TCM Treatment for Headaches & Migraines

Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture: Effectively Relieve Stubborn Headaches and Reduce Reliance on Painkillers

Headaches are one of the most common chronic issues in modern society. Due to their frequent onset and complex causes, they often severely interfere with work and quality of life. Among them, migraines are particularly stubborn and recurrent, typically accompanied by throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, fatigue, and mood swings.

Many Singaporeans rely on painkillers for long-term symptom relief but find they cannot achieve a permanent cure, leading to potential dependency and side effects. In contrast, TCM treatment for headaches emphasizes syndrome differentiation—treating the root cause by regulating internal organs, unblocking meridians, and balancing Yin and Yang. Combined with acupuncture, it offers stable, lasting, and natural relief.

TCM Classification and Pathology of Headaches

TCM regards the head as the "meeting point of all Yang." While the pain manifests in the head, the root often lies in visceral imbalances or poor circulation of Qi and Blood. Common types include:

Hyperactivity of Liver Yang

Common in cases of stress and tension; presents as distending pain on both sides of the head, red face/eyes, and irritability.

Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction

Feeling of heaviness (as if wrapped), chest tightness, and fatigue; often related to diet and weak Spleen function.

Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis

Fixed location of pain, sharp/stabbing sensation, dark tongue; often seen in chronic cases or after injury.

Kidney Essence Deficiency

Common in elderly or chronic illness; dull headache accompanied by tinnitus, backache, and memory decline.

Qi and Blood Deficiency

Dull pain, fatigue, and pale complexion; caused by overwork, long-term illness, or blood loss.

Migraines are mostly classified as Liver Yang Hyperactivity, Blood Stasis, or Liver Qi transforming into Fire, requiring personalized treatment based on specific symptoms.

Methods and Advantages of TCM Headache Treatment

1. Acupuncture for Headaches (Natural & Safe)

Acupuncture is a highly effective method for migraines, tension headaches, and chronic pain.

  • Commonly used points: Baihui, Touwei, Fengchi, Taiyang, Hegu, Taichong, Yintang, Zusanli, and Xuehai.
  • Effect: Unblocks meridians, regulates the nervous system and cerebral blood flow, relieves acute discomfort, and reduces the frequency and intensity of attacks.

2. Herbal Medicine (Treating the Root)

  • Liver Yang Hyperactivity: Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction (Tianma Gouteng Yin) to calm the Liver.
  • Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction: Pinellia, Atractylodes, and Gastrodia Decoction to resolve dampness.
  • Blood Stasis: Formulas to promote blood circulation and unblock collaterals.
  • Kidney Essence Deficiency: Formulas to nourish the Kidney and brain marrow.

TCM focuses on overall harmony, not just symptom relief, to prevent recurrence.


3. External Therapies & Lifestyle Guidance

  • External Therapies: Moxibustion, auricular points, Gua Sha, and cupping to accelerate relief.
  • Dietary Therapy: Herbs like Gastrodia (Tianma) or Goji berries to nourish the Liver and calm the mind.
  • Lifestyle Advice: Regular sleep, stress management, and avoiding excessive caffeine or spicy stimulants.

Why Choose TCM for Headache Treatment?

Syndrome Differentiation

Precise treatment targeting your specific cause and body type.

Natural Therapy, Less Reliance

Uses acupuncture and herbs, suitable for long-term health management.

Stable Results, Low Recurrence

Ideal for comprehensive management of recurrent migraines.

Flexible & Individualized

Combinations of acupuncture and herbs tailored to your needs.

Case Sharing

Acupuncture and Herbs Help Relieve Long-term Recurrent Migraines

A professional woman suffering from years of migraines experienced severe pain on one side of her head, accompanied by vomiting and anxiety. Attacks occurred 4-5 times a month, worsening around her period. Diagnosed with "Liver Yang Hyperactivity and Blood Stasis," she was treated with herbs to clear Liver fire and acupuncture at points including Baihui, Fengchi, and Taichong. After three months, the frequency of attacks dropped significantly, and her sleep and mood improved.

Dr Li Rui

MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience

Dr Li Rui is a registered TCM physician and acupuncturist in Singapore with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master's degree in TCM from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Western Medicine from Shandong Medical University.

She previously served as an Attending Physician and clinical instructor at Xinhua Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Since establishing the Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre in Singapore in 2002, she has been dedicated to using combined acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat complex conditions, earning deep trust from her patients.

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Dr Li Rui Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre Singapore

TCM treatment for headaches focuses on balancing internal Qi, blood, and Yin-Yang while unblocking meridians through acupuncture. For patients with recurrent migraines, TCM is not just an alternative—it is a solution to rebuild balance and permanently bid farewell to headache troubles.

If you or your family suffer from chronic headaches or migraines and are looking for the best TCM treatment in Singapore, we recommend booking a professional consultation with Dr Li Rui.

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Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre

Blk 925 Yishun Central 1 #01-243 Singapore 760925

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info@tcm-shanghai.com.sg

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