TCM Headache & Migraine Guide: Quick Q&A

Headaches can appear on the forehead, the sides, or move from place to place. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each location reflects a different imbalance — and each requires a different way of treatment.

This Q&A guide collects the most common questions about headaches, migraine patterns, eye dryness, neck tension and stress-related pain, and explains how TCM regulates them through Daoyin Anqiao techniques and specific acupoints.

Q&A: Understanding Headaches & Migraine in TCM

Q1. I get forehead pain or side headaches. How should I manage them?

A: Forehead pain is usually related to the Stomach channel; side headaches relate to the Gallbladder channel. Techniques include regulating GB and ST pathways and using points such as Zu Lin Qi (GB41) for pain relief.

Q2. Why do I have dry eyes and tearing even though my blood pressure is low? Is it Liver Yang rising?

A: It’s usually Liver Qi stagnation. When the Liver cannot ascend smoothly, Qi and blood fail to nourish the eyes.
Using the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) helps improve upward movement without causing heat.

Q3. Should I tonify Zhongwan or Guanyuan for eye dryness? Can I also use Yanglingquan and Taibai? Why choose Ren Mai?

A: Your upward Qi movement is insufficient.
Tonifying the Liver may cause heat, so Ren Mai is safer.
However, Xie Yanglingquan (GB34) reduces your upward force, making it unsuitable.
Taibai (SP3) is fine to use.

Q4. Which Ren Mai point should I use?

A: Most Ren Mai points can help.
Start by testing Zhongwan (CV12) and Guanyuan (CV4) — try one per day and compare the sensations.

Q5. My right eye feels tired easily. What can I do?

A: Try tonifying Right Zhongzhu (SJ3).

Q6. I get frontal headaches. How do I relieve them?

A: Try Xie Zu Lin Qi (GB41) for relief.

Q7. I have genetic headaches that move around and cannot tolerate overexertion. How do I manage them?

A: Migrating headaches usually indicate Wind-type pain.
Try Xie Zhongzhu (SJ3) first.

Q8. Cold weather triggers my right-sided migraine. Xie Zhongzhu helped. I also tear up easily when exposed to wind. Should I use GB41?

A: Yes, Zu Lin Qi (GB41) is excellent.
Try xie first, then bu.

Q9. Can Daoyin Anqiao help with white hair?

A: Strengthening the Kidney can help, but hereditary premature graying is different and harder to reverse

Q10. I have dandruff and oily scalp. Is it upper-jiao dampness?

A: Try tonifying Fengfu (GV16).
If you improve, it means cold exposure played a role.

Q11. After tonifying Chize, I felt dizzy and weak due to low blood sugar. Is it related to stress and anger?

A: This is more like blood deficiency.
Stress plus dental procedures worsen the deficiency.
Follow a strategy of Xie Gallbladder and Bu Spleen.

Q12. I have atlantoaxial ligament laxity causing headache & neck pain. Which point helps?

A: Tonify Fengchi (GB20).