Frontal Headachesaccording to TCM

What are Frontal Headaches?

Frontal headaches, characterized by pain in the front of the head, can range from mild to severe. These headaches may present as a pressing or throbbing sensation above the eyes or across the forehead and are common in the general population.

How does TCM view Frontal Headaches

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), identifying a pattern is key to tailoring treatment to the individual's unique health condition. It considers the illness's cause, nature, and location, ensuring that remedies target the root issue rather than just symptoms.

This approach is central to TCM's holistic strategy, guiding dietary advice, acupuncture, and herbal prescriptions for comprehensive healing and balance. Understanding patterns is thus fundamental for effective, personalized care in TCM.

Root Causes of Frontal Headaches in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, frontal headaches are often attributed to the pattern of Stomach Heat or Fire. This pattern describes an imbalance where excessive Heat accumulates in the Stomach, leading to symptoms such as sharp, throbbing frontal headaches, redness in the face, irritability, dry mouth, and possibly nausea.

The Stomach, in TCM, is responsible for receiving and breaking down food and when its function is disrupted by Heat, it can lead to the rising of this Heat to the head, manifesting as a frontal headache.

Explore below more details about what might cause Frontal headaches according to TCM.

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Frontal Headaches

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire	Frontal headache, 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 hot, Acne... see more	Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Frontal Headaches

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire	Frontal headache, 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 hot, Acne... see more	Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Frontal Headaches

For treating frontal headaches caused by Stomach Heat or Fire, TCM practitioners might recommend cooling and purging formulas. An example is the classic formula Bai Hu Tang, which includes herbs such as Gypsum (Shi Gao) to clear Heat, and Licorice root (Gan Cao) to harmonize the formula and protect the Stomach.

Accompanying dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes are also encouraged to support the treatment and prevent further aggravation of Heat.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address frontal headaches, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Heat:
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause frontal headaches, such as Stomach Heat or Fire

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All Formulas Recommended for Frontal Headaches Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang	Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San	Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San	Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan	Stomach Heat or Fire
Hua Ban Tang	Stomach Heat or Fire

Acupoints for Frontal Headaches

TCM also suggests acupuncture as a way to alleviate frontal headaches. Key acupoints for treating Stomach Heat would include LI-4 (Hegu) to circulate Qi and relieve pain, ST-44 (Neiting) which is known to cool down Heat specifically in the Stomach Channel, and GB-20 (Fengchi) to dispel Wind-Heat that can often accompany Stomach Fire. Consistent treatment can help in not only relieving the headache but also in addressing the underlying Stomach Heat.

Explore below some acupoints used to address frontal headaches, organized by meridian.

Jiexi ST-41

At the junction of the dorsum of the foot and leg, between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.

Taibai SP-3

Proximal and inferior to the head of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.

Yuyao EX-HN-4

When the patient looks straight forward, Yuyao EX-HN-4 is located directly above the pupil, in the midline of the eyebrow.