Compared to men, women experience headaches with distinct patterns. Studies indicate that approximately 60% of female headaches are related to menstruation. Why is this?
Traditional Chinese Medicine posits that the female menstrual cycle arises from the coordinated interaction and competitive balance between the liver and kidney organs.When the liver's energy becomes excessively strong, it disperses, leading to menstruation. After this dispersion, the liver's energy weakens, while the kidney's energy becomes relatively dominant. As the kidney governs storage, menstrual flow ceases. The liver and kidney—one storing, one dispersing—dynamically balance each other's strength. Each organ dominates for a specific period before gradually yielding dominance to the other, thereby forming successive menstrual cycles.Therefore, during the early phase of menstruation, the liver's energy tends to be more vigorous. Some women may experience "liver yang headaches," characterized by symptoms such as headaches, head fullness, irritability, anger, and breast tenderness. Clinically, menstrual headaches are a common condition among young and middle-aged women.
Factors Triggering Menstrual Migraines
There are many causes of menstrual migraines, primarily including food allergies, beverages, mental and psychological factors, and other factors.
Allergenic Foods
Certain foods in daily life can trigger migraines in individuals with weaker resistance. Some foods may even cause changes in blood vessels or nerves within migraine sufferers. Experts have provided the following key information:
Dairy products: Including skim or whole milk, goat milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.;
Chocolate: Not only prone to weight gain, chocolate contains casein, a primary suspected trigger for migraines;
Meat: Including beef, pork, fish, and turkey;
Fruit: Including citrus fruits, apples, and bananas;
Wheat: Including refined bread and pasta;
Beverages: Certain drinks and additives may also trigger menstrual migraines, including alcoholic beverages such as high-proof spirits and red wine; caffeinated drinks like coffee, cola, and tea. Daily consumption of beverages high in caffeine can dilate blood vessels, increasing susceptibility to menstrual migraines.
What to Do for Menstrual Headaches
Method 1: Warm Compress
Soak hands in a basin of hot water and apply a warm towel to the head for 30 minutes each time.
Method 2: Outdoor Walk
Regulates mood and reduces stress.
Method 3: Scalp Massage
Continuously comb the scalp with a fine-toothed comb to improve cerebral blood supply.
Method 4: Sweet Beverages
Sugar rapidly increases blood glucose levels, while fluids expand blood volume, alleviating cerebral ischemia. During pain episodes, consuming sweetened milk or juice can help relieve migraines caused by cerebral vasodilation compressing nerves.
If you suffer from menstrual headaches and wish to effectively alleviate them, avoid these four food categories during your period:
Chocolate: Not only does chocolate contribute to weight gain, but the tyramine it contains is a primary suspected trigger for migraines.
Meat: Including beef, pork, fish, and turkey.
Fruits: Including citrus fruits, apples, and bananas.
Beverages: Certain drinks and their additives may also trigger menstrual migraines. Alcoholic beverages like high-proof spirits and red wine; caffeinated drinks such as coffee, cola, and strong tea. Both alcohol and caffeine cause blood vessels to dilate, making menstrual migraines more likely.