Cluster Headache · Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Blood Stasis is a common pattern in cluster headache, characterized by trigeminal vascular activation, neurogenic inflammation, CGRP/PACAP38 release, fixed severe pain, and chronic attacks. The core pathogenesis is Blood stasis in the head collaterals, causing trigeminal vascular activation, neurogenic inflammation, and persistent severe pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Cluster Headache · Liver-Gallbladder Fire Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Liver-Gallbladder Fire is the core pattern in cluster headache, characterized by hypothalamic gray matter activation, trigeminal autonomic reflex, severe unilateral periorbital pain, red eye, tearing, and nasal congestion. The core pathogenesis is Liver-Gallbladder Fire blazing upward, causing trigeminal vascular activation, autonomic symptoms, and severe headache.

Cluster 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 cluster headache, characterized by hypothalamic rhythm dysregulation, melatonin secretion disorder, heavy head sensation, nausea, and chest tightness. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Turbidity accumulating in the head, causing hypothalamic rhythm dysregulation and headache.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Cluster Headache · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in cluster headache, characterized by chronic cluster headache with fatigue, reduced cerebral perfusion, mitochondrial dysfunction, and energy metabolism disorder. The core pathogenesis is Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the head, leading to reduced cerebral perfusion and chronic headache.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Cluster Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Head

Overview

Cluster headache is one of the most severe primary headache disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 adults. It is characterized by unilateral, excruciating pain lasting 15-180 minutes, accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic features such as lacrimation, nasal congestion, and ptosis. Episodes occur in clusters—daily or near-daily attacks over weeks to months, followed by remission periods.