Tension 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 chronic pattern in tension headache, characterized by chronic pain-induced central sensitization, fixed headache, worsened at night, and dull complexion. The core pathogenesis is Blood stasis in the head collaterals, leading to cerebral blood flow abnormalities, central sensitization, and persistent headache.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Tension Headache · Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Liver-Qi Stagnation is the most common pattern in tension headache, characterized by sustained pericranial muscle contraction, central sensitization, headache worsened by stress, chest tightness, and frequent sighing. The core pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver-Qi stagnation, leading to muscle tension, central sensitization, and headache.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

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 |

Tension 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 tension headache, characterized by chronic fatigue with hyperalgesia, reduced cerebral perfusion, low 5-HT function, and decreased pain modulation. The core pathogenesis is Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the head, leading to reduced cerebral perfusion, hyperalgesia, and chronic headache.

Tension 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

Tension headache is the most common headache type, affecting over 80% of adults at some point in their lives. It presents as a bilateral, mild-to-moderate, non-throbbing pain often described as a tight band around the head. Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically lack nausea, vomiting, or photophobia, but they can be chronic and debilitating.