Traditional Chinese Medicine for Headache/Migraine

Headache/Migraine TCM Treatment | Acupuncture・Tui Na・Bonesetting

Headaches can manifest as distending pain, throbbing pain, or a sensation of tightness in the forehead, temples, back of the head, or the entire head. Migraines are often accompanied by photophobia, nausea, or recurrent attacks. For some, they are related to lack of sleep, eye strain from screens, or stiff neck and shoulders; for others, they are chronic and recurrent, affecting work and daily life. SYT Wellness is led by registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner Dr. Zhang Yong (over 40 years of clinical experience). After a TCM assessment at our Wan Chai and Jordan clinics, a combination of acupuncture, Tui Na massage, and bonesetting will be used as appropriate to help relieve headache-related discomfort and address co-occurring shoulder and neck tension. This article provides general educational information and cannot replace individual diagnosis, nor does it guarantee a "cure."

Who is this page for?

• Individuals experiencing recurrent headaches or migraine-like attacks who wish to explore TCM supportive approaches.
• Individuals with headaches accompanied by stiff neck and shoulders, acute torticollis, or screen-related fatigue.
• Individuals who have already received Western medical evaluation and want to know if acupuncture and Tui Na are suitable complementary therapies.
• Individuals whose headaches affect sleep or work, and who wish to understand "red flags" and the consultation process.

Common Descriptions of "Headache/Migraine" (Not for Self-Diagnosis)

Headaches have many causes, and practitioners will differentiate through consultation and examination. The following is for general understanding only:

• Tension-type: Head feels like it's being squeezed, bilateral or posterior occipital soreness and distension, often co-occurs with shoulder and neck tension.
• Throbbing/Unilateral: More prominent on one side, may be accompanied by photophobia, nausea, or worsened by activity.
• Cervicogenic: Headache worsens after turning the head or looking down for too long, obvious scapular soreness and distension.
• Triggers: Lack of sleep, stress, menstrual cycle, weather changes, or excessive screen time (varies by individual).

The above cannot replace a diagnosis. For sudden severe headaches or neurological warning symptoms, prioritize emergency care/Western medicine.

When should you seek emergency/Western medical care first? (Red Flag Symptoms)

If any of the following symptoms occur, please prioritize emergency or Western medical evaluation:

• Sudden "worst headache of your life," or accompanied by altered consciousness, difficulty speaking, limb weakness.
• Headache accompanied by high fever, extreme neck stiffness, rash.
• Headache and vomiting that worsen after head trauma.
• Rapid decline in vision, double vision, persistent severe vomiting.
• History of cancer/immunosuppression, headache that persistently worsens at night.

If you already have imaging or neurological reports, you may bring them for reference during your first consultation.

How does SYT Wellness address headache-related discomfort?

The core principle is to diagnose first, then treat: understanding the pattern of attacks, accompanying shoulder and neck conditions, and triggers, then combining therapies.

• Acupuncture: Commonly used to assist in regulating qi and blood in headache-related acupoints and meridians.
• Tui Na massage: Relaxes tense neck, shoulder, and suboccipital muscle groups, improving discomfort related to tightness.
• Bonesetting: When deemed appropriate after assessment, addresses restricted movement in the neck and chest; for those unsuited to strong manipulations, gentler approaches are used.

The actual combination is decided by the practitioner on the day of treatment. The goal is to relieve discomfort related to the frequency/intensity of attacks – no cure or fixed number of sessions is guaranteed. You may also refer to our dedicated pages for neck pain, shoulder and neck pain, and acute torticollis.

What is the general process for a first consultation?

1. Appointment: Book via appointment booking or WhatsApp for Wan Chai/Jordan.
2. Preparation for Visit: Record frequency of attacks, triggers, medication use; bring any reports if available.
3. Consultation and Examination: Describe pain and shoulder/neck condition, complete assessment.
4. Treatment on the Day: Based on assessment, undergo acupuncture, Tui Na, and/or bonesetting as appropriate.
5. Post-Visit Advice: Recommendations for rest and screen habits; "red flag" symptoms will prompt referral to Western medicine.

Realistic Expectations

• Tension-type/shoulder-neck related headaches: Some individuals prioritize relieving daily tension; follow-up depends on adjusting triggers.
• Recurrent migraine-like attacks: Often requires observing triggers and lifestyle patterns in stages; improvement varies by individual.
• If "red flag" symptoms appear, immediately prioritize emergency/Western medical care.

Daily Self-Care (General, Conservative Principles)

• Maintain regular sleep and hydration; reduce prolonged periods of looking down.
• Gentle shoulder and neck stretches; avoid forcefully manipulating the neck yourself during severe pain.
• Known triggers (sleep, stress, specific foods) can be recorded first and discussed with the practitioner.

Clinic Locations and Contact

Wan Chai Clinic (See Wan Chai Chinese Medicine Clinic for details)
11/F & 12/F, OTB Building, 90 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong｜Tel 2736 7473｜WhatsApp 5427 3297｜Wan Chai MTR Station Exit C｜Monday to Saturday 9:30–19:00

Jordan Clinic (See Jordan Chinese Medicine Clinic for details)
3/F, Grandion Plaza, 59 Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon｜Tel 2736 7033｜WhatsApp 5993 9638｜Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:30

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do headaches always require CT/MRI scans?

Not necessarily. Whether imaging is needed is determined by clinical presentation. If "red flag" symptoms are present, emergency/Western medical evaluation should be prioritized; TCM outpatient clinics do not replace necessary imaging examinations.

Does acupuncture help with headaches? Is it painful?

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy. The sensation varies among individuals, but most find it tolerable. The practitioner will select acupoints according to the headache type and explain the process.

Are headaches related to neck pain?

For some, neck and shoulder tension co-occurs with headaches. The practitioner will assess both. You may also read about TCM treatment for neck pain.

Can migraines be cured?

We do not guarantee a cure. The goal is to realistically relieve discomfort and assist in managing triggers; severe or specific types should follow Western medical advice.

Can I visit both Wan Chai and Jordan clinics?

Yes. Both clinics offer acupuncture, Tui Na, and bonesetting services.

How to make an appointment?

Please go to appointment booking, or contact us via WhatsApp: Wan Chai 5427 3297 / Jordan 5993 9638. For fees, please see Consultation Fees.

Book an Assessment Now

It's not advisable to endure recurrent headaches for extended periods. You are welcome to book online for our Wan Chai or Jordan clinics, or contact us via WhatsApp 5427 3297 (Wan Chai) or 5993 9638 (Jordan).