Why Do Headaches Keep Coming Back?
Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture treatment. Almost everyone experiences headaches at some point in life. For some people, the pain occurs only occasionally, while for others it becomes a recurring problem that affects work, sleep, family life, and overall wellbeing.
One of the questions patients ask me most often is:
“Why does my headache keep coming back?”
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, answering this question involves looking beyond the pain itself. We aim to understand not only where the pain is located, but also why it has developed and what may be preventing recovery.
Different Headaches May Have Different Causes
Western medicine recognises many different types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, vascular headaches, and headaches associated with other medical conditions.
In acupuncture clinics, however, we most commonly see tension headaches, headaches related to neck and shoulder tension, and headaches associated with prolonged desk work or emotional stress.
Although these headaches may feel similar, they often have different underlying causes. Understanding these differences helps us develop a more individualised treatment plan.
Meridian Differentiation in Traditional Chinese Medicine
One of the unique features of Traditional Chinese Medicine is meridian differentiation.
Rather than treating every headache in exactly the same way, we first consider where the pain is located.
Forehead headaches are commonly associated with the Yang Ming meridian.
Temple headaches often involve the Shao Yang meridian.
Pain at the back of the head usually follows the Tai Yang meridian.
Headaches on the top of the head are often related to the Jue Yin meridian.
The location of the pain provides valuable clinical information and helps guide acupuncture point selection.
Meridian-Based Acupuncture Treatment
Once the involved meridian has been identified, acupuncture treatment combines both local and distal points.
For forehead headaches, local points such as Yintang, Shenting, and Baihui may be combined with distal points such as Hegu and Fenglong.
Temple headaches may be treated with local points including Taiyang and Jiaosun, together with distal points such as Zhongzhu and Waiguan.
For headaches at the back of the head, local points such as Tianzhu and Fengchi are commonly combined with Houxi.
Headaches affecting the top of the head may benefit from Baihui, Sishencong, and Taichong.
By combining local and distal treatment, acupuncture aims to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the meridian rather than treating only the painful area.
Looking Beyond the Pain
The location of a headache is only one part of the diagnosis.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also considers the body’s internal balance through pattern differentiation.
Some headaches are associated with Liver Qi Stagnation, often related to emotional stress and prolonged tension.
Others may involve Blood Stasis, where impaired circulation contributes to persistent pain.
Some develop after exposure to Cold, while others may be related to Stomach Heat.
Because every patient presents a unique pattern, treatment is always individualised rather than applying the same approach to everyone.
A Comprehensive TCM Approach
Acupuncture is often the foundation of treatment, but it is rarely the only therapy.
For Blood Stasis, bloodletting around the Taiyang region and cupping therapy may help promote circulation.
For Cold-related headaches, ginger moxibustion helps warm the meridians and dispel Cold.
Depending on the patient’s condition, Chinese herbal medicine may also be considered to regulate the underlying pattern.
Dietary guidance can also play an important role. Patients with Heat patterns may benefit from cooling foods and drinks, such as chrysanthemum tea or mung bean soup, alongside other personalised dietary recommendations.
Traditional Chinese Medicine combines these different therapies to support the body’s natural healing process.
Lifestyle Matters
Treatment is only part of recovery.
Daily habits also have a significant influence on headache recurrence.
Many modern headaches are associated with prolonged computer work, frequent mobile phone use, poor posture, emotional stress, insufficient exercise, and inadequate sleep.
For people who spend long hours at a desk, I often recommend standing up every forty to fifty minutes, stretching gently, and relaxing the neck and shoulders.
Regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, jogging, or playing sports helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and support overall wellbeing.
Healthy habits not only help prevent headaches but also contribute to long-term health.
Clinical Reflection
One of the things I appreciate most about Traditional Chinese Medicine is that it encourages us to look beyond the pain itself.
Instead of asking only “Where is the headache?”, we also ask:
“Why has it developed?”
“What pattern lies beneath it?”
“How can we help reduce the chance of it returning?”
By understanding the meridians, restoring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, supporting healthy daily habits, and treating each patient as an individual, Traditional Chinese Medicine aims not only to relieve pain but also to promote long-term balance and wellbeing.
About Teresa Clinical Reflection
Teresa Clinical Reflection is a series exploring common health conditions from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis and treatment, each reflection examines the broader factors that influence recovery, including meridian balance, lifestyle habits, emotional wellbeing, and the body’s natural healing processes.
The goal is to help patients better understand their condition, support long-term recovery, and develop a deeper appreciation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in modern clinical practice.
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This Clinical Reflection is also available as a video on our YouTube channel.
▶ Watch Teresa Clinical Reflection 04 on YouTube
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing recurrent headaches or would like to learn whether acupuncture may be suitable for your condition, we welcome you to book a consultation with Teresa Shen at PhD Win Acupuncture Clinic.
Book Online:
https://drwin.co.nz/online-booking/
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