Headaches (Migraines)

Headaches are among the most common health complaints and affect people worldwide in varying forms and intensities. The most common types of headaches include tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. The causes and triggers can be highly diverse.

Headaches themselves are a symptom, not a disease in their own right. They result from the irritation of pain receptors in the brain or surrounding tissues such as muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Various factors can play a role, including stress, lack of sleep, poor posture, overexertion, or environmental influences like noise or bright light.

Most patients suffer from tension headaches or migraines, which are classified as primary headache disorders. Tension headaches are characterized by a dull, pressing, or pulling sensation with throbbing, pulsating, or recurring pain. Migraines are often pulsating, typically affect one side of the head, and are frequently accompanied by sensitivity to light and noise, as well as nausea or even vomiting.

Migraine attacks can be triggered by various factors such as certain foods, hormonal fluctuations, weather changes, sleep disturbances, or stress. Many migraine sufferers also report so-called “aura” symptoms that may occur before the actual headache begins. These can include visual disturbances like flickering lights or partial loss of vision and may last up to an hour before the attack.

One of the most common causes of tension headaches is a blockage in the cervical spine, which is why headache patients often report chronic neck and shoulder tension. Both types of headaches—migraines and tension headaches—can become chronic, meaning they recur frequently and significantly affect daily life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), treatments such as acupuncture, Tuina (a form of therapeutic massage), and cupping therapy can yield very positive results. These techniques work by directly stimulating the muscles and nerves in the neck and head area to effectively release blockages. Furthermore, stimulating various meridians (Qi pathways) helps to harmonize the body’s energy (Qi), making the body more resilient not only to headaches but also to a range of other ailments in the future.

We would be happy to advise you on your individual symptoms and the possible therapies.