What should I do if I experience severe headaches after childbirth?

Headache after childbirth can be alleviated through scalp or head massage. However, if the headache is severe, prompt medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are essential. So, what should be done if postpartum headache is severe?

What to Do for Severe Postpartum Headache

When severe headache occurs after childbirth, treatment should target its underlying cause. If hypertension is responsible, oral antihypertensive medication may be prescribed. For headaches caused by wind-cold invasion and constitutional deficiency, ginger tea or “Tou Tong Ning Jiao Nang” (Headache-Relieving Capsules) may be recommended. In cases of vascular neuralgic headache secondary to qi and blood deficiency, therapy aimed at tonifying qi and nourishing blood is indicated—such as oral administration of Yang Xue Ke Li (Nourishing Blood Granules), along with traditional tonics like ginseng and astragalus.

If the postpartum headache stems from cerebral hypoperfusion—particularly due to anemia and insufficient cerebral blood supply—management should focus on improving cerebral circulation and correcting anemia with iron supplementation. Applying a warm towel or hot water bottle to the nape of the neck or the painful area for approximately 15 minutes may also help relieve headache symptoms.

Common acupoints used in massage include Feng Chi (GB20), Tian Zhu (BL10), Ya Men (GV15), Tou Wei (ST8), and Bai Hui (GV20). If you are unsure which points to select, the simplest approach is to massage the painful area directly. Identify the most tender spot along the neck and head, then apply focused massage for 15–20 minutes per session—this often provides partial relief. Alternatively, gently tapping the affected region with four fingers may also help alleviate migraine-type headaches. We hope this information proves helpful!