Chinese Medicine for Migraines
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Migraines affect approximately 1 in 7 people and are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Acupuncture has a strong evidence base for migraine prevention — NICE guidelines acknowledge its efficacy as a preventative treatment comparable to topical propranolol. In traditional Chinese medicine, migraines are understood through the lens of liver and gallbladder patterns, and treatment of the root cause between episodes is as important as managing acute attacks.
TCM Patterns
Liver yang rising — the most common pattern. Throbbing, unilateral or bilateral headache, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or bright light. Associated with irritability, tinnitus, and a red face. Rooted in kidney yin deficiency failing to anchor liver yang. Liver qi stagnation — headache related to emotional tension, relieved by rest, accompanied by neck and shoulder tension. Blood deficiency — dull migraine following menstruation or in blood-deficient constitutions. Phlegm-dampness — heavy, pressing headache with nausea and a sense of heaviness.
Treatment
For liver yang rising, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin calms the liver and anchors yang — it contains Tian Ma (gastrodia) and Gou Teng (uncaria), both with clinical evidence for migraine prevention. Acupuncture at GB 20 (Fengchi), LV 3 (Taichong), and GB 34 (Yanglingquan) addresses the gallbladder and liver meridians that traverse the sides of the head. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
To discuss migraine treatment, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
