Eliminating the need for a complex differential diagnosis for the various headaches.
By David Lee, L.Ac.
Various types of headaches can find relief using Bisoma acupuncture and Sasang four constitutional herbal medicine. The effects of these treatments are often immediate and long-lasting. Unlike problem-focused approaches, natural medicine prioritizes the individual and their overall well-being. By tailoring acupuncture and herbal remedies to a person’s unique physiology, the focus shifts towards recovery rather than mere maintenance. This person-centered approach enables the body to optimize its recognition and treatment of diseases.
Headaches stem from diverse mechanisms. Tension headaches, for instance, arise due to stress, while sinus headaches result from nasal passage congestion and inflammation. Exertion headaches occur when increased activity causes the expansion of veins and arteries. Migraines are linked to abnormal brain activity, hormone headaches to estrogen level fluctuations, and cluster headaches to sudden releases of histamine or serotonin in the body.
Natural medicine excels in enhancing bodily function by tapping into the body’s inherent self-identifying and self-treating potential rather than attempting to control it. This inherent capacity to improve bodily function is precisely why there is no need to distinguish between different types of headaches. Acupuncture and herbal medicine comprehensively and positively impact numerous physiological events without relying on active ingredients that replace bodily function.
Bisoma acupuncture operates at the constitutional level, utilizing the same horary points for different types of headaches. These horary points correspond to the elemental nature of their associated meridians, as per the principles of five-element acupuncture.
Two distinct patterns of five-element layouts exist. The first pattern, observed in approximately 70% of the population, involves the presence of LI1 (metal point on a metal meridian), UB66 (water point on a water meridian), GB41 (wood point on a wood meridian), SI5 (fire point on a fire meridian), and ST36 (earth point on an earth meridian).
The second pattern, found in approximately 30% of the population, consists of GB44 (wood point on a wood meridian), SI2 (fire point on a fire meridian), ST43 (earth point on an earth meridian), LI5 (metal point on a metal meridian), and UB40 (water point on a water meridian). This alternate pattern aligns identically with that of the Yin meridians.
The advantage of this approach is that it eliminates the need for a complex differential diagnosis. By employing either one of the two sets of five points, the acupuncturist can compare the results. If one set fails to provide relief, the other set can be utilized instead, ensuring a comprehensive approach to treatment.
In addition to acupuncture, herbal medicines have proven effective for treating the Sasang four constitutions. Significant relief can typically be noticed within 2 to 4 weeks, although herbal medicine may need to be taken for up to 3 months to achieve optimal results.
For Soeumin and Han Taeeumin (a Soeumin with the appearance of a Taeeumin), Xiang Fu Ba Wu Tang (a combination of Xiang Fu, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, He Shou Wu, Chuan Xiong, Chen Pi, Zhi Gan Cao) has shown positive response. Soyangin individuals benefit from Jing Fang Bai Du San (consisting of Qiang Huo, Du Huo, Chai Hu, Qian Hu, Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Chi Fu Ling, Shen Di Huang, Di Gu Pi, Che Qian Zi). Taeeumin individuals, on the other hand, find relief with Ge Gen Jie Ji Tang (containing Ge Gen, Huang Qin, Gao Ben, Jie Geng, Sheng Ma, Bai Zhi).
In contrast to problem-focused treatments offered by biomolecular medicine, which removes the body’s active participation in healing, constitutional medicine acknowledges and involves the body’s inherent capacity to regain its lost function. Problem-focused treatments solely address the issue at hand without allowing the body to take over and restore its own balance. While controlling dysfunction may temporarily alleviate headaches while on medication, reliance on medication alone can result in the return of headaches once the medication is discontinued. Prolonged and excessive medication use may even lead to persistent or worsened headaches, as the body becomes less efficient when its functions are taken over for an extended period.
Constitutional medicine, focusing on individual variability and tailored group treatments, has gained popularity over the past 150 years. It is known for its diverse approach to diagnosis, range of treatment options, and successful improvements in various types of headaches.
