Migraines and the Meridian System

I thought I'd write a quick little note about treating migraines since it seems to be another one of the more common problems patients ask about.

Migraines, like other types of pain, are caused by stagnation of Qi in the Meridians of the head. In my experience, the most commonly affected Meridian is the Gall Bladder Meridian. Take a look.

The GB Meridian zigzags across most of the head and down into the neck. It interacts with the eyes and ears, accounting for visual and auditory disturbances during migraines as well as visual and auditory triggers. Looking at it's path, one can also see why a tight neck and shoulders might trigger a migraine.

They're always worse with stress!

Well, the Gall Bladder and the Liver are what we call internally/ externally paired organs. Another way to say this is that the Gall Bladder is the Yang to the Liver's Yin. Together, these 2 organs are responsible for keeping all of the Meridians open so that Qi can flow freely. They're also the organs that process the emotions of anger, frustration, and unfulfilled desires. So when we're stressed and become frustrated or anger, the Liver and Gall Bladder become less efficient, and Qi in the body stagnates, especially in their associated Meridians. When this occurs in the Gall Bladder Meridian and causes a migraine, I get to use my favorite point, GB 41, located between the tendon and bone of your little toe. It works wonders! 

Of course there are other causes of migraines, such as not enough Qi rising to the head to nourish the Sea of Marrow, but I see LV/GB Meridian Qi stagnation way more. So don't stress! Go out, and enjoy this beautiful day!