A headache caused by liver qi stagnation described in Donguibogam is, in modern medical terms, remarkably similar to a headache that arises from a combined effect of autonomic nervous system imbalance and changes in neurotransmitters caused by stress. When we experience stress, the brain immediately activates the fight-or-flight response. This excites the sympathetic nervous system, putting the body in a state of tension and causing the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
This excessive activation of the sympathetic nerve can induce headaches in various ways. First, it tenses the muscles around the neck, shoulders, and scalp, triggering a tension headache. Furthermore, stress hormones can cause cerebral blood vessels to abnormally constrict and dilate repeatedly. Particularly when cerebral blood vessels dilate, they can irritate surrounding nerves and cause throbbing pain similar to a migraine. In addition, an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin raises pain sensitivity, making one feel greater pain even from minor stimuli. The expression in Donguibogam that qi surges to the head can be viewed as indicating such changes in cerebral blood flow and an increase in neural excitation.
How then does acupressure on Taichong (LR3) help alleviate headaches according to scientific principles? Although Taichong (LR3) on the dorsum of foot is not directly connected to the brain, stimulating this area can produce systemic relaxation effects through various neurological and physiological pathways. First, acupressure stimulates mechanoreceptors beneath the skin and muscles, sending pain-relieving signals to the brain. This can promote the release of endorphins, which are endogenous opioids, raising the pain threshold and producing a natural analgesic effect.
Second, stimulating Taichong (LR3) affects the autonomic nervous system by lowering sympathetic nerve activity and stimulating parasympathetic nerves, helping transition the body into a rest-and-digest response. This can contribute to relaxing tense muscles, regulating abnormal vascular responses, and stabilizing stress hormone levels. Indeed, research reports that stimulating specific acupoints alters brain wave activity and reduces stress-related biomarkers.
Third, Taichong (LR3) is an important acupoint located on the liver meridian, and the Korean medicine perspective that it can indirectly influence liver functions related to blood circulation can be interpreted modernly in the context of improving blood circulation and eliminating wastes. Stress can increase blood viscosity and induce inflammatory reactions, but by aiding overall circulation and restoring bodily balance through acupressure, it can also exert a positive effect on these modern issues. Ultimately, acupressure on Taichong (LR3) serves as a wise method to help ease stress-induced headaches through multifaceted neurological and physiological mechanisms.
