Acupuncture... An Alternative Option for Migraine Relief

Acupuncture: An Alternative Approach for Migraine Relief
Migraine is a type of chronic headache that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. In severe cases, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound can accompany the pain. While various medications are available to relieve symptoms, for some patients, they may be insufficient or cause undesirable side effects. As a result, many have begun exploring holistic treatment options—one of which is acupuncture.


Migraine from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, migraines are not merely regarded as a neurological disorder. Instead, they are seen as a result of imbalances in Qi (vital energy), blood circulation, and the functioning of internal organs—especially the liver, spleen, and kidneys. External pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, and dampness may also contribute to migraine onset.

Although TCM provides detailed symptom pattern classifications, the major root causes of migraine can be summarized into three main categories:

1. Invasion of External Wind-Cold (外感风寒)
   Symptoms: Headache triggered by exposure to cold wind or low temperatures, with pain possibly radiating to the neck, shoulders, and upper back. The pain is often severe, tight, and pressing in nature.
   Tongue and Pulse: Pale or red tongue with a thin coating; floating pulse.
   Pathophysiology (TCM theory): Wind is an external pathogen characterized by movement and rapid change. When it invades the body, it disrupts the normal circulation of Qi and blood, leading to sudden, sharp headaches—often spreading to the neck and shoulder regions.
   
   2. Liver Yang Rising (肝阳上亢)
   Symptoms: Pain on one side of the head or at the temples, sensations of heat in the head and face, blurred vision, facial flushing, dry throat, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, and mood swings.
   Tongue and Pulse: Red tongue with yellow coating; wiry and rapid pulse.
   Pathophysiology: The liver and gallbladder are closely related. The gallbladder meridian runs through the temple region. When liver Yang rises excessively—due to emotional stress, inner heat, or irritability—it pushes Qi upward, especially toward the head, causing temple pain along the liver and gallbladder meridians, accompanied by heat signs like a bitter mouth and facial flushing.
   
   3. Deficiency of Qi and Blood (气血两虚)
   Symptoms: Chronic, mild headaches that come and go, fatigue, improved symptoms with warmth or massage, along with dizziness, blurred vision, and a pale or tired facial complexion.
   Tongue and Pulse: Pale tongue with thin white coating; weak and thin pulse.
   Pathophysiology: When Qi and blood are deficient, there is insufficient nourishment to the brain, resulting in dull or aching headaches. Symptoms may worsen with exposure to cold, stress, or insufficient rest.

Headache Locations According to Meridian Pathways

Meridian	Picture	Pain Location
Yangming (Stomach)		Forehead, eyebrow area, or the root of the nose
Shaoyang (Gallbladder)		Lateral sides of the head or temples
Taiyang (Bladder)		Occipital area (back of the head), may radiate to the shoulders
Jueyin (Liver/Pericardium)		Top of the head (vertex) or around the eye sockets

Acupuncture Points Commonly Used for Migraine Relief
The selection of acupuncture points depends on the location, intensity, and underlying pattern of each patient’s migraine. Some commonly used clinical points include:

Point	Picture	Location & Function
Baihui (GV20)		At the vertex of the head. Helps lift Qi and relieve tension.
Fengchi (GB20)		At the back of the neck, below the occiput. Relieves headache and neck stiffness.
Hegu (LI4)		Between the thumb and index finger. Dispels heat and alleviates pain.
Neiguan (PC6)		On the inner wrist, 2 cun above the wrist crease. Alleviates nausea and vomiting.

Complementary Therapies and Considerations
In addition to acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion (herbal heat therapy), or cupping therapy may also be integrated to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Acupuncture can be applied in both acute and chronic migraine cases and is particularly suitable for individuals who wish to minimize the use of medications. It is considered a safe and effective therapeutic method that may yield long-term benefits.


Conclusion
From a TCM perspective, migraines result from imbalances in the body that can be addressed through tailored acupuncture treatment. By restoring the flow of Qi and blood, acupuncture not only reduces pain but also helps improve overall systemic harmony. For many, it serves as a holistic, non-pharmacological option for long-term migraine management.

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Article by:
温珍慧 中医师
Senior TCM. Dr. Ratikon Udompriboonwong (Wen Zhen Hui)
TCM Department, Huachiew Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic
Specialist in Neurological Rehabilitation and Pain Management