Jingduan Yang, MD
Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine

Migraine headache is often caused by an energy imbalance called “liver Qi stagnation” in ancient Chinese medicine. It is thought that the Liver energy is affected by the emotion of anger; therefore, unresolved anger can be a contributing factor to migraine headaches. Addressing this emotional component to the problem is often a key component of the treatment process.

Liver stagnation can be associated with heat the stagnation, so it is best to avoid spicy foods that can create heat in the body such as hot peppers. Green colored food is normally thought to be good for liver.

Liver energy has its peak time at 1-3 am. Therefore, it is important to have good sleep during this time. Staying up too late might trigger migraine headaches. If you wake up frequently during this period of time, think about possible life issues that have unresolved emotions that might be affecting liver energy balance.

Positive emotions that nourish liver are compassion, kindness, benevolence, and generosity. So, any practice, teaching, and cultivation of these attributes should be very helpful.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies can also be very helpful when the practitioner is experienced and qualified.