Tension Headacheaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Head Conditions and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Headaches
What is Tension Headache?
Tension headaches, characterized by a dull, aching sensation all over the head, are among the most common forms of headaches experienced by adults. Often described as a tight band around the head or a weight on top of it, these headaches may also cause soreness in the shoulders, neck, or even the jaw.
Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically do not cause visual disturbances, nausea, or vomiting and are classified as a primary headache due to their frequent occurrence and non-secondary nature to another medical condition.
How Does TCM View Tension Headache?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 'pattern' is a diagnostic framework that describes a state of disharmony in the body. It encompasses a full picture of a person's health, considering signs and symptoms, emotional temperament, and physical constitution. Identifying patterns is vital in TCM as it informs the practitioner about the underlying cause of symptoms like tension headaches.
This holistic approach ensures that treatment is tailored to the individual, addressing the root of the imbalance rather than just the presenting symptoms. Understanding the specific pattern is crucial because it guides the choice of acupuncture points, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice given to the patient.
Causes of Tension Headache According to TCM
In TCM, tension headaches are often the result of Stagnation. This Stagnation can be of Qi, the vital life force, or Blood, which nourishes and sustains the body.
External Wind is another common cause, where external factors impede the flow of Qi and Blood. Emotional stress and mental strain can also lead to tension headaches, as they cause Liver Qi Stagnation, where the smooth flow of energy in the body is disrupted, leading to pain and tightness.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tension Headache
In addressing tension headaches, TCM employs herbs and formulas that promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. For instance, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with key ingredients like Szechuan lovage root, is often prescribed to address headaches arising from External Wind.
When Dampness and Wind are the culprits, a formula such as Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, which includes Notopterygium root, can be effective. These formulas are not one-size-fits-all solutions; their application depends greatly on the practitioner's diagnosis of the patient's specific TCM pattern.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tension headache, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Tension headache can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Tension headache can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, with notopterygium root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Tension Headache
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tension headache, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tension headache can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tension headache, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for tension headache
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San | Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Tension headache can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tension headache, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Tension headache can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tension headache, like Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang.