If you’ve been told your migraines are “just something you have to live with,” it may be time to look at them differently.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraines aren’t viewed as a condition to simply suppress – they’re considered a message from the body that something is out of balance. Rather than giving every patient the same treatment, acupuncture identifies the underlying pattern contributing to your symptoms and creates a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Here are some of the most common migraine patterns we see in our work:
Liver Yang Rising – Often associated with stress and tension. Migraines may be throbbing and accompanied by neck tightness, dizziness, irritability, or light sensitivity.
Liver Fire – A stronger heat pattern that can present with intense headaches, red eyes, anger, a bitter taste in the mouth, or constipation.
Liver Blood Deficiency – When the body isn’t adequately nourished, headaches may be dull and recurring, along with fatigue, dry eyes, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping.
Kidney Yin Deficiency – Frequently seen with chronic migraines or burnout. Symptoms can include tinnitus, night sweats, hot flashes, low back discomfort, and persistent exhaustion.
Phlegm-Damp Accumulation – Headaches often feel heavy or foggy and may occur alongside nausea, sinus congestion, bloating, or brain fog.
Blood Stasis – Characterized by sharp, fixed pain that may stem from previous injuries, chronic tension, or longstanding migraine history.
Qi and Blood Deficiency – Often presents as milder headaches that improve with rest, accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, and low energy.
Every migraine has a story, and understanding that story is where healing begins.
Acupuncture works to restore balance, improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and address the root pattern contributing to your migraines – not just the symptoms. If you’re ready to explore a different approach, we’d love to help you discover what your body has been trying to tell you.