Tension Headache - Phlegm-Turbidity Obscuring the Orifices
TCM differentiation and treatment for tension headache
Tension Headache · Phlegm-Turbidity Obscuring the Orifices Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Turbidity Obscuring the Orifices is a pattern in tension
headache, characterized by **heavy head sensation, cervical
proprioceptive abnormalities, vestibular dysfunction, nausea, and chest
tightness. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Turbidity accumulating in
the head**, causing cervical proprioceptive abnormalities, vestibular
dysfunction, and headache.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
headache, nausea |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
poor appetite, dizziness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, slippery pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Phlegm-Turbidity obstructing the clear orifices |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
constitution, sedentary lifestyle |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Touwei (ST8) |
|---|
4.5 cun lateral to the midline | Clears the head and relieves headache |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach and transforms Phlegm |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Lifts Yang and clears the head |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added to strengthen the Spleen and transform Phlegm.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (半夏白术天麻汤)
Composition:
Pinellia (Fa Ban Xia), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Gastrodia (Tian Ma),
Poria (Fu Ling), Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), Licorice (Gan Cao), Ginger
(Sheng Jiang), Jujube (Da Zao)
Action: Transforms Phlegm, clears the head, and stops dizziness.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Heavy head sensation |
|---|
transform turbidity |
| Nausea | Add Xuan Fu Hua, Dai Zhe Shi to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Chest tightness |
|---|
distension |
| Dizziness | Add Gou Teng, Shi Jue Ming to calm Liver Wind |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Heavy head sensation with cervical proprioceptive abnormalities,
vestibular dysfunction, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
Phlegm-Turbidity Obscuring the Orifices corresponds to tension headache
with cervicogenic symptoms, where cervical proprioceptive abnormalities
and vestibular dysfunction contribute to heavy head sensation and
dizziness.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Headache with Phlegm-Turbidity.
2. Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Dampness uses Er Chen Tang with Tian Ma.
3. WHO. (2023). Headache disorders. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for headache relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM headache management.
Related TCM Patterns for Tension Headache
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.