Chinese Non Medicinal Approaches to Headaches

7/31/2019 Chinese Non Medicinal Approaches to Headaches

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Chinese Non-medicinal Approaches to Headaches

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The experience of headaches differs from person to person. Most people suffer from mild

headaches once in a while, but there are people whose headaches occur repeatedly and lastfor a long time, completely disrupting their lives. Headache is only a symptom which can

have many causes. Factors able to stimulate the blood vessels, nerves, or muscles

surrounding the skull could trigger off headaches, while factors able to soothe these tissuesare beneficial to headaches. Therefore, a number of non-medicinal methods are available to

keep headaches under control, learning some of the techniques can help you better copy

with headache attacks and less depend on pain medications.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the head is regarded as "the confluence of yang"and "the dwelling of lucid yang," which mean the head is closely connected with other

parts of the body, and all the organs are responsible for nourishing it. The body has a giant

web called the meridian systemto supply the head with fundamental substances likeessence, qi andblood. When the meridian system is dysfunctional, which causes

obstruction of the head collaterals or under nourishment of the head orifices, headaches

will occur. TCM therapeutic principle for headaches is to unblock the meridians and

collaterals, and reactivate qi and blood. Apart from the routine approaches like acupunctureand herbal remedies, many non-medicinal methods are employed as auxiliary. They help

reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, and improve the overall efficacy of

headache treatment. TCM methods like massage, auricular stimulation, scraping andcupping are all non-medicinal approaches, which are simple and safe to apply. These

treatment options are worth a try.

Acupressure | Auricular therapy | Hand and foot reflexologyNeedle Tapping therapy|Blood letting therapy | Cupping therapy

Scraping therapy

Chinese acupressure for headaches

This type of massage is based on the meridians. Massage therapists use the fingers tostrike, press, knead and pinch theacupoints along the meridians, so as to produce local or

general therapeutic effects. Chinese acupressure massage has been used to treat a widerange of diseases, among them bone and joint problems or painful conditions have the mostsatisfied results, others such as internal organ problems, gynecology, pediatrics, localized

problems of the head can also be treated. Due to the influences from different academic

sources, regional cultures and practical experiences, many different schools and brancheswere established in Chinese acupressure, which have contributed hundreds of bodywork

techniques for clinical application. Below are the acupressure protocols for headaches.
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Acupressure protocol for headaches (I)

Massage therapists mainly use the thumbs to apply pressure on the body surface. "Pushing

with One-finger Meditation" is a common technique in Chinese massage; therapists usesthe thumb to push and rotate forward along a meridian, the swing frequency is usually up

to 120-160 times per minute, so that the pressure can acts on the selected region for some

time.

1. Push with the thumbs, along the sides of the neck (the courses of the bladder meridians),back and forth for 3~4 minutes;

2. Knead the acupoints on the upper neck, feng chi (Gb 20), feng fu (Gv 16) and tian zhu

(Bl 10), 30 seconds each;

3. Use one hand to grasp feng chi (Gb 20) on both sides, and then grasp along the sides ofthe neck, up and down for 4~5 times;

4. Push with the thumbs, from the middle of eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3) up to the hairline (Gv 24),

then push along the hairline to the hair corners (St 8), and then down to the temples (Ex-Hn 5), repeat the steps for 3~4 times;

5. Knead the acupoints like yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), yu yao (Ex-Hn 3), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5) and

bai hui (Gv 20), 30 seconds each;

6. Comb and grasp the scalp with both hands, 2 minutes;

7. Use the thumb, forefinger and middle finger to grasp along the neck, up and down for4~5 times.


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Acupressure protocol for headaches (I)

Acupressure protocol for headaches (II)

Use the thumbs to apply pressure on the body surface.

1. Push with the thumbs, from the middle of eyebrows (Ex-Hn3) up to the hairline (Gv 24);

2. Push from the middle of eyebrows to the outer sides of the eyebrows (Sj 23);

3. Push from the middle of eyebrows, along the lower orbital (St 2) to the outer corners of

the eyes (Gb 1), and stop at the temples (Ex-Hn 5);

4. Push from the temples to the back of the ears (Gb 6), and down to the base of the skull(Gb 20);

5. Wipe the forehead, knead the temples (Ex-Hn 5), and then wipe along the back of theears and down to the base of the skull (Gb 20);

6. Grasp feng chi (Gb 20) on both sides, and then knead the middle point feng fu (Gv 16);

7. Push the inter-scapular regions of the back (Bl 43);

8. Grasp the middle of the shoulders (Gb 21);

9. Rub the sides of the lower chest.


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During applications, the above steps are often modified according to individual conditions.

For example, if the headache sufferer feels weak and dizzy, remind him close the eyes

when doing the pushing techniques, while open the eyes when doing the wiping orgrasping techniques. For headaches induced by common cold, it is advised applying the

grasping techniques first, and then follow by pushing techniques.

Acupressure protocol for headaches (II)
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Click to seemore acupressure techniquesfor headaches.

Auricular Therapy for Headaches

This involves stimulating points on the auricles that correspond to different organ systems

in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the ears are not just isolated hearingorgans; they are closely connected with the internal organs. TCM regards the auricular

region as an important body part for clinical diagnosis and treatment, and stimulating thepoints on the auriculars can achieve general or local effects.

Auricular points that help relieve headaches include the forehead (17), occipital (22),

temple (19), subcortex (other side of brain point), brain point (20) and ear apex (68), seethe graphic for references. They can be stimulated by needling, pressing and blood letting

methods.

Needling method

Select 2~3 points on one ear. Sterilize the ear and stimulate with 0.5cm needles. Insert aneedle into the cartilage and then twirl rapidly for 30 seconds, be careful not to penetrate

through the ear, retain the needle for 30 minutes to enhance stimulation or to facilitate

further manipulation. Do this every two days, 10~20 times as one course, and rest for one

week before the next course. If individuals cannot receive treatment on time due to work,intradermal needles are used instead, which can keep 3~5 days, remind the headache

sufferer to press the patches several times a day.

Pressing method

Select 2~3 points on one ear and sterilize them, put magnetic patches on the points.

Individuals should press on the patches frequently, especially after meals and before sleep,

for 3-5 minutes each time. The pressure should be sufficient to make the areas turn red, andfeel heat and pain. Change the patches and side every two days.

The intradermal needles used in
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Chinese medicine

The auricular points for headaches


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Hand and Foot Reflexology for Headaches

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the hands and feet are the confluences of thebody's yin and yang meridianswhich make the regions have vigorous blood and qi

activities. Based on the order and arrangement of thetwelve meridians flow, internalorgans and tissues have their corresponding reflection areas on the hands and feet.

Stimulating on specific areas of the hands and feet can help regulate the organ functions,and thus facilitate healing.

Generally, the techniques of hand and foot reflexology are simple, but a stronger

stimulation is required to get the desirable results. Needling can achieve immediate andeffective results, however this produces an intense pain that is not acceptable by most

individuals, and somassage ormoxibustion is usually employed. The following areas help

relieve headache, which are usually act on them forcefully and for some time during a hand

or foot massage session. See the graphics for references.

Hand

Selected according to the pain locations: anterior headache point (1), posterior headache

point (2), crown headache point (3), migraine point (4).

Foot

Midline of the sole and one thumb-width apart from the edge of heel (1), the web between

the big toe and second toe (24), the web between the second toe and third toe (25).

Hand and foot reflexology for headaches
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Needle Tapping Therapy for Headaches

Therapists use tools like plum-blossom needles and seven-star needles to tap on the skin,using the distribution of superficial collaterals on the body surface as guides. In traditional

Chinese medicine (TCM), the superficial collaterals of the skin create skin segments onwhich reflect the functions of the twelve regular meridians. Any abnormal signs on the skin

segments help diagnosis particular organ disharmonies, and other treatment methods likehot compress, herbal paste and moxibustion can also be based on this principle. Needle

tapping is aimed to regulate the functions of the meridians and facilitate the recovery of the

body, which is often used to treat headaches. During applications, therapists tap along themeridians, around the localized area and on specific acupoints.

Needle tapping techniques for headaches

Three vertical lines

1. Start from the middle of eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3), up and across the midline of head andneck, and stop at the bottom of the neck (Gv14);

2. Start from the hairline corner (St 8), across the sides of the head, along the sides of the

neck and stop at the upper chest (Bl 12);

3. Start from the temple (Ex-Hn 5), along the ears and stop at the lowest point of the ears

(Sj 17).

One transverse line

4. Start from the midpoint of the front hairline (Gv 24), and tap towards the sides of the

head (Gb 8).

Tap three times on each line, once daily; the tapping force should be gentle. Do NOT tapon the areas with skin lesions.

Plum-blossom needle and seven-star needle used in Needle tapping route chart for
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Chinese medicine headaches

Chinese Blood Letting Therapy for Headaches

This method is also known as "blood letting acupuncture," because therapists often use a

three-edged needle as tool. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), usingappropriate techniques to release a few drops of blood can improve the localized qi and

blood flow, which is beneficial to conditions like toxic heat accumulation, swelling, pain,

blood stasis, qi stagnation, hyperactive organs, restless mind and head orifices blockages.Blood letting therapy is indicated for acute, heat,excessand painful syndromes in TCM,

physicians often use it to relieve high fever, faintness, throat soreness, stubborn joint pain,

muscle sprain, as well as localized swelling and numbness.

Before operation, the tool and the selected area must be cleaned and sterilized. Prick thearea quickly and squeeze gently to release 4-5 drops of blood, then press the punctured

points with a clean swab to stop bleeding. This can be done every two days, prick on

alternative side each time. Those who have bleeding problem, anemia, hypotension orpregnant women are NOT recommended.

Blood letting for headache with dizziness

Select areas like middle of the eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3) or temples (Ex-Hn 5), find an engorged

vein to prick. Do this every two days.

Blood letting for headache with hypertension and bloodshot eyes

Select one or two points in the ear. Rub the ear back with a clean swab, and prick an

engorged vein swiftly with a three-edged needle. This can be done every two days. It can

also prick the apex, the lobe or the helix of the ear.
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Chinese blood letting technique

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping was called "horn method" in ancient times. The therapy consists of creating a

vacuum by burning a taper inside a cupping jar and quickly placing it over the selectedarea, which aims to induce local congestion and blood stasis for healing. TCM believes the

resulting suction effect helps draw outpathogens, promote the flow ofblood and qi,unblock the meridians, and release swelling and pain.

In its early applications, animal horns and bamboo jars were used,

which was mainly for draining running sores. Nowadays, cupping is

widely applied in muscle strain injuries, and also in the treatment ofgastroenteritis,hypertension, headaches, common cold,coughs,

menstrual cramps, skin problems, poisonous insect and snake bites.

There are different ways to apply cupping, and it often uses

alongside others methods like acupuncture andmoxibustion, so as totreat complicated conditions. After treatment, there are some marks

or bruises left, which are normal and will disappear in a few days.

Cupping therapy is NOT suitable for individuals with high fever,generalized spasms, skin allergic or ulcers and those who bleed

easily.

Below are the cupping therapies for headaches.

Applications based on the disharmony patterns of headaches

1. Headaches due to wind-cold: feng men (Bl 12), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5), xin she(extraordinary acupoint, at the side of the fourth cervical vertebra), and wai guan (Sj 5);

2. Headaches due o wind-heat: feng men, tai yang, qu chi (Li 11), and da zhui (Gv 14);

3. Headaches due to liver yang: feng men, tai yang, yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), tai chong (Lr 3,

needling or pressing only);

4. Headaches due to turbid phlegm: feng men, tai yang, zhong wan (Cv 12) and feng long

(St 40);

5. Headache due to blood stasis: feng men, tai yang, yin tang, ge shu (Bl 17);

6. Headache due to kidney deficiency: feng men, tai yang, shen shu (Bl 23) and tai xi (Ki3).

Keep the cups for 20 minutes, apply daily or every two days. For headaches due to wind-

heat, liver yang, turbid phlegm and blood stasis, cupping in combination with bleed letting

method will have better results. For headaches due to wind-cold and kidney deficiency,moxibustion should be applied after cupping.

Applications based on the locations of headaches

Traditional bamboocupping treatment
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1. Pain on the front head (stomach meridian): yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), he gu (Li 4), da zhui (Gv

14) and center of forehead;

2. Pain on the sides of the head (gallbladder meridian): wai guan (Sj 5), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5)and dan shu (Bl 19);

3. Pain on the back of the head (bladder meridian): fei yang (Bl 58), da shu (Bl 11), feng

men (Bl 12), zhi yang (Gv 9) and kun lun (Bl 60);

4. Pain on the head crown (liver meridian): yin tang (Ex-Hn3), tai chong (Lr 3), gan shu (Bl18) and xin she (extraordinary acupoint, at the side of the fourth cervical vertebra);

Keep the cups for 15~20 minutes, five times as one course. Cupping in combination with

bleed letting method will have better results. If the areas are not smooth or flat, cup with a

pad to help sucking on the surface.

Cupping in combination with blood letting method

Cupping in combination with blood letting method

Select points like ge shu (Bl 17, both sides), tai yang (Ex-Hn 5) and he gu (Li 4). Clean and

sterilize the points, prick them with a three-edged needle quickly and then apply cupping

for 10 minutes, there will be a mild bleeding. After removing the cups, press the puncturedpoints with a clean swab to stop bleeding. Do this every day or every two days, five times

as one course.

Scraping Therapy for Headaches

Scraping therapy (gua sha) is an old and popular folk remedy throughout China. Its

Chinese name, "Gua" means to scrape, while "Sha" refers to reddish skin patches that

created by scraping. From a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, many healthproblems are due to invasion ofpathogensthat leads to a sluggish flow in the meridians

and poor distribution ofbloodand qi. Scraping therapy promotes the flow of blood and qi,

activates the meridians, and induces perspiration to expel pathogens from the body surface,

thus facilitating the recovery of the body. The appearing of "Sha" indicates that thepathogens are being released, individuals may feel relax or refreshed after treatment.
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Modern study has showed that scraping on the skin can activate the nervous system,

accelerate the blood and lymphatic flows, raise metabolic rate, and thus improve the body's

defense against disease. Scraping techniques are easy to learn, it can be a useful andconvenient way for relieving common ailments like common cold, sunstroke, stomach

upset, dizziness, headache, chest stuffiness, diarrhea, indigestion, travel or motion sickness.

Below are the scraping therapies for headaches.

Nipping to relieve headaches

Select body regions like the temples (Ex-Hn 5), middle of the eyebrows (Ex-Hn 3) and the

sides of the skull base (Gb 20). Before the process, the areas and fingers are moistened with

water, then use two fingers (the forefinger and middle finger, or the thumb and forefinger)to nip the skin forcefully and repeatedly. Nip for about 6-8 times in each region, until there

appear ellipse-shaped patch on the skin.

Scraping to relieve headache and dizziness due to sunstroke

Clean and wipe the neck and upper back. Select a smooth-edged tool like horn blade or

jade, dip into vegetable oil or warm water, then scrape along the sides of the neck, alwaysscrape in the same direction, apply consistently and enhance the strength gradually. Scrape

for 10~20 times in one side, till a reddish stripe appear on the skin. Afterward, scrape orrub the temples (Ex-Hn 5).

Don't scrape the areas again if the skin patches have not faded. Scraping therapy is NOT

suitable for individuals who are too skinny, have skin lesions, a tendency to bleed easily or

those with severe conditions.

Nipping to create therapeutic effects

Massage to relieve headache

Headache is a symptom of many acute and chronic conditions. TCM claims that headache

is either due to pathogenic obstructions or inadequate nourishment in the head region.Chinese massage is most suited for headache due to flu, migraine or muscular tension.

1. Press and knead between the eyebrows 30 times.

2. Wipe the forehead with the middle knuckles of the index fingers, 30 times.
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3. Thumb-knead the temples 30 times, then wipe back towards the hairline 30 times.

4. Press and knead the depressions below the occipital bone (Gb20), at the bottom of the

skull, 30 times.5. Clench the fists and beat the middle of the back of the opposite shoulder (Gb21), 15

times on each side.

6. Nip and knead the middle part of the palm web, between the thumb and the index finger(Li4), 30 times on each hand.

Add the following steps for individuals with:

Migraine Use the middle fingers to knead the corners of the foreheadinside the hairline (St8), 30 times.

Firmly wipe again the temple of the affected side, 20 times.

Nip and knead the back of forearm 2-finger-breadths above

the wrist (Sj5), 30 times on each side.

Nip and knead on the back of the palm between the ring andlittle finger (Sj3), 30 times on each side.

Headache located in the

crownKnead the center of the crown of the head (Du20), 30 times.

Knead the front of the forearm, 2-finger-breadths above the

midline of the wrist (Pc6), 30 times on each side.

Knead the dorsum of the foot in the depression between the

big toe and the second toe (Lr3), 30 times on each side.

Rub the center of the sole of the foot (Kl1), 30 times on each

side.

Headache located in theback of the neck Knead the back of the head with the thumbs, 30 times.Knead the base of the little finger (Si3), 30 times on eachside.


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Massage to relieve headache


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Acupuncture Therapies for Headaches

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), painful conditions are generally considered fromtwo aspects: "pain due to obstruction" and "pain due to under nourishment." An obstructive

pain is often due topathogens disturbing the organs and meridians leading to sluggish flow

ofblood andqi in the region. For example, when external wind andcold invading the body,they usually disturb the bladder meridian and result in headaches and stiff neck. On the

other hand, internal disharmonies that cause progressive exhaustion of the fundamental

substances, there will be a lack of nutrient supply for normal functioning, and pain can beone of the symptoms. Typical situations like this are headaches triggered by fatigue or

headaches after delivery.

The head is regarded as "the confluence of yang" and "the dwelling of lucid yang," which

mean the head is closely connected with other parts of the body, and all the organs areresponsible for nourishing it. When the meridian system is free flowing and supply

sufficient blood and qi to the head, normal activities of the head can be ensured. However,

when the meridian system is disrupted by internal or external factors that result in impededflow of blood and qi in the head region, headaches will then develop. Chinese acupuncture

therapies for headaches always aim to unblock the meridians and collaterals, and regulate

qi and blood.

Acupuncture therapies are like herbal remedies, which are designed according to theunderlying disharmonies of the body, so as to relieve different types of headaches

effectively. Appropriatepoint selection and stimulating techniques are essential. The major

acupoints in the prescriptions are often selected in the head, which can stimulate theaffected collaterals, eliminate local stagnation and relieve pain directly. Since there are

many meridians and collaterals distributed in the head, making it has the most abundant

acupoints of the body, TCM physicians will consider the location of pain and thecorresponding meridians when looking for appropriate acupoints for headaches.

Generally, acupuncture has significant and rapid effects during acute attacks of headaches,

but it should work alongside herbal remedies for more sustainable results.

Below are some important acupoints for headaches and their combinations. (See the

graphics for references.)

Feng chi (Gb 20)

Feng chi (Gb 20) is located at the base of the skull, and belongs to thegallbladdermeridian. The gallbladder meridian runs through the side of the head and has twentyacupoints in the region. Modern research has found that stimulating feng chi (Gb 20) can

improve the flow of the basilar artery in the neck (a major artery supplying the brain),

lower blood pressure, promote circulation inside the brain, enhance visual ability and relaxthe muscles in the neck. In TCM terms, stimulating feng chi (Gb 20) can regulate qi and

blood and unblock the collaterals of the brain. It is an essential point for treating various
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headaches, such as migraine, tension headache, or headaches due to neurovascular

problems or common cold.

For tension headaches, feng chi (Gb 20) is used with tai yang (Ex-Hn 5), tou wei (St 8),jing jia ji (Ex-B2), tai chong (Lr 3), zu san li (St 36) and san yin jiao (Sp 6).

For migraine headaches, feng chi (Gb 20) is used with tai chong (Lr 3), zu lin qi (Gb 41),

wai guan (Sj 5), feng long (St 40), tou wei (St 8), tian zhu (Bl 10), shuai gu (Gb 8) and jiao

sun (Sj 20).

For headaches induced by common cold and flu, feng chi (Gb 20) is used with lie que (Lu7), he gu (Li 4), da zhui (Gv 14), tou wei (St 8), wai guan (Sj 5) and tai yang (Ex-Hn 5).

Xin hui (Gv 22) and qiang jian (Gv 18)

Xin hui (Gv 22) is located on the top of the head, while qiang jian (Gv 18) is located at the

back of the head, the two points belong to the governor vessel meridian which branchesinto the brain. Puncturing the two points not only can unblock the superficial collaterals of

the head, but also the collaterals deep inside the brain.

During applications, other points such as zhi yin (Bl 67), he gu (Li 4) and feng chi (Gb 20)

can be combined to enhance the pain relieving effects; if there is dizziness, feng chi (Gb

20) and tai chong (Lr 3) are combined.

Xuan lu (Gb 5) and han yan (Gb 4)

Both xuan lu (Gb 5) and han yan (Gb 4) are located above the ear, on the section of the

gallbladder meridian which passes through the side of the head. Headaches appear on bothsides of the head are closely related to dysfunction of the gallbladder meridian, and thepoints are often selected as the major points for the condition. Puncturing them can activate

and unblock the local collaterals, promote blood flow and stop pain directly.

During applications, other points such as wai guan (Sj 5) and zu lin qi (Gb 41) arecombined to enhance the pain relieving effects; if there is eye soreness, tong zi liao (Gb 1)

and si zu kong (Sj 23) are combined; if there is ear ringing, er men (Sj 21), ting gong (Si

19) and tai xi (Ki 3) are combined.

Si zhu kong (Sj 23) and shuai gu (Gb 8)

The triple burner meridian (Sj) and the gallbladder meridian (Gb) have many acupoints in

the lateral sides of the head, including si zhu kong (Sj 23) and shuai gu (Gb 8). Shuai gu

(Gb 8) is located above the ear, while si zhu kong (Sj 23) is located at the outer side ofeyebrow. They can unblock the local collaterals and stop pain in the region. For typical

migraine headaches that are often aggravated by physical activities and accompanied by

nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, si zhu kong (Sj 23) and shuai gu (Gb 8) can be selectedas the major acupoints.
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During applications, if there are also fatigue, no appetite, lower chest discomfort,

abdominal distension, mouth and tongue sores, other points such as lao gong (Pc 8), wai

guan (Sj 5), zu lin qi (Gb 41) and zu shan li (St 36) are combined for regulating the middleburneradditionally. If there are bitter taste in the mouth, ear ringing, flushed face and

irritability, other points such as xing jian (Lr 2), tai chong (Lr 3) and xia xi (Gb 43) are

combined in order to purging liverfire.

Shen mai (Bl 62) and jin men (Bl 63)

Shen mai (Bl 62) and jin men (Bl 63) are located at the outer side of the heel, and the

acupoints of thebladder meridian. Jin men (Bl 63) is also a cleft pointof the bladder,which specializes in treating acute pain. They can effectively relieve pain and relax muscle

along the bladder meridian, such as the back of the head and the neck.

During applications, if there are dizziness and blurred vision, other points like feng chi (Gb

20) and tou wei (St 8) are combined; if there are neck problems , jing jia ji (Ex-B 2) and

feng chi (Gb 20) are combined.

Hou xi (Si 3)

Hou xi (Si 3) is located at the outer edge of the palm, and the acupoint of thesmall intestinemeridian. This point is the stream pointof the small intestine which is often used to stop

pain. It is also a confluent point, which connects the small intestine meridian with the

governor vessel meridian. It can promote the flow of qi and blood in the governor vessel,and relieve headaches and stiff neck rapidly.

During applications, if headaches are due to cervical problems, other points like the a-shi

points, feng chi (Gb 20) and jian jing (Gb 21) are combined; for headaches induced bycommon cold, points like feng chi (Gb 20), feng men (Bl 12) and da zhui (Gv 14,moxibustion), he gu (LI 4) and lie que (Lu 7) are combined.

Yin tang (Ex-Hn 3), cuan zu (Bl 2), nei ting (St 44), he gu (Li 4) and feng chi (Gb 20)

The points are effective to relieve pain on the front head. According to the distribution ofmeridians, the front head is mainly governed by theLeg Yang Ming Stomach Meridian,

headaches with apparent pain on this region is called yang ming headaches.

Yin tang (Ex-Hn 3) and cuan zhu (Bl 2): yin tang (Ex-Hn 3) is located at the middle of

the eyebrows, cuan zhu (Bl 2) is located at the inner side of the eyebrow. The two pointsare selected based on the effects to local region that can directly promote the flow of qi

and blood in the front head, serving as the major acupoints.

Nei ting (St 44): the spring pointof the stomach meridian, which specializes in clearingthe accumulated heat.

He gu (Li 4): an acupoint of the large intestine meridian, which specializes in unblocking

the collaterals of the nose and face. When combining with nei ting (St 44), they promote
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the flow of qi and blood in the stomach meridian.

Feng chi (Gb 20): regulates the collaterals of the head and face, promotes the flow of qi

and blood, and stops pain.

Shang xing (Gv 23), bai hui (Gv 20), nao kong (Gb 19), yong quan (Ki 1) and he gu (Li

4)

The acupoints are effective for headaches with apparent pain on the crown, in particular

pricking pain, dragging pain or throbbing pain. They are also applicable to other headconditions.

Shang xing (Gv 23) and bai hui (Gv 20): important acupoints of the governor vessel

meridian on the head. They can unblock the local collaterals and stop pain, serving as themajor acupoints in the remedy.

Nao kong (Gb 19): an acupoint of the gallbladder meridian. The point is selected based

on the effects to local region.Yong quan (Ki 1): thewell point of the kidney meridian, it regulates the governor vessel

and bladder meridian indirectly. The point can reinforce and regulate the qi activity in thehead crown, and unblock the meridians to stop pain.

He gu (Li 4): unblocks the meridians and collaterals of the head and face, so as to

promote the flow of qi and blood.

If the headaches are associated with hypertension, and there is dizziness, other points like

feng chi (Gb 20), taichong (Lr 3) and feng long (St 40) are combined.
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Important acupoints for headaches

Chinese Non Medicinal Approaches to Headaches

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