Tension-Type Headaches in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different tension-type headaches patterns according to TCM theory
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Tension-type headaches, the most common form of headache, are characterized by a dull, aching pain and a sensation of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head. Often compared to the feeling of a tight band around the head, they can also be accompanied by tenderness on the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles. These headaches may be episodic or chronic and are frequently attributed to stress or muscular tension.
From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) standpoint, tension-type headaches are seen as a disturbance in the harmonious balance of the body's vital energies. TCM does not isolate the headache but considers it a symptom of an underlying imbalance, often involving the stagnation of Qi (energy) or Blood. Identifying and correcting the specific pattern of disharmony through an individualized assessment is vital for effective treatment in TCM.
Herbal Formulas for Tension-Type Headaches
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address tension-type headaches