Yoga Poses That Help Relieve Tension Headaches, the TCM Way

In this blog, TCM practitioner and licensed acupuncturist Dr. Carolyn Cook shares how yoga, guided by TCM principles, can be a powerful tool for relieving tension headaches, restoring balance, and supporting overall well-being.

Understanding Tension Headaches Through the Lens of TCM

In TCM, tension headaches aren’t viewed as isolated pain but as signs of deeper imbalances in the body. They are often linked to:

• Stagnation of Qi (energy)
• Liver imbalances
• Tension in the Gallbladder meridian

According to Dr. Cook, these internal shifts may be triggered by emotional stress, poor posture, or prolonged screen time, all of which disrupt the smooth flow of Qi, particularly in the areas around the shoulders, neck, and head.

When Liver Qi becomes stagnant, it can further rise upward and manifest as headaches, especially around the temples, eyes, or back of the head. Addressing these symptoms means more than just treating the pain, as it also involves restoring harmony and flow throughout the body.

This is where yoga can help. With its focus on mindful movement and breathwork, yoga mirrors the TCM approach by releasing physical tension, improving circulation, and calming the nervous system. Dr. Carolyn also stresses that combining these practices can create a more sustainable path to relief, supporting both physical and energetic balance.

Scientific research also supports this synergy with a systematic review that found that yoga may help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of headaches, especially for individuals with tension-type headaches.

TCM-Inspired Yoga Poses for Headache Relief

Now that we’ve explored how tension headaches are understood in TCM, let’s take a closer look at how yoga can support healing by releasing blocked energy and restoring balance.

Gentle and beginner-friendly, yoga combines mindful movement with breathwork to help ease built-up stress and provide your body and mind with a natural reset.

The following poses are carefully chosen to target areas where Qi tends to stagnate, particularly the neck, shoulders, upper back, and head, while also calming the nervous system.

Whether you’re dealing with a mild ache or simply want to prevent tension from building up, practicing these poses regularly can support both physical relief and energetic harmony. In both yoga and TCM, the goal isn’t just to relieve pain—it’s to restore balance. With consistent practice guided by TCM insights, you can support your energy flow, calm your mind, and prevent future flare-ups.

And when that balance is restored, movement doesn’t just feel easier, for it becomes a source of healing. Here’s how movement, supported by TCM care, helped a Miami Herbs client become the healthiest she’s ever been:

“Headaches, PMS, and poor digestion were wearing me out. But in my four months in Carolyn’s care, I truly feel better than I thought possible. Now I work out in the gym longer (and happier), and I’m efficient and clear-minded in my work. My friends comment on how much healthier, thinner, and happier I look. Carolyn’s approach opened my eyes to a whole new understanding of the human body, one that’s deeply rooted in balance. Her herbal treatments are at the heart of that transformation.”

When your body feels aligned, movement becomes a form of medicine. With the right support, healing isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.

Note: Some images in this blog are digitally created for illustration purposes. They are meant to guide and inspire, but may not reflect perfect form. Always practice with care and consult a certified instructor if needed.

Relieve Tension Headaches Naturally with Miami Herbs

Next time you feel that familiar ache, tune in to what your body needs, maybe it’s gentle movement, quiet stillness, or a bit of both.

At Miami Herbs, licensed acupuncturist and TCM practitioner Dr. Carolyn Cook offers personalized natural solutions to help you feel better, naturally. She listens closely and tailors remedies to your unique needs. Whether your body needs movement or craves stillness, Dr. Cook enables you to tune in and find the right balance, using plant-based support that works with your body, not against it.

So the next time your head starts to ache, listen in. Relief is a little guidance away.