What Causes Migraine Headaches? A TCM and Western Medicine Perspective

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM (Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine)
Reading Time: 5 min

Overview

Migraine is not just a “bad headache.” It is a complex neurological condition affecting over 1 billion people globally (WHO, 2022), characterized by recurrent, throbbing head pain often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

While Western medicine explains migraines through neurovascular pathways, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary lens—viewing migraines as a disruption in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood within specific meridians. This article synthesizes both perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of migraine causes and evidence-based management strategies.

Migraine on TCMGeo — Integrative Medicine Knowledge Base

What Causes Migraine Headaches? A TCM and Western Medicine Perspective

Overview