Headaches can range from uncomfortable and annoying, to crippling and debilitating. They can even send people to the ER. We have focused on headaches for several weeks, this will be the final installment in this series. Let’s turn our attention to the Deficient headache that has only 3 patterns: Qi Deficient, Blood Deficient, and Kidney Deficient.
Overall, Deficient headaches are caused by a lack of nourishment to the head. All Deficient headaches are characterized by dull aches, which come in waves. These headaches get better with rest and are aggravated by excessive activity.
1. Qi Deficient headaches often manifest as a dull pain in the whole head, or frequently on the forehead. These headaches come in bouts, seeming to be more prevalent in the morning, alleviated by rest or lying down and aggravated by excessive work. Other symptoms can include a lack of appetite, fatigue, loose stools, slight breathlessness, and some slight palpitations upon exertion.
2. Blood Deficient headaches are slightly more severe than the Qi Deficient headaches, typically affecting the top of the head. Usually these headaches occur more in the afternoon and evening, improved by lying down, and are accompanied by poor memory and lack of concentration. In women, these headaches often strike at the end of a menstrual period.
3. Kidney Deficient headaches are often felt in the brain. They are harder to pinpoint in terms of specific location, but they can affect the back of the head and be accompanied by dizziness. These headaches can occur after sexual activity.
Other symptoms may include a combination of conditions: feeling warm at night, scanty urination, ear ringing, and low back discomfort, OR feeling cold, low back and knee soreness, slight constipation, and abundant pale urination.
Acupuncture and herbs can be extremely effective in the treatment of headaches and migraines. The longer a patient has been a headache sufferer, the longer it can take for the headaches to resolve. In addition to active treatment, simple things like getting enough sleep and eating and hydrating properly can all be beneficial in the treatment of headaches.
Contributor
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.