29/09/2025
Headache is a localized pain occurring in the head, neck, or upper shoulder region. It can affect any part of the head and may present as a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing sensation, with a duration ranging from several hours to several days. In Western medicine, headaches are classified as primary or secondary headaches and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the head is considered the “convergence of all yang meridians” and the “residence of clear yang,” where the yin essence and yang qi of the five zang and six fu organs ascend. Headaches are caused by either external factors (exogenous) or internal injuries (endogenous), which lead to the stagnation or deficiency of meridians and collaterals, resulting in obstruction of the clear orifices. The main clinical manifestation is pain in the head.
• Exogenous headaches tend to have a sudden onset, intense pain, and persistent discomfort.
• Endogenous headaches usually develop gradually, have milder pain, may worsen with exertion, and come and go intermittently.
How to Prevent and Relieve Headaches:
• Maintain a regular lifestyle: Ensure sufficient sleep and avoid staying up late excessively.
• Follow a balanced diet: Eat three regular meals per day, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and consume more light and easily digestible foods.
• Keep a positive mood: Avoid prolonged emotional suppression or anger, especially important for migraines and headaches due to liver yang hyperactivity.
• Relax the neck and shoulders: Avoid prolonged periods of looking down or desk work; perform neck stretching exercises when needed.
• Massage the temples: Use your index and middle fingers to press and gently rotate the temples. Repeat several times to help relieve pain.
• Comb the pain points: Place all ten fingertips on the most painful area of the head and perform light, rapid combing-like massages, similar to combing hair.