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(See the sections on "Sores and Toxins" and "Blunt Trauma")

(See the primary syndromes in the section on "Upper and Lower Bowels")

(See the primary syndromes in the section on "Sores")

Various types of headache may arise from qi stagnation, phlegm-dampness, deficiency, or external contraction of the four pathogenic factors (wind, cold, summerheat, dampness). They may also result from dietary injury due to alcohol and food, or from overexertion and physical exhaustion. Regardless of the specific syndrome, when differentiation is difficult, formulas such as Rusheng Bingzi (Like-Sage Pill) and Wuxiong Tang (Black Ligusticum Decoction) may be administered. Additionally, for headaches caused by foul toxins, consuming fried and fragrant Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu) alone can bring about a cure. Wang Anshi explained the etymology of the character "tong" (pain): pain arises when the flow of qi should be unobstructed but becomes blocked.

For lateral or central headaches complicated by brain wind, if Chuanwu (Aconitum Carmichaelii Debx. Lateral Root) and Fuzi (Aconitum Carmichaelii Debx. Prepared Lateral Root) prove ineffective, switching to Lianzi Caowu (Rhizoma Aconiti Kusnezoffii with Seed) has resulted in cures. This illustrates the principle of treating poison with poison, which must not be overlooked.

Headaches caused by heat in the upper jiao are suitable for Baidu San (Decoction to Defeat Toxins), with Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) removed and an equal amount of Ganjuhua (Chrysanthemi Flos) added. In cases of head wind causing dizziness and vertigo, one must not assume it is not wind-related simply because severe pain is absent; careful examination is essential. It is premature to treat this as a deficiency syndrome. If tonifying prescriptions exacerbate the condition, and there are no other causes such as blood loss or recent recovery from various illnesses, then this is clearly a wind-induced vertigo syndrome. Xiaoxuming Tang (Minor Xu-Ming Decoction) with three or four Quanxie (Scorpio) is appropriate.

When head wind attacks, causing tightness and upward pulling pain at the back sides of the vertex, observe whether the patient harbors cold or deficiency. Dasanwuqi San (Great Three-Five-Seven Powder) is indicated.

Most treatments for head wind employ hot-natured herbs. However, some patients with concurrent heat cannot tolerate hot formulas; for them, Xiaofeng San (Wind-Expelling Powder), Tongguan San (Pass-the-Gate Powder), Chutiao San (Tea-Regulating Powder), and Shangqing Leis (Clearing the Upper Category) are suitable. For lateral or central headaches radiating to the brain, feeling like being pulled, where onset prevents opening the eyes and causes dizziness preventing the raising of the head, Xiongxiong Tang (Ligusticum and Ligusticum Decoction) is recommended, adding five Quanxie (Scorpio) per dose. Intermittently administer Taiyang Dan (Sun-Yang Pill), Rusheng Bingzi (Like-Sage Pill), Dachatiao San (Great Tea-Regulating Powder), Basheng San (Eight Raw Materials Powder), Zhuifeng San (Wind-Chasing Powder), or Dasanwuqi San (Great Three-Five-Seven Powder). If heat is felt in the upper epigastrium, Dachetiao San (Great Tea-Regulating Powder) and Yizi San (One-Degree Powder) may be used.

Headaches caused by phlegm, accompanied by vomiting and copious sputum, are treated with Xiongxing Tang (Ligusticum and Pinellia Decoction), or Xiongxiong Tang (Ligusticum and Ligusticum Decoction) with tea leaves removed, Daotan Tang (Phlegm-Resolving Decoction) with Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) added half qian, or Basheng San (Eight Raw Materials Powder). This condition, occurring without fixed timing, is commonly known as Phlegm-Fluid Head Wind. When qi fails to move smoothly and stagnant phlegm attacks upward causing headache, regulating qi is paramount. Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) and Daotan Tang (Phlegm-Resolving Decoction) can be used with modifications.

Headaches combined with heat, presenting with lumps in the neck that are painful, are treated with Duliang Wan (Duliang Pill).

For "rotten head wind," characterized by itching and pain, in addition to taking head wind medicines, apply iron rust ground with wu cu (black vinegar) topically, or rub with Shengjiang Zhi (Ginger Juice).

Anger injuring the liver, along with lung qi failing to descend and rushing upward to the brain, causes headache. Chenxiang Jiangqi Tang (Aquilaria Qi-Descending Decoction) and Suzi Jiangqi Tang (Perilla Qi-Descending Decoction) are indicated, followed by Xiayangzhuan Dan (Lowering Yang Uprightness Pill).

Alternatively, Xiongfu Yin (Ligusticum and Aconite Drink) may be used. Headaches due to deficiency belong to the category of Kidney Jue Headache. Zhengyuan San (Upright Origin Powder) or Dasanwuqi San (Great Three-Five-Seven Powder) decocted with salt is appropriate. One may add fifteen fried Sichuan peppercorns to Zhengyuan San (Upright Origin Powder), take Laifu Dan (Returning Life Pill), and intermittently administer Heixi Dan (Black Tin Pill). For those who find all medications ineffective and whose pain worsens, Rongzhu Dan (Velvet Cinnabar Pill) is suitable. The use of Rong (Deer Antler Velvet) was discussed in detail in the sections on Deficiency Damage and Vertigo Syndromes.

Headaches caused by contracting wind, cold, summerheat, and dampness, or by food retention, are covered in the section on Various Injuries. Headaches from excessive alcohol consumption are found in the Alcohol and Food Injury section under Various Injuries. Headaches from overexertion and physical exhaustion are detailed in the current section under Body Pain Syndromes. Neck pain resulting from traction by headache should be sought among the various headache syndromes. If there is no other pathology and pain is isolated to the neck, it is neither wind-pathogen nor qi trauma. It may also result from sleeping awkwardly (luozhen). Heqi Yin (Harmonizing Qi Drink) taken after meals is suitable for these cases.