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: Headaches, Occipital headaches, Temporal headaches
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
Causes: Headaches, Occipital headaches, Frontal headache, Temporal headaches, Dull headache
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
Causes: Headaches, Occipital headaches, Vertical headaches
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
Causes: Headaches, Dull headache
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
Causes: Headaches, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
Causes: Headaches
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these headaches patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
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...
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling, Bitter taste in the mouth...
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...
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Temporal headaches
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...