Neil Kingham

Headaches are often related to stress or can occur along-side fatigue, muscular pains or insomnia and migraines are often accompanied by nausea, dizziness and aversion to bright lights. In all of these cases, Chinese Medicine can be used to treat the root cause of the problem as well as dealing with the manifestation.

In many cases tight muscles in the neck and shoulders can contribute to or even cause headaches or migraine, and Tui Na massage is especially useful to relax the muscles and often has dramatic effects. If you have held tension in these muscles for some time you may not even realise that they are the cause of the problem.

Diet can be an important factor, particularly with migraine – in some sufferers a specific food can trigger a migraine attack (often shellfish, red wine or chocolate for instance.) Even if there is not a direct trigger such as this it is often possible to control attacks by relatively simple changes to the diet, a Chinese nutritional analysis will reveal if there are changes that you could make in this area.

There are a number of causes of headaches and migraine, and Chinese medicine distinguishes many different types, depending on the nature and location of the pain, and other symptoms. The treatment is based on the Chinese diagnosis, and results are generally excellent.

The acupuncture treatment of headaches and migraines has been extensively researched, and a systematic review of the evidence by the Cochrane collaboration concluded that for migraine acupuncture treatment is at least as effective, or possible more effective than treatment with drugs, but without the side effects. They also found that treatment by acupuncture was effective for chronic tension-type headaches.

Tui Na is an ancient Chinese form of bodywork incorporating acupressure and massage techniques. It is one of the 5 main branches of Chinese medicine, but is still quite uncommon in the UK. Although it is sometimes described as a very hard or strong kind of massage, it can equally be be very gentle and relaxing if performed by a well trained practitioner.

Tui Na is much more than just a massage. As it is based on the same theories as acupuncture it also works on the internal environment, balancing and regulating the Qi. This makes it suitable for all manner of conditions including digestive problems, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, low energy levels, depression, stress and anxiety, and of course aches, pains, injuries and other physical problems.

The newly formed UK Register of Tui Na now has a ‘find a practitioner’ function. Minimum training standards exist for membership, so you can be certain that practitioners listed are highly trained.

Search for a practitioner, or learn more about Tui Na Massage at the UK Register of Tui Na Chinese Massage

In my opinion, sage is a much undervalued herb. It’s Latin name ‘Salvia officinalis’ gives us a clue as to its healing properties – ‘salvia’ is derived from the Latin salvere, to be saved, and ‘officianalis’ means medicinal.

A gargle simply made by pouring boiling water on dried sage and allowing it to infuse is very effective for sore throats, taking away the pain almost immediately. As it is antiseptic, it also treats infections. Use 2 or 3 heaped teaspoons to a mug of water and infuse until the water is cool.

Sage tea, made with fresh or dried sage, is a useful tonic. In Chinese medicine terms sage is a Qi tonic and helps to clear Dampness. It is thus especially useful for people who feel tired, lethargic and heavy. Use 1 teaspoon or so of the dried herb, or a small handful of fresh leaves.

It is also known to regulate sweating and has traditionally been used for the hot flushes and night sweats which can accompany the menopause.

Sage is very easy to grow, and also a very attractive plant, so it’s ideal to have some in the garden to be available when needed.

CAUTION: Sage should not be taken by pregnant women, or while breast-feeding.