Whereas your standard, over-the-counter painkillers simply address the symptoms of headaches, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments aim to address their root cause, held to be a deficiency of energy and restricted blood flow in the head. If you have nagging, chronic head pain, TCM offers a number of natural treatments. TCM employs herbal remedies and acupuncture, as it has for thousands of years. Follow these steps to use it to relieve headaches.

Treat Headaches Using Chinese Medicine

• Make an appointment to talk to one of our qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine. He will need to diagnose the type of headache you have through the use of the four diagnostic principles. There are two main types of headaches in traditional Chinese medicine: excess headaches and deficiency headaches.

• Consider acupuncture therapy. TCM Practitioners believe that acupuncture opens up clogged meridian pathways, allowing for an improved flow of qi through the body, which will in turn help relieve your headaches.

ACUPUNCTURE POINTS

Traditional Points:

Hegu (LI 4). Needle 1 to 1.5 cun deep. Massage the affected area on the head. (might be a bit tender)

NUTRITION

Avoid intake of ice drinks or cold food, as they constrict vessels, channels and collaterals.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

Diet is important to control and prevent headaches that are food related.

Consume adequate amount of fruits, vegetables, grains and raw nuts and seeds.

Caffeine withdrawal is one of the most common causes of headache. In such cases, gradually decrease and stop the consumption of caffeine-containing foods, such as coffee, tea, cola, etc.

Avoid foods containing tyramine, which can cause headaches, such as alcohol, chocolate, banana, citrus fruits, avocado, cabbage, and potato. Also, avoid the consumption of cakes, coffee, dairy products (except yogurt), processed or packaged foods, tobacco, or any junk foods.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) should be avoided in individuals who are sensitive to it. MSG is generally found in canned soups, TV dinners, some meats, and restaurant foods.

The Tao of Nutrition by Ni and McNease

Headache

• Recommendations: chrysanthemum flowers, mint, green onions, oyster shells, pearl barley, carrots, prunes, buckwheat, peach kernels, and green tea.
• Avoid spicy food, lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, excess stimulation, eye strain, and stress.

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

Avoid allergens as much as possible if the headache is triggered by allergy. Installation of an air purifier will minimize the presence of allergens in the air and reduce the risk of allergy and headache.

Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning, a fan or wind to the head or neck region.

Avoid stressful situations and environments whenever possible. Ease the tension with massage, warm baths, and an exercise program.

Tension headaches can be relieved by gentle massage of the neck and shoulders to relax the muscles. A hot Epsom salts bath is also helpful.

Headache due to poor circulation will respond to vigorous scalp massage.

Regular exercise, adequate rest, and normal sleeping habits are essential for optimal health.

Please email us at info@mattosmedicalgroup.com or call us at 813.871.2950 to schedule to your consultation.