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Migraines
(7 of 9)
Bupleurum and Peony F. (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San or Dan Zhi Xiao Yao
San): Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency) and Heat.
Tang Kuei, Evodia and Ginger C. (Dang Gui Si Ni Jia Wu Zhu Yu Sheng
Jiang Tang): Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) and Yang Xu (Deficiency) with Internal:weak
constitution, cold extremeties, nausea and vomiting, extremely thin pulse
Coptis and Rhubarb C. (Xie Xin Tang); Niu Huang Jiang Ya Wan (patent):
Liver Yang Rising: flushed face, red eyes, dark urine, constipation, greasy
yellow tongue coat
Chuan Qiong Cha Tiao Wan (patent): Wind-Cold; headache in these locations:
sides of head (Xiao Yang), top of head (Jue Yin), forehead (Yang Ming),
back of head, neck/upper back (Tai Yang)
Tian Ma Wan (patent): Wind-Cold with Xue (Blood) Stagnation
Ci Wu Jia Pian (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Kidney Jing Xu (Essence
Deficiency)
Cnidium 9 (patent): Xue (Blood) Stagnation
Uncaria 6 (patent) plus Salvia Shou Wu (patent): Hypertensive headache
The Chinese often eat a fish head soup with Gastrodia and Ligusticum (available
in most good Chinese restaurants) for chronic migraines. There are also
many acupoints useful for treating migraines. One of the most famous points
is located in the fleshy web of the thumbs (Large Intestine 4). In fact,
you can squeeze this area to stimulate a bowel movement (which in itself
will help relieve the migraine) and to reduce the pain of a migraine, especially
if is presents in the lower face. For the migraine which focuses on the
eyes and upper face, a point 2 inches up from the wrist (Triple Warmer 5)
will curtail pain, and so will a point below the base of the big toe (Liver
3). For migaiens which come on more frequently with the change of seasons,
a very effective point is called "Wind Gate" (Gall Bladder 20),
located at the top of the neck, just below the hairline on either side of
the thick muscles which run up from the back. These points can also be
effectively pressed for relief. Some people find great relief from putting
two tennis balls inside an old stocking and tying them together. You can
then lie on your back on the floor, preferably in a dark and quiet room,
with the tennis balls pressing into the top of the neck. Your local acupuncturist
will give you a constitutional work-up, looking at your tongue and feeling
your pulses, before deciding on the correct point combination to remedy
your migraine.
What About Using Guided Imagery or Meditation For Migraine Relief?
Migraines, obviously, are located in the head, and therefore both affect
and are affected by your mental condition. Many people find a psychological
approach to relaxation the very best way to handle migraines. Consider
the following metaphors and correlations between the migraine and your mental/emotional
wellbeing. Perhaps some of these ideas will provide insight as to buried
sources of stress which continue to create physical problems. Knowing yourself,
and acting responsibly upon that knowledge, is an important key to restoring
balance and vitality.
- You may feel that something has to be accomplished or achieved or
some goal reached. This sense of need may create a migraine which doesn't
relax until after the effort is exerted.
- Perhaps your migraine is because you dislike against being driven;
you're resisting the flow of life.
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A graduate of Bastyr University in Seattle, she completed both the Naturopathic and Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine programs. Her preceptor work (similar to residencies) took place in Seattle, West Virginia and China, 
