What’s With These Headaches?
Let’s talk about headaches, because it seems like everyone is experiencing them right now! We all know the feeling: a dull pain coming on slowly, or maybe it's sharp and stabbing. Sometimes it feels like a heavy weight pressing down or a band squeezing around your forehead.
In Chinese medicine, we don’t just focus on the head because headaches are caused by imbalances of Qi and blood flow throughout the entire body! Instead, we look at the root cause to treat and prevent them. After all, our goal isn’t merely to mask the pain but to address the underlying issues and stop headaches before they even start!
Here are some common causes of headaches:
Qi Stagnation: When Qi doesn’t flow freely, it gets "stuck". Stress, anger, or frustration are common causes and you’ll probably feel a pressure or tightness around the temples, and it can also be accompanied by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Liver Yang Rising: Too much heat and yang energy in the Liver can cause headaches that are sharp, throbbing, and intense. This is common when anger, stress, or high blood pressure is not managed well. Additional symptoms may include irritability, red eyes, and a sensation of heat in the body. This type of headache often feels like a pulsating pressure that may worsen with emotional strain or physical exertion.
Dampness & Phlegm: Caused by poor digestion or humidity, this is a heavy, foggy headache that feels like your head is in a cloud. It’s not uncommon to also regularly have digestive issues such as bloating or nausea. It reflects a struggle with excess moisture or phlegm disrupting the clear flow of Qi and blood.
Kidney Deficiency: These types of headaches are typically chronic, dull, and may get worse with fatigue. They are often felt inside the head, almost like an emptiness. They can also be accompanied by symptoms like general weakness, dizziness, poor memory, or mental fatigue.
Try these tips to prevent headaches:
1. Manage Your Stress: Find moments for self-care everyday. Whether this is 20 minutes of meditation, going for a walk, sitting in the sun, or doing something you enjoy, take some time for yourself to de-stress.
2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can trigger headaches. Drink plenty of water and add cooling foods like cucumber or watermelon to your diet.
3. Get Good Sleep: Sleep is so important for our brain health, physical wellbeing, mood, and stress management.
4. Eat Warm, Nourishing Foods: Focus on cooked, anti-inflammatory foods and avoid excessive cold or raw foods that can disrupt digestion and create dampness. Include foods like ginger, carrots, and soups to support your body’s balance.
5. Protect Against Environmental Triggers: Avoid exposure to environmental factors that can trigger headaches, such as strong odors, bright lights, or sudden temperature changes.
6. Get Moving: Regular exercise helps reduce tension and prevents headaches by helping Qi flow and improving circulation.
Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough. This is where acupuncture and herbs shine! By combining these therapies, we can address both the immediate and underlying causes of your headaches for long lasting relief and overall wellbeing.
Ready to put an end to your headaches once and for all?