu)
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire
- Dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Relieves Headaches
- Releases the Exterior
- Disperses Cold
- Unblocks the Nasal Passages
- Activates Blood in the Head and Alleviates Headache
Wu Zhuyu Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner and tonifies deficiency
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Warms the Liver Channel and Dispels Cold
- Warms the Interior and Dispels Cold
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Traditional formula for migraine
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Spirit
- Relaxes Spasms and Relieves Urgency
- Tonifies Spleen Qi
- Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi