What is a migraine?

A migraine is a complex set of symptoms usually but not always involving headache, though medical science does not yet have a full understanding of how migraines are generated current theories favour it being the result of an inflammation of a facial nerve, the trigeminal nerve. This inflammation causes disturbances of blood flow and changes of blood chemistry, particularly of the serotonin level. For unknown reasons the serotonin level has been found to drop, this drop in levels causes blood vessels to expand and sensitivity to pain to increase.

What are the common symptoms of a migraine?

A visual halo one of the visual distortions a suffer may experience

Migraines generally developed over a period of time. Most people experience a warning phase (a prodrome), though some people who are less conscious of it may feel the onset is sudden. A classic migraine is one that is marked by distorted vision seeing an aura of flashing lights, and maybe feelings of disorientation and dizziness. Is possible to have one-sided facial numbness and tingling and speech problems such as garbled words. Classic migraine actually occurs in only 10 to 20% of migraines. Common migraine occurs without visual disturbance but with sensitivity to light and sound. The prodrome is often marked by fatigue, a sense of anxiety or moodiness and other vague symptoms indicating things are not right. With the onset of the headache the pain is intense throbbing or pounding and it is not uncommon to have nausea and occasionally vomiting.

What is the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understanding of migraine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that migraines are predominantly caused by a disturbance of the Liver Energy or Qi (sounded as chee). According to TCM the energy of liver is like springtime it has an uplifting rising quality. When the liver becomes blood deficient or Yin deficient its Qi can become unrestrained. This unrestrained Qi rises to the top of the body and disturbs the normal circulation of Qi in the head. In order to successfully treat migraine a TCM practitioner will determine the base course of this rising Liver Energy. Treatment will be aimed not only at restoring Qi flow in the head to normal but also in addressing the basic imbalance that leads to the loss of control over the Liver Qi.

How do the Five Phases of Chinese medicine relate to migraine?

Five Phase Theory diagram, two sets of relationships are involved. Each organ set nurtures and supports the one clockwise on the circle and regulates and controls the second organ on the circle.

Five Phase theory is a traditional theory used to explain the interrelationships between various organ systems. According to this theory the Liver is responsible for supporting and nourishing the Heart, and for guiding and regulating the Spleen. Whilst the energy of the Kidney is responsible for supporting and nourishing the Liver. An understanding of these relationships and the signs and symptoms involved with disturbance allow the TCM practitioner to determine the best treatment to restore balance, relieve the migraine and reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence.

What acupuncture meridians are involved in migraine?

Central to the theory and practice of acupuncture is an understanding of the meridians, where they travel, which organ systems they connect to and what body areas they control. The Liver and its associated partner the Gallbladder have a strong relationship to the eyes and to vision. The gallbladder meridian has a strong effect on the sides of the head including the region of the trigeminal nerve.

How does TCM explain the symptoms of migraine?

When the Liver Qi becomes disturbed and rises, it tends to disturb the Energy of the Heart causing anxiety, restlessness, mood changes, and possible depression. As the rising Liver Qi disturbs normal circulation in the head it will disrupt sensory perception and the clarity of thought. As mentioned previously according to Five Phase theory the liver is responsible for regulating the Spleen however the disturbed Liver Qi can over regulate and disturb Spleen Qi, which in Chinese medicine is central to the digestive system, this leads to nausea and vomiting.

What treatments does TCM offer?

The Chinese are a very practical people, and Chinese medicine has been practised and improved for over 3000 years. This practicality and experience has led the Chinese to develop many methods of affecting the imbalances that lead to migraine. Chinese herbal medicine tends to be important in addressing most of the imbalances, between the organ systems, that can lead to migraine. Acupuncture can assist in this process and in particular can improve the flow of Qi through the acupuncture meridian that is involved. In some cases other techniques such as massage, Gua Sha or Cupping Therapy may be applied. Once the imbalance that is causing you to suffer migraines has been identified your practitioner can guide you in the therapies most suitable and also in the selection of foods and lifestyle changes that you may benefit from. The point is, you are an individual, the imbalances that lead you to suffer migraines are not identical to those that lead others to suffer migraines. So the treatment should be aimed at your situation and not be a blanket approach. Arrange an appointment now!

What can I do to myself to control or stop my migraines?

In any situation awareness is the first step to changing it. The more aware you become about yourself, and the way migraines occur in your life, the more likely you are to be able to control them. Sufferers sometimes find that certain foods trigger migraine. Some examples are caffeine, aged cheeses, organ meats, preserved meats and red wine. Food additives such as MSG or preservatives may also be a problem. Women sometimes find that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can trigger migraines. Some medications, particularly drugs to treat ulcers, high blood pressure or circuitry disorders may trigger them. Surprisingly sudden weather changes particularly a rapid change in biometric pressure may also be important. To improve your awareness it is a good idea to keep a diary, use it to keep track of your sleeping patterns, the food you eat, caffeine intake and alcohol consumption. Stress is also an important factor. You may find regular exercise of benefit, exercises such as Tai Chi or Yoga , even regular walks help some people. You may also consider relaxation techniques or meditation.