Q What types of herbal medicine are prescribed for tension headaches? How do they work?
A Depending on the differential diagnosis type, the Cheongsangsan, Galgeuntang, and Soyosan series are primarily used. For the pattern of upper heat and lower cold, Cheongsang medicines that reduce heat in the head are prescribed; for Qi stagnation and blood stasis, medicines that circulate Qi and blood are prescribed; and for liver Qi stagnation, medicines that relieve liver Qi are prescribed.
Detailed Answer
Representative Prescription Directions by Differential Diagnosis
- Qi Stagnation and Blood Stagnation Type (Most Common): Promote Qi and blood circulation with Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica dahurica, and Pueraria lobata, resolve trigger points
- Upper Heat, Lower Cold Type: Herbal medicine series that lowers heat in the head — Lowering head heat + Replenishing warmth in the lower body
- Liver Qi Stagnation Type (Stress-related): Herbal medicine series that manages stress by releasing liver Qi and relieves liver Qi stagnation — Promotes liver Qi circulation, relieves stress
- Qi and Blood Deficiency Type (Fatigue Type): Addition of Qi-tonifying and blood-replenishing herbs — Improves cerebral blood flow
Dongjedang Prescription Principles
Examination of the patient's headache pattern, pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, and body heat distribution We formulate a personalized prescription based on a comprehensive analysis. A prescription tailored to the differential diagnosis is far more effective than purchasing commercial headache herbal medicines or single medicinal ingredients; at Dongjedang Korean Medicine Clinic, a dedicated Korean medicine doctor adjusts the prescription every 2 to 4 weeks based on the patient's progress.
Related FAQs
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Q
Is it possible to cure tension headaches completely, or do I have to manage them for life?
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Whenever I have a tension headache, neck and shoulder pain always come with it. Do they all get better with the same treatment?
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I have insomnia and anxiety along with tension headaches. Are they related? Can they be treated together with traditional Korean medicine?
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Are there stretches or posture corrections I can do at home to reduce tension headaches?
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How important are sleep and stress management for tension headaches? Please tell me specific methods.
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