Which acupuncture points are used for neuralgic headaches?
Nov 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
For neuralgic headaches, acupuncture can be performed at acupoints such as Taiyang, Taichong, Fengchi, Zusanli, Houxi, Ezhong, and Baihui. Generally, one treatment course lasts about a week, with each acupuncture session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Patients with neuralgic headaches should seek timely medical care at a hospital, complete necessary examinations, and, under a doctor's guidance, take medications that nourish the nerves. Combining this with physical therapy will yield better treatment outcomes.
For neuralgic headaches, acupuncture can be applied to acupoints such as Taiyang, Taichong, Fengchi, Zusanli, Houxi, Ezong (middle of the forehead), and Baihui. Typically, one week constitutes a treatment course, with each acupuncture session lasting about half an hour. Patients with neuralgic headaches should seek timely medical care at a hospital, complete necessary examinations, and under medical guidance, take certain neurotrophic medications combined with physical therapy for better therapeutic outcomes. Specific details are as follows:
Neuralgic headache is caused by tension and contraction of head muscles, resulting in sensations of heaviness and tightness, primarily manifesting as distending or throbbing pain. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition arises from qi deficiency with blood stasis and liver wind accompanied by phlegm-dampness. Based on the specific location of the patient's headache, treatment follows the principle of "selecting points near the affected area and distal points along meridians." Acupuncture on the head aims to dilate blood vessels, regulate qi flow, unblock collaterals, and promote blood circulation to resolve stasis, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. Primary acupoints selected include Hegu, Fengchi, Fengfu, Lieque, Baihui, Zusanli, and Yanglingquan. During headache remission periods, tonification methods are used for deficiency patterns, while both tonification and dispersion are applied for mixed deficiency-excess conditions. During acute headache episodes, dispersion techniques are employed in acupuncture, which may also be combined with electroacupuncture.
Acupuncture demonstrates good efficacy in treating neuralgic headaches. Additionally, massaging the painful areas can promote cerebral blood circulation and also help alleviate neuralgic headaches. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take neurotrophic medications such as mecobalamin, Zhengtian Pills, Yangjiao Tablets, and Toutongning, among others, for comprehensive treatment.
