Migraines affect approximately one in seven Australians. For many sufferers, Western medical options provide only partial relief or work only as acute rescue therapy rather than prevention. Acupuncture offers a genuinely different approach — one that addresses why migraines keep recurring.

TCM Migraine Differentiation

Rather than treating all migraines the same way, TCM identifies distinct patterns requiring different treatments:

Liver Yang Rising

The most common pattern in working-age adults. Characteristics: one-sided, throbbing, severe headaches triggered or worsened by stress, anger, alcohol, or hormonal fluctuation. Associated with irritability, disturbed sleep, and tinnitus. The Liver's Yang energy rises upward when not anchored by sufficient Yin.

Blood Deficiency Headaches

More common in women with heavy periods or post-partum patients. These headaches are dull rather than throbbing, bilateral, and worsen with exertion or at the end of the day. Often accompanied by blurred vision, palpitations, and fatigue.

Phlegm-Damp Obstruction

A heavy, pressure-like headache with nausea and a sensation of heaviness in the head. Common in those with a diet high in rich foods or in humid conditions — what many patients describe as a "foggy" or "congestion" headache.

"The same debilitating headache can arise from completely different root causes. Treating the pattern, not the label, is what distinguishes Chinese Medicine."

Acupuncture Protocols and Herbal Support

Key points include GB 20 (Fengchi) at the base of the skull, LV 3 and LI 4 (the Four Gates for Liver Yang), ST 8 (Touwei) for temporal headaches, and SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) for Blood nourishment. Chinese herbs frequently used include Tian Ma (Gastrodia) for calming Liver Yang, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) as the leading headache herb in TCM, and Bai Shao (White Peony) to anchor rising Yang.

Treatment Duration Expectations

For established migraine conditions, a minimum of eight to twelve sessions is typically recommended. Many patients notice a reduction in frequency and severity within the first four to six sessions. The goal is progressive reduction — from weekly to monthly, then to occasional — rather than immediate elimination. Most patients who complete a full course maintain long-term benefit with occasional maintenance acupuncture.

Tired of Migraines Controlling Your Life?

Personalised TCM migraine treatment at Lane Cove. Seven days a week.

Book a Migraine Consultation