Traditional Chinese Medicine and Migraine: Could it Help You?
When we’re living with chronic pain, we keep searching for solutions… and many people wonder if ancient Chinese Medicine practices could hold the answers for them. In a recent discussion, Dr. Susan Fox, who has practiced Chinese Medicine for decades, explained it clearly:
“A migraine is not the problem—it’s the result of a deeper imbalance. If you only treat the pain, you miss the root cause.”
As Dr. Susan Fox pu
Your job is not just to “manage migraines.”
Your job is to lower the total load on your system.
The 7 Root Causes of Migraines You Must Address
1. Blood Sugar Instability
This is one of the biggest hidden triggers.
When your blood sugar spikes and crashes:
- Your brain becomes stressed
- Cortisol rises
- Inflammation increases
All of this can trigger a migraine.
“The brain is extremely sensitive to glucose fluctuations. Stabilizing blood sugar alone can reduce migraines dramatically.” — Dr. Susan Fox
Action Steps:
- Eat protein within 30–60 minutes of waking
- Avoid skipping meals
- Reduce refined carbs and sugar
- Add healthy fats to meals
2. Hormonal Imbalances (Especially Estrogen)
Many migraines are hormonally driven—especially in women.
Common patterns:
- Migraines before your period
- Migraines during ovulation
- Migraines with birth control changes
This is often due to estrogen fluctuations.
Action Steps:
- Support estrogen detox (cruciferous veggies, fiber)
- Avoid xenoestrogens (plastics, fragrances)
- Track your cycle and symptoms
- Consider DUTCH testing or hormone panels
3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction (Low Brain Energy)
Your brain is energy-hungry.
If your mitochondria aren’t producing enough energy:
- Neurons become unstable
- Sensitivity increases
- Migraine threshold drops
“Many migraine patients are essentially in a low-energy brain state. Support mitochondrial function, and symptoms often improve.” — Dr. Susan Fox
Action Steps:
- CoQ10 (100–300 mg daily)
- Magnesium (especially glycinate or threonate)
- B vitamins (methylated forms)
- Creatine for cellular energy
4. Food Sensitivities & Gut Dysfunction
Your gut and brain are directly connected.
Common triggers:
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Processed foods
- Histamine-rich foods
But it’s not just the food—it’s your gut’s ability to handle it.
Action Steps:
- Try a 2–4 week elimination diet
- Support gut healing (glutamine, zinc carnosine)
- Address dysbiosis or parasites if present
- Improve digestion (bitters, enzymes)
5. Histamine Overload
Histamine intolerance is massively overlooked.
Symptoms:
- Migraines
- Flushing
- Sinus issues
- Anxiety
Triggers:
- Aged foods
- Alcohol
- Fermented foods
- Mold exposure
“For some patients, migraines are not about stress—they’re about histamine overload.” — Dr. Susan Fox
Action Steps:
- Trial a low-histamine diet
- Support DAO enzyme function
- Reduce gut inflammation
- Address mast cell activation if needed
6. Environmental Toxins (Especially Mold & Heavy Metals)
Toxins disrupt:
- Brain signaling
- Immune function
- Detox pathways
Mold exposure in particular is a major migraine trigger.
Action Steps:
- Test your home (ERMI or mold inspection)
- Use binders (charcoal, clay, etc.)
- Support liver detox (glutathione, NAC)
- Filter air and water
7. Nervous System Dysregulation
Chronic stress keeps your body in a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state.
This leads to:
- Muscle tension
- Poor blood flow
- Increased inflammation
“You can’t heal migraines if your nervous system is constantly in survival mode.” — Dr. Susan Fox
Action Steps:
- Daily breathwork (5–10 minutes)
- Vagus nerve stimulation (cold exposure, humming)
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce overstimulation (screens, noise, EMFs)
Final Thoughts: Migraine Relief Is Possible
Migraines are complex—but they are not untouchable.
When you:
- Lower inflammation
- Support your brain
- Balance hormones
- Remove triggers
…your migraine threshold rises.
And that’s when things change.
“The goal isn’t to fight migraines—it’s to create a body where they no longer need to happen.” — Dr. Susan Fox