Headaches
In Western medicine, headaches are divided into Primary & Secondary headaches. Primary headaches include migraine, tension headaches & cluster headaches; secondary headaches are often caused by other condition such as a brain tumors, neck injuries, or a bacterial or viral infections. If you are suspecting there is an underlying condition to your headache, contact your primary physician right away.
In Eastern medicine, headaches are often seen as a stagnation in the channels where the headache is located. For example, frontal headaches are related to the Stomach channel where it starts and runs through the forehead. Those who has frontal headaches may have symptoms of indigestion, acid reflux, or stomach cramps. In this case, points on the stomach channels are used to relieve the headache.
It is best to find out what causes your headaches to avoid. Most often, stress, not enough sleep, dehydration, and certain foods are common triggers.
Below, you will find some common acupuncture points to help relieving headaches depends on their locations. Use light pressure and circle these points for 2-3 minutes when having headaches.
Frontal Headache
As mentioned above, frontal headache is usually associated with the Stomach channel. Aside from treating the headaches with acupuncture, it is best to avoid eating too much and any foods that might cause indigestion.
Temporal headache
Temporal headaches are usually caused by dehydration or tension from upper shoulders and sides of neck. Best treatment for temporal headache is to drink enough water (half of your body weight in ounces) and stretch out upper shoulders and neck.
Occiput Headache
Headaches that start at the base of the skull or back of the neck are often associated with tight neck and upper shoulders.
To prevent this, practice neck and upper shoulder stretches often and avoid hunching forward especially when looking down at phones, computer or while driving.
Vertex headache
This type of headache is usually caused by internal heat rising to the top of the head. It is often connected to the Liver meridian.
To help with this, make sure to hydrate often, avoid caffeine, and staying out in the sun for too long. High blood pressure can also cause this type of headache, avoid high-stress environments and practice de-stress exercises such as yoga or deep breathing.
Headband Headache
This is often described as pressure that circles the entire head or like when wearing a tight hat. This is usually caused by internal “phlegm” that is stagnant and hard to move. This type of headache is stubborn and recur often.
Aside from acupuncture for immediate relief, herbal medicine is also recommended. Check with your acupuncturist or herbalist if this is an option for you.
At-home treatment, work on these acupoints, avoid foods that are heavy such as sweets, carbohydrates, or processed foods, drink warm fluids, and avoid iced or cold beverages. It is also best to increase movements to help with the stagnation.
Migraines
Migraines are the most complex type of headache because they don’t just cause head-pain but also affect other senses.
When you feel like a migraine is coming, it is best to come in for an acupuncture treatment as soon as possible. One session might be enough to decrease the severity, however, you might need more to take the pain away.
To treat migraines, it is best to find out what the triggers are to avoid while getting frequent acupuncture treatments. It is possible to prevent migraines but multiple sessions are required.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sudden, debilitating head pain, it is important to call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical assistance.
Reference: Standord Healthcare, Types of Headaches; Deadman, Peter. A Manual of Acupuncture
Headache Man Photo by Akshar Dave on Unsplash
Cover Photo by Jonathan Rados on Unsplash