If you suffer from migraines or recurring headaches, you know how much they can shape your life: lost workdays, canceled plans, and the feeling of living on guard for the next episode. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a headache is not seen as an isolated problem but as a sign that something in the body's overall balance has been thrown off. In this article we explain, in plain language, how to tell the most common types of headache apart, what tends to trigger them, and what acupuncture can offer as a complement to your usual medical treatment.
Tension-type headache and migraine: how do they differ?
Not all headaches are the same, and knowing which one you have is the first step toward addressing it properly. The two most common ones in the clinic are tension-type headache and migraine.
Tension-type headache: the tight helmet
This is the most common type of headache. It is usually described as pressure or tightness on both sides of the head, as if you were wearing a band or a helmet that is too tight. The pain is mild to moderate, does not get worse with normal physical activity, and, although it is annoying, it usually lets you carry on with your day-to-day activities.
Tension-type headache is closely linked to tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, and to factors such as stress, poor posture in front of a screen, or lack of rest. Many people get it only occasionally, but in some cases it becomes frequent or even chronic.
Migraine: much more than a headache
Migraine is a neurological disease that goes far beyond pain. It is characterized by episodes of throbbing pain (like beating or pulsing), usually on one side of the head, moderate to severe in intensity, that get worse with movement and light. It is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sounds and smells, and it can force a person to retreat to a dark, quiet room.
Some people experience what is known as an aura: temporary visual disturbances, such as flickering lights or blurry spots in the field of vision, that announce the arrival of the pain. Migraine episodes can last from a few hours to three days and, in many cases, leave a feeling of exhaustion afterward.
How migraine unfolds: the phases of an attack
A migraine attack does not start or end with the pain. Knowing how migraine shows up in your own case lets you recognize it early and act sooner, which is exactly what helps most. Not everyone goes through every phase, and the order can vary from one attack to the next.
Early warning signs
Hours or even a day before the pain, many people notice subtle signals: frequent yawning, tiredness, irritability or sadness for no reason, sweet cravings, a stiff neck, a greater urge to urinate, or unusual sensitivity to light. Learning to read these warning signs and noting them in your attack diary is very useful, because the medication your doctor has prescribed usually works better the sooner you take it.
The aura and the pain phase
In those who have it, the aura comes next and usually lasts less than an hour: zigzag lights, blind spots, and sometimes tingling in the face or hand. Then the pain arrives, throbbing and often on one side, with nausea and discomfort from light, noise, and smells. If an aura lasts longer than usual, affects your strength or speech, or appears for the first time, see a doctor without waiting.
The migraine hangover
When the pain eases, a final phase remains that many people call a "hangover": deep tiredness, trouble concentrating, a tender scalp, or a foggy, heavy-headed feeling that can last up to a day. It is a good time to rest, drink water, and gently return to eating. From the Chinese medicine point of view, this exhaustion is linked to Qi that has been spent during the attack, and in the clinic we sometimes work points that help replenish it, such as Zusanli (ST36), on the leg, just below the knee.
Why does my head hurt? The most common triggers
In both tension-type headache and migraine, there are factors that act as triggers. Identifying them is essential for preventing new episodes, and it is something that both conventional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine put special emphasis on.
Stress and emotional tension
Stress is probably the trigger most often cited by people who suffer from recurring headaches. Interestingly, many migraines appear not at the peak of stress but right after it, when the body "lets its guard down," for example when the weekend arrives or in the first days of vacation. Sustained worry, frustration, or pent-up anger also tighten the muscles of the neck and shoulders, feeding tension-type headache.
Sleep: neither too little nor too much
Sleeping badly, sleeping too little, but also sleeping too much or abruptly changing your rest schedule can trigger a migraine episode. The body appreciates regularity: going to bed and getting up at similar times, even on weekends, is one of the simplest and most effective preventive measures.
Diet and digestion
Prolonged fasting, skipping meals, dehydration, or too much of certain foods and drinks (alcohol, especially red wine; large amounts of caffeine or its sudden withdrawal; aged cheeses; cured meats; sweeteners) are classic migraine triggers. From the Chinese perspective, a heavy digestion or a disorderly diet also overloads the body and creates that foggy, heavy-headed feeling that many people recognize.
Other common factors
Hormonal changes (many women notice their migraines are tied to the menstrual cycle), intense sensory stimuli (bright lights, noise, strong smells), changes in the weather, and eye strain from long hours in front of screens round out the list of usual suspects. Keeping an attack diary, noting what you ate, how you slept, and what you did before each episode, is a very useful tool for discovering your personal triggers.
What causes migraine, and is there a cure?
Triggers explain why an attack appears today and not tomorrow, but not what causes migraine itself. It is now understood as a disorder of the brain with a strong hereditary component: it is common for other cases to run in the family. In people with migraine, the nervous system is more sensitive to change, and in response to certain stimuli the trigeminal nerve is activated and releases inflammatory substances around the blood vessels of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain. That process is what produces the throbbing pain, the nausea, and the discomfort with light and noise.
Chinese medicine describes it in a different language. Many migraines are related to Liver Yang Rising, an energy that surges upward toward the head, especially in times of tension, irritability, or hormonal change; that is why we work points such as Taichong (LR3) or Baihui (GV20), at the top of the head. Others are associated with Blood or Qi deficiency, typical of dull aches that get worse with fatigue, or with Dampness, which leaves the head heavy and foggy. These are not anatomical explanations but a way of organizing symptoms so the treatment can be personalized.
Is there a cure for migraine?
The honest answer is that there is no definitive cure today. What does exist is good control: with the right treatment and orderly habits, many people manage to have attacks that are less frequent, shorter, and more bearable. Migraine also changes over a lifetime, and in some people it eases with the years. Be wary of any product or therapy that promises to end it for good.
How does Chinese medicine understand headache?
Traditional Chinese Medicine starts from a simple idea: the body is an interconnected whole, and the head is no exception. When something interferes with the smooth circulation of energy and Blood through the body, pain appears as an alarm signal. Hence a well-known maxim of this tradition: where there is blockage, there is pain; where there is flow, the pain disappears.
From this perspective, there is no single "headache" but many, and the way it shows up offers clues about its origin:
Where it hurts: the front of the head, the temples, the crown, or the back of the neck are linked, on the Chinese medicine map, to different pathways of energy circulation and to different functions of the body.
How it hurts: a fixed, stabbing pain is interpreted differently from a dull, heavy pain, a feeling of pressure pushing outward, or a pain that moves from one place to another.
When it hurts: pain that gets worse with stress, with menstruation, after eating, or at the end of the day points to different imbalances.
What goes along with it: nausea, irritability, tiredness, dizziness, or sensitivity to light help complete the picture.
In addition, TCM pays close attention to the person's life context: their work rhythm, rest, dominant emotions, diet, and constitution. So two people with seemingly identical migraines may receive different approaches, because what throws one off balance is not the same as what throws the other off. The goal is not just to switch off the pain of the moment but to correct the terrain that allows the pain to come back.
What can acupuncture offer for migraines and headaches?
Acupuncture is one of the best-known techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine and consists of inserting very fine needles at specific points on the body, in order to promote the circulation of energy, relax the muscles, and help the body recover its balance.
For recurring headaches, its role is mainly preventive: reducing the frequency and intensity of episodes and improving quality of life between attacks. Many people turn to acupuncture when painkillers are becoming too frequent in their lives, when they want to reduce their medication (always together with their doctor), or when they want to address associated factors such as stress, neck tension, or sleep problems, which often improve in parallel during treatment.
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a traditional practice, and there is ongoing scientific research on its usefulness in managing chronic pain, including headaches. Even so, it is important to be realistic: acupuncture is not a miracle cure and does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. It is best understood as a complement within a comprehensive approach, alongside lifestyle changes (regular sleep, an orderly diet, stress management, breaks from screens) and follow-up with your doctor or neurologist when appropriate.
For migraine, the 2016 Cochrane review, covering 22 trials and almost 5,000 people, concluded that acupuncture reduces the frequency of attacks compared with no acupuncture and that its effect is comparable to that of some preventive drugs, although the advantage over sham acupuncture is small. A Chinese trial published in 2017 in JAMA Internal Medicine found that twenty sessions over eight weeks reduced migraine days more than sham acupuncture.
Acupuncture points for migraine
Migraine usually hurts on one side of the head, at the temple and around the eye, which is the path of the Gallbladder channel. That is why many of the points belong to that channel: Fengchi (GB20) at the base of the skull, Shuaigu (GB8) above the ear, and Zulinqi (GB41) on the foot. To these we add Taiyang (EX-HN5) at the temple, Waiguan (TE5) on the forearm, and Taichong (LR3) on the top of the foot, the latter when attacks are related to stress or the menstrual cycle. For a migraine in full swing, acupressure at Taiyang and Fengchi, in the dark and with gentle pressure, is what most people find bearable.
Acupressure: acupuncture points for migraine you can work on at home
Acupressure consists of stimulating the same points with a fingertip, without needles, and it is the simplest way to bring Chinese medicine into your daily life. Besides Taiyang and Fengchi, the points commonly used are Hegu (LI4), on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger; Yintang (EX-HN3), between the eyebrows, when the pain is concentrated in the forehead; Touwei (ST8), at the corner of the forehead by the hairline; and Neiguan (PC6), on the inner side of the forearm, if the attack comes with nausea.
Press each point firmly but without causing pain, in small circles, for one or two minutes, breathing slowly. Hegu should not be stimulated during pregnancy, and it is best to avoid pressure on damaged or inflamed skin. It is a resource for relief and calm, not a substitute for your treatment.
How to stop a migraine: what to do during an attack and how to treat it long term
When someone searches for how to stop a migraine fast, they are almost always in the middle of an episode. What helps most at that moment is acting early: take the medication your doctor has prescribed as soon as you notice the first symptoms, retreat to a dark, quiet place, drink water, apply cold to your forehead or the back of your neck, and practice the gentle acupressure we just described. There is no remedy that eliminates migraine instantly in everyone; the aim is to shorten and soften the attack.
Migraine medicine and long-term management
Migraine treatment is decided by your doctor or neurologist, who can prescribe drugs for attacks and, if episodes are frequent, preventive treatment. It is best not to overuse painkillers on your own, because taking them very often can end up making the headache chronic. Long-term migraine management combines that medication with the attack diary, regular sleep and meals, and stress management. That is where Chinese medicine fits best, as a complement for fighting migraine from the terrain that favors it.
Which medication is taken for migraine, and what new treatments exist
There are two broad groups of drugs, and your doctor chooses both. To stop an attack, common painkillers and anti-inflammatories are used for mild episodes and, for more intense ones, migraine-specific medications such as triptans, which are not suitable for everyone, for example people with certain heart conditions. To prevent attacks, when they are frequent, daily doses are prescribed of drugs originally designed for other problems, such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, or depression, which also help reduce episodes.
In recent years, new migraine treatments have arrived that target CGRP, one of the substances involved in pain: antibodies injected periodically and oral drugs from the same family. They are usually reserved for frequent migraines that have not responded to other options, and they are prescribed by the neurologist, who in chronic migraine may also turn to botulinum toxin. Which medication works for your migraine depends on the type of attack, your general health, and what you already take, so there is no single best option for everyone.
Antidepressants for migraine: why they are part of preventive treatment
Many people are surprised when their doctor suggests an antidepressant for migraine even though they are not depressed. The reason is that some of these drugs act on substances in the nervous system, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that also play a role in how the brain processes pain. That is why they are used for prevention: they are taken every day, usually at lower doses than those used for mood, with the goal that attacks come less often and with less force. The best-known one for this use is amitriptyline, which can also help when migraine coexists with tension-type headache or trouble sleeping.
Like other migraine drugs, they can have side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or weight changes, and they are not suitable for everyone. Their effect is not immediate: it usually takes several weeks to judge whether they work, and they should never be stopped abruptly without talking to your doctor. If they have been prescribed for you, it does not mean your pain is "psychological"; it means the sensitivity of the nervous system that underlies migraine is being treated.
Packets and other over-the-counter remedies for migraine
Many people look for something for migraine at the pharmacy and find painkillers in packets, effervescent tablets, or drinkable form. The packet is not a different medication but a form of presentation: the active ingredient is usually the same as in regular pills, and because it is taken dissolved, some people feel it work sooner or tolerate it better when they are nauseous. Some combine several active ingredients or add caffeine, which may not suit you if you sleep poorly or drink a lot of coffee.
Before turning to them often, ask at the pharmacy or your doctor which one suits you, especially if you have stomach, kidney, or blood pressure problems, are pregnant, or take anticoagulants. And keep track of how many days a month you need them: if the number keeps growing, that is the signal to ask for an evaluation and consider preventive treatment.
Which specialist treats migraine, and what is the treatment of choice
The first step is usually the family doctor, who can diagnose most migraines with a good interview and an examination. When attacks are frequent, do not respond to the usual treatments, or change in form, the specialist who treats migraine is the neurologist, and many hospitals have units dedicated solely to headaches. The treatment of choice is not the same for everyone: it depends on how many attacks you have per month, their intensity, your age, other illnesses, and the drugs you already take. Current migraine treatment therefore combines medication for the attack, prevention when needed, and habits.
Tests for migraine: which ones are ordered
Migraine is diagnosed mainly by what the pain is like, not by a blood test or an image. If the symptoms are typical, often no test is needed. The doctor may order a CT scan or an MRI when warning signs appear, when the pain starts at an unusual age, or when the pattern changes, and sometimes a blood test to rule out other causes. The most useful study, and the one that helps the specialist most, is your attack diary.
Natural medicine for migraine: what works well and with what precautions
Many people look for what works for migraine without always turning to drugs. There are natural options with some backing, but you should know that their effect is modest, that they take weeks to show, and that "natural" does not mean harmless.
Supplements for migraine
The most studied supplements for preventing migraine are magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and coenzyme Q10. They are taken daily for a period of time, and the available research suggests they may help some people, although results are limited. Among herbs, feverfew and petasites have been used for the same purpose; the latter only in controlled preparations, because some extracts can damage the liver. No natural remedy for migraine replaces medical treatment: talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you are pregnant, take anticoagulants, or have kidney problems.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese medicine also uses herbal formulas adapted to each person's pattern: what is prescribed for Liver Yang Rising is not the same as for Blood deficiency. That is why they should be prescribed by a trained professional who knows your medication and your history.
Home remedies for migraine: what to do when you have an attack
Home remedies do not replace the medication your doctor has prescribed, but combined well with it they can make the attack more bearable. The first thing is to reduce stimuli: lower the blinds, turn off screens, and find silence. A cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the forehead, temples, or back of the neck relieves many people; others prefer gentle heat on the neck and shoulders, especially if the pain is mixed with muscle tension. Drink water in small sips and, if you have gone hours without eating, have something light.
A cup of coffee or tea at the onset of pain helps some people, but only if you do not turn caffeine into a habit for every episode. For nausea, some people turn to ginger tea. And while you wait for the medication to take effect, slow breathing and gentle acupressure at Taiyang or Neiguan (PC6) help release tension and get through the discomfort.
Migraine in children and cluster headache: symptoms and treatment
There are two situations that fall outside the usual pattern and are worth knowing about: childhood migraine, which often goes unnoticed, and so-called cluster migraine, which is actually a different headache with its own treatment.
Migraine in children: how to recognize it and how it is treated
In children, attacks tend to be shorter than in adults, the pain may affect both sides of the head, and digestive symptoms often predominate: stomachache, nausea, vomiting, and paleness. Many children stop playing, look for a place to lie down, and fall asleep, and feel better when they wake up. Since there may also be a family history, it is helpful to mention it to the pediatrician.
Treatment of migraine in children is always prescribed by the pediatrician or pediatric neurologist, who decides which painkiller and what dose based on weight and age; adult medications or aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers without medical direction. At home, regular sleep, not skipping breakfast, drinking water, limiting screens, and watching for school stress help a lot. From the Chinese medicine perspective, gentle techniques are preferred for the youngest, such as massage or very light acupressure at the temple and the base of the skull; needles, if considered, only with a professional experienced with children and with the medical diagnosis already made.
Cluster migraine: treatment for a different headache
What many people call cluster migraine is cluster headache. It produces very intense pain around one eye, always on the same side, lasting from a quarter of an hour to a few hours, and it comes with tearing, a red eye, nasal congestion, and restlessness: unlike migraine, the person cannot keep still. Attacks are grouped into seasons of weeks, often at the same time and at night, and during those periods alcohol often triggers them.
Its treatment is specific and directed by the neurologist: to stop an attack, high-flow oxygen inhalation and some fast-acting drugs are used, and during the cluster season preventive treatment is prescribed. Usual painkillers hardly help. Acupuncture can support stress management and rest between seasons, but here its role is secondary and it never replaces that treatment.
How to avoid migraine: everyday tips
Besides what we have already seen about sleep, diet, and stress, these migraine tips are simple to put into practice:
Always eat breakfast, and don't let too many hours pass without eating.
Carry a water bottle with you and drink throughout the day.
Take short breaks every hour in front of the screen and adjust its brightness.
Keep your coffee intake steady, without sudden increases or withdrawals.
Practice a few minutes a day of slow breathing, tai chi, or qigong.
Do gentle, regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, without sudden exertion.
Spend a couple of minutes a day on acupressure at Fengchi (GB20) and Hegu (LI4) to loosen the neck and built-up tension.
Exercise for migraine: how to prevent it by moving
Exercise for migraine has a preventive role, not a rescue one: during an attack, rest is best, because movement usually makes the pain worse. Between attacks, though, moderate, regular aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling without pushing too hard, helps you sleep better, release stress, and keep a stable routine, three things that protect against new episodes. What counts most is consistency, several days a week, more than intensity.
Some people notice that sudden or very intense exertion triggers their pain. If that is you, start gently, warm up well, drink water before and after, and don't train on an empty stomach. Slow stretches of the neck and shoulders, and tai chi and qigong exercises, fit especially well when the neck gets loaded easily. To finish the session you can gently press Jianjing (GB21), on top of the shoulder, halfway between the neck and the tip of the shoulder, a point that Chinese medicine uses to release tension in the trapezius; avoid it during pregnancy.
Other Chinese medicine techniques for treating migraine
Auricular therapy: stimulates points on the outer ear, often with small seeds attached that you can press between sessions. It is used mainly to support the stress and tension that precede many attacks.
Cupping: applied to the upper back, shoulders, and base of the neck, it helps release tight muscles, which is especially useful in tension-type headache. It is not applied to the head or during an intense attack.
Tai chi and qigong: slow movements coordinated with breathing that many people adopt as a habit to relax the neck, sleep better, and reduce accumulated stress. Their value lies in consistency, not in immediate relief.
When should you see a doctor right away for a headache?
At the first visit, the practitioner will conduct a detailed interview: where and how it hurts, since when, what triggers it, how you sleep, how you eat, and what your stress level is. They may also look at your tongue and take your pulse, two classic assessment tools of this medicine.
With all that information, they develop a personalized plan and insert the needles, which are barely felt going in—most people describe a mild sensation of pressure, warmth, or tingling—and which stay in place for twenty to thirty minutes while you rest. It is usual to recommend a series of sessions, since the effects are cumulative, and to assess progress together.
When to seek medical attention without delay
Most headaches are benign, but some signs call for immediate medical attention:
- A sudden, very intense headache, unlike anything you have felt before.
- Pain accompanied by high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness in an arm or leg, trouble speaking, or loss of vision.
- Headaches that appear or get worse after a blow to the head.
- A clear change in the pattern of your usual headaches, or headaches that become more and more frequent and intense.
For persistent symptoms or any of these warning signs, always see your doctor first. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can support you afterward, as a complement, once the medical diagnosis has been established.
Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture cure migraine?
It is not correct to talk about a cure. Acupuncture is used as a complement to try to reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes and improve quality of life, always alongside appropriate medical follow-up. The response varies a lot from person to person.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed for headache?
There is no fixed number. It depends on the type of pain, how long you have had it, and your general situation. The usual approach is to start with a series of weekly sessions and reassess progress from there, spacing out the visits if the response is favorable.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are much thinner than those used for an injection, and insertion is barely noticeable. It is common to feel a slight sensation of pressure, heaviness, or tingling in the area, which most people describe as pleasant or, at the very least, perfectly tolerable.
Can I keep taking my medication if I come for acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture is compatible with medication, and you should never stop or reduce a treatment prescribed by your doctor on your own. If you notice improvement over time, any medication adjustment should always be made by your doctor.
Does tension-type headache respond to acupuncture the same way as migraine?
They are different conditions and are approached differently. Tension-type headache is often closely tied to tight muscles and stress, so work on the muscles of the neck and shoulders, together with stress management, plays a prominent role. In migraine, the approach is more preventive and personalized to your triggers.
Which acupuncture points for migraine can I press myself?
The most commonly used in acupressure are Taiyang, at the temple; Fengchi, at the base of the skull; Hegu, between the thumb and index finger; and Yintang, between the eyebrows. Press them gently in small circles for one or two minutes. Avoid Hegu if you are pregnant, and talk to your doctor if attacks are frequent or change pattern.
How do you stop a migraine fast?
There is no method that works the same for everyone. What usually helps is acting at the first symptom with the medication your doctor has indicated, resting in the dark and in silence, hydrating, applying cold, and gently pressing some acupressure points. Acupuncture is not meant to stop an attack but to help make them less frequent.
What is recommended for migraine besides medication?
What is most recommended is regularity: sleeping at similar times, not skipping meals, drinking enough water, moderating alcohol and caffeine, and taking breaks from screens. The attack diary helps detect your triggers. As a complement, acupuncture, acupressure, tai chi, or qigong can help manage the stress and tension that precede many episodes.
Is there a new treatment that cures migraine?
No. The most recent treatments, such as those that act on CGRP, have been an advance for many people with frequent migraine, but they serve to prevent and reduce attacks, not to make them disappear forever. They are not suitable for every case, and it is your neurologist who assesses whether it makes sense to try them in your situation.
Where does migraine come from, and why does it arise in some people and not others?
The most common cause is an inherited predisposition: the brain of someone with migraine reacts more intensely to changes such as stress, lack of sleep, hormones, or fasting. That is why there are usually more cases in the family and it is more common in women. Triggers do not cause it, but they decide when each attack appears. Chinese medicine adds its own reading, centered on the Liver, Blood, and Qi.
Are migraine packets better than pills?
Not necessarily. Many packets contain the same painkiller as the tablets, just dissolved, and some people feel them work sooner or tolerate them better with nausea. What matters is the active ingredient and the dose, not the format. Ask at the pharmacy or your doctor which one suits you, and avoid taking them many days a month, because overuse can make the headache come back more.
Which specialist treats migraine?
Start with your family doctor, who can diagnose and treat most cases. If attacks are frequent, do not improve with the usual treatments, or change pattern, they will refer you to the neurologist, the migraine specialist. Acupuncture can be added as a complement, but it does not replace that medical evaluation.
Which supplements are used for migraine?
The most studied are magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and coenzyme Q10, which are taken daily as prevention and may help some people, with modest results that take weeks to show. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant or take other medication.
Why am I being prescribed antidepressants for migraine if I'm not depressed?
Because some antidepressants act on substances in the nervous system that also regulate pain, and at low doses they are used as preventive treatment for migraine. They are taken daily, take a few weeks to work, and their goal is to reduce the frequency of attacks, not to treat mood. Don't stop them abruptly, and tell your doctor about any side effects.
What exercise is good for preventing migraine?
The one you can keep up regularly: walking, swimming, gentle cycling, tai chi, or qigong. Done several times a week, it helps you sleep better and manage stress, two factors closely tied to attacks. Avoid sudden exertion if you notice it triggers your pain, hydrate well, and don't exercise during an attack, when rest is what's called for.
Does migraine go away with age?
In some people it does ease: it is common for attacks to change with age and, in many women, to shift after menopause. But it doesn't happen in every case and it can't be predicted. In the meantime, medical treatment, regular habits, and complements such as acupuncture help make episodes less frequent and more bearable.
How is migraine diagnosed?
Migraine diagnosis is clinical: the doctor establishes it from how you describe the pain, how long it lasts, what goes along with it, and how often it appears, together with an examination. There is no blood test that confirms it. Imaging tests are reserved for when there are warning signs or changes in the pattern. Keeping an attack diary makes that diagnosis much easier.
What should I do if my child has a migraine?
See the pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and to be told which medication and what dose your child can take. During an attack, let them rest in the dark and in silence, offer water and something light if they tolerate it. To prevent attacks, look after sleep and meal schedules and limit screens. If the episodes change or come with new symptoms, consult again.
A step toward a life with less pain
Living with migraines or recurring headaches doesn't have to be your destiny. Understanding what type of pain you have, identifying your triggers, and looking after your sleep, diet, and stress management habits are steps that are already within your reach. If you also want to explore what Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can offer as a complement, we encourage you to put yourself in the hands of a qualified professional with accredited training, who will assess your case individually and work in coordination with your doctor. Your head—and your quality of life—will thank you.
