Treatment of Shaoyang Meridian Headache with Traditional Chinese Herbs

Shaoyang meridian headache is a condition identified through the six meridian syndrome differentiation system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is commonly associated with excess and heat syndromes. Clinically, the treatment often involves the use of herbs that clear heat and resolve dampness from the liver and gallbladder meridians. Commonly used guiding herbs for the Shaoyang meridian include Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), and Ligusticum (Chuan Xiong). These herbs help direct the therapeutic effects to the Shaoyang meridian and are frequently incorporated into formulas for treating headache.

Shaoyang Stagnant Heat and Fire Syndromes

In cases where the headache is diagnosed as Shaoyang stagnant heat or fire, patients may also experience symptoms such as dizziness, dry mouth, bitter taste, red tongue body, and a thin yellow coating on the tongue. The treatment approach typically involves modifying the Xiao Chai Hu Tang formula by removing Ban Xia and Ren Shen, and adding herbs that clear liver and gallbladder heat while calming liver wind. Herbs like Uncaria (Gou Teng), Gastrodia (Tian Ma), and Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiang Can) are often included for their wind-dispelling and calming properties.

Shaoyang Qi Stagnation Syndrome

If the condition is identified as Qi stagnation within the Shaoyang meridian, the headache may present as a throbbing or shifting pain, often localized to the temples. The tongue may appear pale red with a thin white coating, and the pulse may be wiry or fine-wiry. The therapeutic approach in this case focuses on harmonizing the Shaoyang meridian, and the formula of choice is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang, which helps to balance and regulate the meridian function.

Shaoyang Heat with Qi Stagnation and Internal Accumulation

When the headache is caused by a combination of Shaoyang heat and Qi stagnation, the pain is typically a distending type, especially around the temples. This may be accompanied by irritability, bitter taste, and constipation. In such cases, the treatment aims to relieve the Shaoyang pattern and promote the smooth flow of Qi. The recommended herbal formula for this syndrome is Da Chai Hu Tang, which effectively addresses both heat and stagnation.