Explore headache location, timing and accompanying signs, everyday recording ideas, traditional TCM concepts and when to seek medical care.
By WellTao · Published: · Editorial Policy
12 articles
Neck-related pain, tension-type headache, migraine and occipital neuralgia can cause pain at the back of the head. Learn how to describe the pain, use a tracking card and recognize warning signs; location alone cannot identify the cause.
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Eye strain, tension-type headache and migraine can cause pain behind the eyes. Sudden severe eye pain, a red eye or vision changes need urgent assessment. Learn possible causes and how to record symptoms without diagnosing by location.
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New or recurring headache that worsens lying down warrants prompt assessment. Learn warning signs and how to describe position, timing and associated symptoms; relief with a pillow cannot rule out a serious cause.
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Headache now and don't want painkillers? A medicine-free toolkit ranked by speed: water, cold vs. heat by headache type, dark-room rest, smart caffeine timing, acupressure, and breathing, plus a one-hour action card, TCM patterns, and red flags.
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A headache that won't let you sleep calls for a sequence: ease the pain first, then lie down. Cold vs. warm compresses by headache type, acupressure with exact locations, sleep-position parameters, why sleep and headaches feed each other, a one-week tracking log, and clear lines for when to see a doctor.
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Headache pressure points, gentle pressing methods, evidence limits and precautions. Learn when self-care is reasonable and which symptoms need medical assessment.
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Hand and foot pressure points discussed for migraine comfort, gentle technique, evidence limits and pregnancy precautions. Acupressure does not replace acute medication.
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A tension headache that drags on for weeks usually means the triggers are still running: stress, tight neck and shoulder muscles, sleep debt, and sometimes the painkillers themselves. The episodic vs. chronic line, the TCM patterns, a trigger tracker, and clear lines for when to see a doctor.
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Headaches after meals can have several causes; timing alone cannot establish low glucose or a food trigger. Learn possible associations, keep a food and symptom log, and recognize when recurrent symptoms need assessment.
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A first or sudden headache with exercise needs prompt medical assessment. Learn possible triggers, when to stop, and how to record symptoms; location and timing cannot establish a benign cause.
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When headaches go from occasional to every day, the usual explanation is chronic daily headache: tension-type or migraine turning chronic, painkillers taken too often, sleep and stress running off the rails. The mechanisms, self-check clues, a two-week headache diary, TCM patterns, and clear red flags.
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Waking up with a headache every morning usually has its cause in the night before: broken sleep, sleep apnea, teeth grinding, caffeine withdrawal timing, dehydration, or your pillow. The mechanisms, the self-check clues, a one-week diary, and clear lines for when to see a doctor.
Read articleThese descriptions can help you understand and record what you notice. They cannot establish a diagnosis on their own.
Distending pain usually sits at the temples or crown, while a tight band across the head is typical of tension-type headache. Note your sleep and mood when it starts — patterns emerge quickly.
Pulsing pain on one side, often around the temple, is the signature of migraine. If the pain feels clearly different from your usual pattern, or is suddenly much worse, have it evaluated.
Wanting to hide from light and noise, with nausea, usually points to migraine. Track the order in which these symptoms appear — useful detail for any consultation.
Pain that climbs from a stiff neck into the head often traces back to desk posture and muscle tension. Check whether turning your head is limited or whether pressing the neck and shoulders finds tender spots.
Headaches that reliably flare after overtime, poor sleep, or bottled-up stress are tracking your body's rhythm. A simple headache diary is the fastest way to spot your triggers.
These are concepts from a traditional medical framework, not modern medical diagnoses. Do not select a treatment or identify a pattern from symptoms alone. Discuss TCM approaches with a qualified health professional, and do not delay or replace needed medical care.
TCM safety and research overview (NCCIH)Seek a professional assessment if you notice any of the following:
NHS
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