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The head is the convergence point of all Yang meridians (Yang meridians: meridians that run along the exterior of the body and are associated with Yang energy) and meets with the Jueyin meridian (Jueyin meridian: the Liver and Pericardium meridians, representing the deepest level of Yin) at the vertex. Pathogenic cold from Yin sources generally does not ascend; only when Yang Qi (vital energy associated with warmth and activity) is obstructed can turbid pathogens (pathogenic factors characterized by heaviness and stickiness) occupy the upper region, allowing Wind-Fire from the Jueyin to counterflow upward and cause pain. All headache syndromes are caused by the failure of Clear Yang (pure, ascending vital energy) to rise, with Wind-Fire taking advantage of deficiency to disturb upwards.

Although headaches are primarily governed by Wind, they may also differ according to Phlegm, Fire, or Deficiency patterns. Pain at the vertex and crown belongs to Wind-Fire of the Taiyang meridian (Taiyang meridian: the Bladder and Small Intestine meridians, governing the exterior); pain in the supraorbital ridge is often caused by spasms attacking the area. Severe pain in the back of the head indicates deficiency of blood vessels there; a slippery pulse suggests Phlegm, while a wiry and rapid pulse indicates an encounter of Fire and Wind. Jiwei Qianghuo Tang (Nine-Ingredient Notopterygia Decoction) is indicated for this condition; Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Lianlian (Coptidis Rhizoma) are particularly effective in treating Fire. For Phlegm syndromes, Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) is used; for Deficiency syndromes, Siwu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) is applied; for Qi and Blood deficiency, Sijunzi Tang (Four-Gentlemen Decoction) is also applicable. Since Wind is also Yang and the head is the convergence of Yang, the struggle between two Yangs results in severe pain. In cases of Qi and Blood deficiency, there is insufficient strength to resist, so the Wind does not contend vigorously, resulting in a looser sensation of pain. If pain is caused by Phlegm-Fluid retention, there will be fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm, which is not due to Wind.

Wind-Fire Headache (Suitable for acrid-dispersing and light-clearing methods):
Lingyang Pian (Antelope Horn Slice), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus), Sangye (Mori Folium), Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Juye (Chrysanthemi Folium), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Kudingcha (Ilicis Kudingchae Folium), Heye (Nelumbinis Folium), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Manjingzi (Viticis Semen), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix).

Liver-Wind Headache (Suitable for extinguishing wind and nourishing liver methods):
Shouwu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix), Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Liaodouyi (Phaseoli Cocti Testa), Bairén (Ziziphi Spinosomi Semen).

Summerheat-Lingering Headache in Summer and Autumn:
Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Lingyang Pian (Antelope Horn Slice), Manjingzi (Viticis Semen), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus), Kudingcha (Ilicis Kudingchae Folium), Heyebian (Edge of Nelumbinis Folium), Feihuashi (Prepared Kaolin), Shengcao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Zichuanpu (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Sangye (Mori Folium).

Damp-Heat Stagnating in Gallbladder and Stomach:
Lingjiaopian (Antelope Horn Slice), Juye (Chrysanthemi Folium), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix).

For any headache belonging to Yin syndromes, where deficient Yang floats outward, use Maishu Tang (Pulse-Recovering Decoction) and Ganmai Dazao Fa (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Method), adding Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla), Muli (Ostreae Concha), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Shashen (Glehniae Radix). For pain caused by Yang deficiency leading to turbid pathogen obstruction of Qi and Blood, resulting in stasis and bi-syndrome, use insect-based drugs to search out and purge blood collaterals and promote the circulation of Yang Qi.
Paocuanwu (Processed Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Shengjiangzhi (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens Juice), Lubifengfang (Coliae Cellula), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Zhiquanxie (Scorpio Preparatus).

Chen Xiuyuan stated: At the onset of chronic headache (Toufeng), use Sangye (Mori Folium), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), and Heyebian (Edge of Nelumbinis Folium) for light cooling and draining to rapidly resolve pathogens constrained within the Shaoyang meridian (Shaoyang meridian: the Gallbladder and Sanjiao meridians, governing the pivot). If the condition persists, it damages Liver Yin, and sour-cool softening agents should be added. Or, if Liver Yin has been exhausted over a long period, leaving no moment of peace in the Jueyin meridian, and the pulling pain is extremely severe, how could mild formulas resolve this? Only the pure sweetness and water-nourishing properties of Maishu Tang (Pulse-Recovering Decoction), along with the gentle and soothing actions of Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla) and Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) to extinguish wind and harmonize Yang, are sufficient to temporarily quell the excessive rigid and hyperactive state.