How Chinese Medicine May Help Migraines
Migraines are more than just headaches—they can be debilitating and disruptive to daily life. For many people, conventional medications either don’t provide lasting relief or come with unwanted side effects, leading them to seek alternative solutions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture and herbal therapy, offers a time-tested and effective approach for managing migraine pain.
In a 2014 trial conducted at a Melbourne hospital, researchers found that acupuncture was as effective as medication for treating migraines, as well as ankle and lower back pain. This reflects what many patients experience firsthand—significant relief through natural, drug-free methods.
Source: SMH, 2014
Many people first experience acupuncture via a physiotherapist or GP, but when it comes to treating migraines holistically, it's important to see a fully qualified acupuncturist. Degree-trained practitioners take a more detailed approach, addressing both the symptoms and root causes of pain using traditional diagnostic tools like pulse and tongue reading.
Just as Western medicine distinguishes between types of migraines, so does TCM. Hormonal, digestive, and tension-related factors are explored—often leading us to treat the Liver system, a key organ in TCM theory.
A Chinese Medicine Perspective: Headaches and The Liver
In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (energy) and blood—particularly to the head. When this flow becomes sluggish or “stuck,” migraines can result. The Liver also plays a role in:
Hormonal balance, especially around menstruation and menopause
Digestive health, explaining nausea or vomiting during attacks
Eye health, including visual disturbances, floaters, or pain behind the eyes
Emotional wellbeing, particularly stress and irritability
Chinese Herbs to support Migraine Relief
Chinese Herbal Medicine offers targeted formulas that address underlying imbalances. Some commonly used herbs for migraine include:
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) – Supports blood flow and relieves spasms
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) – Moves stuck qi and blood, easing pain
Tian Ma (Gastrodia) – Used for dizziness and one-sided headaches
Yan Hu Suo & Chuan Lian Zi – Found in Golden Bear powder, known for analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties
Acupuncture Points to alleviate Migraine Pain
Specific acupoints are chosen based on your individual symptoms, but commonly used points include:
Tai Yang & GV20 (Bai Hui) – For temple and crown-of-head pain
Large Intestine 4 (He Gu) – A powerful point for general pain relief
Liver 3 – Located on the feet, helps move stuck Liver qi and reduce tension
SI19 & Bladder 2 – Around the jaw and brow, helpful for facial migraine symptoms
These points help reduce pain, regulate circulation, and relax muscle tension—all of which are crucial in managing migraines.
As Dr. Greg Sperber from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine explains, “In TCM, a headache has two parts: the root and the branch. The root is whatever is causing the headache, and the branch is the pain itself. Chinese medicine works to treat both, so the result is more long-term.”
If you’re struggling with migraines and looking for support beyond medication, speak to Katika Funnell at Family Wellness Centre. With over 12 years of experience and AHPRA registration, she offers personalised care for pain, women’s health, and stress-related conditions.
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