Headaches: Differentiating Areas of Pain and Remedies

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ and bodily system is connected by meridians and channels, or pathways, through which Qi and blood flow. When a headache presents itself, the location of the pain can indicate which channel is experiencing stagnation or deficiency, and can reveal which corresponding organ is struggling. The location of your headache, whether it be frontal, temporal, vertex, whole head, or behind the eyes, creates a map that can diagnose and treat the root cause of your pain. Factors like stress, diet, emotions, or external factors like wind and cold can manifest as pain along pathways. Proper treatments like tea, diet, and acupressure can help reduce pain while acupuncture, reiki, massage, and sauna use can be used to address underlying causes and prevent future headaches from returning.

Acupressure points for headaches

Types of Headaches

Frontal: The pain of a frontal headache is above the eyes and across the forehead, and is associated with the Yangming channels and the stomach and large intestine. Headaches like this are often caused by stomach heat or stomach fire, which means there is stagnation in the digestive system that is rising upwards towards the head. Poor diet is a common factor, with alcohol, spicy or greasy food, processed foods or sugar, or irregular eating habits making it harder for the stomach and intestines to properly digest, causing heat. Other symptoms include heat in the face, excess thirst, hunger, bloating, irregular bowel movements, or acid reflux. If the pain is a result of a Stomach Qi or blood deficiency, the pain may be dull and persistent, and is worse when hungry or after eating, and is often paired with fatigue and loss of appetite. To treat frontal headaches, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, diet, and lifestyle changes can help aid digestion and reduce stomach and intestinal heat. Using digestive aid like bitters before meals and assist in stronger digestion and drinking peppermint or chrysanthemum tea can help with feelings of heat in the face and sinuses. While there may be cravings for ice water and cold foods, eating foods that are lightly cooked will aid in easier digestion. If there is regular bloating after meals, take some ginger in the form of tea or crystalized form to warm up digestion and reduce bloating. Because this is also in the area of sinuses, focusing on strong digestion and liver health can relieve some of the inflammation that builds up from allergies. ACUPRESSURE POINTS: large intestine 4, yin tang, ren 12, stomach 8, sanjiao 5.

Temporal: Temporal headaches, one of the most commonly treated types, are painful on one or both sides of the temple, corresponding to the Shaoyang and gallbladder channel that runs right along the sides of your head, and are related to the liver and gallbladder. The primary trigger of temporal headache is stress, since liver Qi stagnation from chronic stress and emotions generates heat in the liver system. This creates a throbbing sensation that worsens with continued stress, accompanied by neck and shoulder tension, irritability, and light sensitivity. To treat temporal headaches, try acupuncture to circulate blood to your neck and shoulders, massage for pent up muscle tension, reiki for emotional holdings, or infrared sauna for circulation and relaxation. Stress reducing activities such as exercise, stretching, and meditation practices can help manage the fight or flight response responsible for chronic muscle tension. Staying hydrated is also important, but too many iced or cold beverages can make muscle tension worse, so room temperature or hot water are more helpful. Eating cooked foods also helps with hydrating the body while reducing digestive stress on the body. Get regular quality sleep, and do gentle shoulder and neck exercises to increase blood flow without over exerting. Teas that can aid in tension headaches include feverfew, lavender and lemon balm. ACUPRESSURE POINTS: gallbladder 8, sanjiao 5, large intestine 4, gallbladder 20, stomach 8.

Vertex: Vertex headaches are pain right at the top of the head, corresponding to the Jueyin liver channel. When a vertex headache occurs, it typically means that there is a liver blood or liver yin deficiency, meaning that blood and yin are not sufficient enough to nourish and reach the top of the channel, resulting in pain. These headaches are most commonly seen in women during menstruation or menopause, the chronically fatigued, the malnourished, and those who have experienced prolonged emotional or physical stress. The pain is dull rather than throbbing, and other symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, dry eyes, or dysregulated sleep. Treatment includes reconnecting Yin and Yang to stabilize the body, herbal formulas that tonify Yin and Yang, and nourishing the blood to make sure there is enough to fully circulate to the top of the head. A diet rich in nourishing cooked foods and low on caffeine, alcohol and raw foods will also aid the body in recovering from stress. Teas with stinging nettle, feverfew, and green tea can help nourish blood and yin while encouraging body fluids and stimulating mental clarity.
ACUPRESSURE POINTS: du 20, large intestine 4, stomach 8, gallbladder 20, ren 12.

Occipital: The pain of an occipital headache occurs at the back of the head and neck, and corresponds to the Taiyang channel, or bladder channel, that runs up the back of the neck to the scalp. These headaches have two common causes in TCM, the first being an external invasion, like wind-cold or wind-heat entering the body through the back of the neck, blocking the Taiyang channel. Exposure to wind or cold air creates headaches that are often paired with a stiff neck, chills, and symptoms of a cold or the flu. The second common cause is kidney deficiency. The kidney and bladder share the Taiyang system, and symptoms like a dull, persistent headache accompanied by lower back pain, fatigue, tinnitus, or poor memory often point to a kidney deficiency instead of an external invasion of wind-cold. Chronic neck tension also often points to bladder channel stagnation. To treat an occipital headache, the neck and scalp need to be warmed up, like in a nice hot shower, a warm bath, or with a heating pack on the back of the neck. Acupuncture can release muscle tension, improve blood and Qi circulation, reduce stress and anxiety, and can address underlying imbalances like fatigue. It is also important to maintain good posture while sitting, take frequent breaks to stretch and walk around, practice deep breathing or meditation, practice yoga, get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and manage stress levels. If there is a tight neck and early signs of catching a cold, drink cinnamon tea to warm up circulation. Drink peppermint tea and herbs that reduce stress like chamomile and lavender. ACUPRESSURE POINTS: gallbladder 20, small intestine 3.

Whole Head: A whole head headache covers the whole head in a heavy, foggy sensation of pressure rather than a sharp pain, which is characteristic of dampness and phlegm blocking Yang from rising to the top of the head. TCM says that Yang Qi is responsible for nourishing and rejuvenating the head, but when dampness from spleen deficiency and poor diet obstructs the upward movement of Yang, the head becomes heavy and foggy. Headaches like this are not intensely painful, but are ever present, paired with other symptoms like brain fog, the inability to concentrate, and heavy limbs. To treat this type of headache, the proper diet is crucial for lasting relief. Over consumption of sugar, cold and raw foods, dairy, and alcohol hinders the spleen’s ability to transform and transport fluids, which creates dampness. This type of dampness also creates bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Drink teas with ginger, dried citrus peel, and pu-erh. ACUPRESSURE POINTS: ren 12, large intestine 4, and yin tang.

Behind the eyes: When there is a deep, aching pressure behind the eyes or in the eye socket is often associated with a liver blood deficiency. If liver blood is insufficient to nourish the eyes, then there is an aching pain behind the eyes from lack of blood. This type of headache is common for people who spend long hours looking at screens, reading, doing detailed work, or anything else that is visually demanding. Pain worsens throughout the day from eye fatigue, improves with rest, and other symptoms include dry or tired eyes, blurred vision, nausea, tinnitus, low appetite, and fatigue. Treatment includes regulating gallbladder function to ensure the smooth flow of Qi, reduce inflammation by stimulating the immune system with acupuncture, and release neck, shoulder, and upper back muscle tension to improve blood circulation. Acupuncture can release muscle tension, reduce stress, and stimulate blood circulation, which helps relieve the pressure pain behind the eyes. To prevent these headaches, drinking nettle tea and applying warm compresses on the neck and eyes at night can help. ACUPRESSURE POINTS: du 20, stomach 8, yin tang.

Whether your headache is behind your eyes or at your temples, the relentless pain and discomfort can be alleviated through diet changes, lifestyle changes, acupuncture,and chinese herbs. Though headaches are common, they do not have to be something you experience chronically. Understanding your symptoms and location of your headache pain can point to a deeper underlying issue with a connected organ, and treating that issue can alleviate headache pain for good.

ACUPRESSURE POINTS KEY:

yin tang: located above and between the eyes (3rd eye)
du 20: on top of the head at the highest point
Bilateral points (press on both sides of the body)
stomach 8: at the corner of the forehead, one index finger length away center of forehead hairline
gallbladder 8: a slight depression just above the apex of the ear (fold ear in half to find apex)
gallbladder 20: below the occiput in a hollow halfway between the spine and base of the ear
large intestine 4: on the top of the hand in the middle of the web between the thumb and index finger
sanjiao 5: on the top of the forearm three fingers wide distance from wrist in depression between radius and ulna
small intestine 3: on the outer border of the hand, make a loose fist and find point where skin puckers
ren 12: on the abdominal midline one hand width above belly button (tender maybe small hard spot)

References

● https://www.meandqi.com/knowledge-base/conditions/headaches

● https://thedaohealth.com.au/tcm-map-what-your-headache-location-reveals/

● https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/headache

● https://cherryblossomhealingarts.com/chronic-and-acute-pain/traditional-chinese-medicine-for-headaches-and-migraines

● https://josephcoccagna.com/blog-1/tcm-headache-types-location-meaning

● https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/acupressure-sequences-frontal-headaches

● https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/blog/best-acupuncture-points-for-headaches

● https://wshcare.org/headaches-in-chinese-medicine/

● https://balancepointokanagan.com/stomach-heat/

● https://www.garudahealth.org/effective-headaches-migraines-relief-with-tcm/

● https://ibaclinic.com/blog/tension-headaches/

● https://ibaclinic.com/blog/headaches-behind-eyes/

Healing From Concussion with CST

Concussions and Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
By Emily Klik, CST

What is a concussion?

A concussion is often described as a lingering headache following a blow to the head. Medically, it refers to a mild brain injury caused by a high-velocity impact or sudden acceleration to the skull. This could occur from a direct blow or even from rapid movement, such as the jarring forces felt on a rollercoaster. Inside the skull, the brain floats in a protective layer of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which serves as both a cushion and a vital support for brain function. When a sudden impact or acceleration causes the brain to move rapidly through this fluid, it can strike the inside of the skull, leading to an injury. The recovery from a concussion can range from a few weeks to several months, and in some cases, symptoms may persist, leading to a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

A common symptom of a concussion is a sensation of internal pressure, often felt as though a vice is tightly clamping down on the center of the skull. This discomfort is typically accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

What are neurological symptoms?

Neurological symptoms indicate an issue within the nervous system. When affecting the brain, some of the symptoms may include:

-Double vision or difficulty focusing the eyes

-Uncoordinated eye movements

-Eye fatigue or aching eyes

-Altered taste or smell

-Sudden dizziness or vertigo

-Cognitive changes

-Sensitivity to light and sound

And there can be more. These symptoms are indicative of disruption in specific cranial nerves or muscles and can often be addressed with craniosacral therapy.

How Craniosacral Therapy helps

Craniosacral therapy can assist by gently decompressing the cranial plates and releasing tension in the membranes surrounding the brain. This manual therapy helps alleviate pressure inside the skull, improves blood and cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and reduces brain fog and pain. Additionally, craniosacral therapy can help regulate vital functions such as digestion, heart rate, breathing, and even processes like sweating and salivation.

If a concussion has led to neck or back pain, this therapy can also help address the referred pain, often within the same session.

What to expect in a Craniosacral session

During your initial session, your therapist will inquire about the circumstances of the injury—whether it was caused by a direct impact or acceleration—to better understand the origin of the concussion. You'll also discuss any current symptoms to help the therapist identify which cranial nerves and plates may be affected, guiding the treatment plan.

How long before I feel better?

The duration of recovery varies greatly, depending on the severity of the injury and any complementary therapies being used in conjunction with craniosacral therapy. For more severe concussions, additional therapies such as occupational therapy, vision therapy, or vestibular rehabilitation may be recommended. Some people may see improvement within a few weeks, while for others, symptoms may persist for years. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

Why do symptoms last so long?

Many long-standing concussion symptoms are caused by compression of the cranial plates or injury to the internal membranes of the skull (the dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater). These structures can create pressure on the brain, hindering proper circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. In most cases, once the cranial plates become compressed, they can remain in that state until released through manual therapy. In my practice, I've worked with individuals who have experienced cranial compression for days, up to decades.

The good news is that even chronic symptoms can often be improved with craniosacral therapy. I recommend trying a series of 3-4 sessions to assess progress. Many clients report feeling noticeable improvements after just one or two sessions, and some find that they begin to feel better in other areas of their body as well.

In Conclusion

Craniosacral therapy offers a gentle yet powerful approach to healing after a concussion. Not only does it help with concussion symptoms, but many clients report feeling better overall—more balanced and at ease in their bodies.

If you have any questions or would like to explore how craniosacral therapy could help with your recovery, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Back on Track: Detoxifying from Summer

With the joy, warmth, socialization, festivals and fun of summer~ comes more unhealthy eating, drinking, stress, fatigue, and skipping routines.  Our bodies LOVE routine, so the waning of summer also brings back the steadiness of structure.  As we get back to our roots and recover from the summer holiday, we can use this transitional time to prepare our bodies for a healthy autumn.

heal your gut: Before your body can handle a real effective detoxification, the digestive tract needs to be addressed. Are you feeling bloated after eating? Do you get cramping or see changes in your bowel patterns? For baseline indigestion, bloating, belching and flatulence a daily dose of fermented foods and probiotics may do the trick.  If you are struggling to get digestion under control- invest in your health! Our nutritionist will get to the root of the problem with you and help you find the right foods to heal your gut.

sweat it out : Studies have shown that perspiration contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic.  A well-hydrated work out or sauna session can activate your lymphatic system and help you sweat out some of that bad stuff.    

go green : Green vegetables have a high inventory of nutrients.  Many of the body’s detox processes are linked to having adequate levels of vitamins and minerals.  Start cooking with generous amounts of spinach and cruciferous vegetables to maximize your detox nutrients.

citrus boost : Vitamin C is an immune booster.  It helps the body produce an antioxidant that neutralizes toxins and also enhances digestive enzymes.  Because we cannot produce our own vitamin C in the body, eating adequate sources in whole foods or supplements is vital to better immune health. Start and end each day with a glass of warm lemon water!   (strawberry, acerola cherry, citrus fruits, papaya, black currant, kiwi, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, melons, and dark leafy greens are great food sources)

controlled breathing : Oxygen is a critical component of natural detoxification.  Controlled breathing: a deep, 5 second inhalation through the nose followed by a long exhalation through the mouth- you will achieve a full oxygen exchange, swapping incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide.  This supercharges your lymphatic system to ward of toxins, pathogens, and waste. Integrate this controlled breathing practice several times per day.

drink more tea : Green tea leaves are withered and steamed, rather than fermented, so it produces a beverage that is rich in compounds that eliminate free radicals.  Start your day with a cup of green tea and a squeeze of lemon. 

assess your water quality: It is not just about quantity! Ditch plastic bottles of commercially packaged water and invest in a stainless steel bottle.  Update your water filters or start using one for all of you water needs at home.  Tap water can be full of chemicals used to clean the water- but also add more to the chemical load in your body.  Drinking filtered, cleaner water will help your body flush out waste at the cellular level and also support the GI tract and kidneys as they flush out those toxins. How much water? At least 1/2 to 3/4 your body weight in ounces.