Understanding Migraine Patterns Through Chinese Medicine

By Eti Chall, L.Ac.
Acupuncturist | Herbalist | Women’s Health Specialist

Your Migraine Has a Rhythm—We Just Need to Listen

If your migraines arrive before your period, after a stressful day, or with every weather shift, it’s not random—it’s rhythmic. Chinese medicine doesn’t view migraine as a standalone neurological disorder. Instead, it sees it as a pattern of disharmony—a message from within that your body is out of balance.
In this article, we’ll explore:

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- How Chinese medicine diagnoses different types of migraine patterns
- The role of qi, blood, and internal organ systems in migraine
- Why acupuncture and herbal medicine offer lasting relief

Migraine in Chinese Medicine: It’s More Than Just a Headache

Unlike typical Western approaches that focus on managing migraine symptoms, Chinese medicine looks at the entire constitutional pattern.It’s about understanding why the migraines happen, not just treating the pain when they do.

Common Migraine Patterns in Chinese Medicine

1. Liver Qi Stagnation → Liver Yang Rising

This is one of the most common patterns in stress-related orhormonal migraines, particularly those tied to the menstrual cycle.

Signs & Symptoms:

·      - Throbbing, one-sided headaches

·      - Irritability, mood swings, or anger

·      - Breast tenderness before menstruation

·      - Sensitivity to light and sound

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2. Blood Deficiency with Rising Yang

Blood nourishes the brain. When it’s deficient (afterchildbirth, during heavy periods, or from chronic stress), the body may not beable to anchor yang. The result: upward surging headaches.

Signs & Symptoms:

·      - Dull or hollow head pain

·      - Fatigue, dizziness

·      - Blurry vision

·      - Pale complexion

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3. Phlegm-Damp Obstruction

These migraines feel heavy, foggy, or pressure-filled. Oftentied to digestive issues or damp weather, this type of migraine results fromphlegm blocking the clear yang from rising properly.

Signs & Symptoms:

·      - Nausea or vomiting

·      - Head pressure or fullness

·      - Brain fog

·      - Sinus involvement

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Why Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Work

When the root pattern is diagnosed, Chinese medicine doesn’t suppress the pain—it works to resolve the terrain imbalance that allowed it to take hold.

Acupuncture opens the channels and regulates qi and blood.

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Herbal medicine to relieve pain and treat the underlying issues causing headaches.

Your herbal formula is customized based on your unique presentation.

How Long-Term Healing Happens

Suffering from migraines means something is out of rhythm. And rhythm can be restored. With consistent treatment, the body learns how to hold balance again. Chinese medicine is capable of offering relief from migraines. I can work with you virtually or in person.

Many of my patients notice:

·      - Fewer migraines per cycle

·      - Shorter duration and lower intensity

·      - More stable emotions, better sleep, and improved digestion

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Take the Next Step

Your migraines are not random—it’s telling a story. Let’s read that story together, decode the pattern, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Book your initial consultation with me today, and let’s begin your path to relief.