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?
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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?
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| 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.
