Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Chatswood
Josephine is a registered acupuncturist & Chinese herbal medicine practitioner based in Lane Cove and Frenchs Forest. If you're willing and able to travel from Chatswood to either of these locations for TCM consultation, acupuncture and herbal medicine services, Josephine looks forward to meeting with you.
Cluster headaches are among the most severe pain conditions known, producing excruciating unilateral headache with eye watering and nasal congestion, typically lasting 15 minutes to three hours. A study published in Headache (2009) reported that acupuncture reduced attack frequency and intensity in cluster headache patients, with some patients experiencing significant reduction in their cluster period.
TCM classifies cluster headaches under the pattern of Wind-Fire attacking the Shao Yang (Gallbladder/Triple Energiser) and Yang Ming (Stomach) channels. The intense, one-sided quality reflects Yang excess, while the periodicity (occurring in "clusters" at the same time daily) relates to disruption of the body's Ying-Wei (nutritive-defensive) Qi cycle. Treatment must clear Fire, expel Wind, and regulate the affected channels using local points such as Taiyang (temple), GB1 (Tongziliao) near the eye, and SJ5 (Waiguan) as the Luo-connecting point of the Triple Energiser.
Given the severity of cluster headaches, treatment is typically intensive during a cluster period — daily or alternate-day sessions. LI4 (Hegu) and LR3 (Taichong) as the Four Gates help clear Heat and regulate Qi systemically. Between cluster periods, preventive treatment strengthens the body's defences and aims to reduce the severity or prevent the next cluster from occurring.
Research suggests acupuncture can reduce the frequency and intensity of cluster headache attacks. A 2009 study reported some patients achieved complete remission of their cluster period. It is most effective when used intensively during a cluster period and preventively between episodes.
Cluster headaches are shorter (15 minutes to 3 hours versus hours to days for migraines), always one-sided, and accompanied by eye watering, nasal congestion, and restlessness. They occur in cyclical "clusters" — daily attacks for weeks or months, then complete remission. In TCM, they involve a different pattern requiring different treatment.
During an active cluster period, daily or every-other-day sessions are recommended to control attacks as quickly as possible. Once the cluster subsides, monthly maintenance sessions may help prevent or delay the next cluster. Treatment should be used alongside your neurologist's prescribed medication.
Josephine Zhuo (TCM) is an AHPRA registered health practitioner — acupuncturist and herbalist.
Book OnlineOr call to make a booking
Root-cause diagnosis for each patient's body constitution and health condition.
All seasons of women's health, from menarche through pregnancy to menopause.
AHPRA registered. Individualised care through acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Acupuncture, cupping, moxa and herbal medicine used in combination.
All information on this website is provided as general health information. While we have exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of the material contained on this website, the information on the site is made available on the basis it does not constitute providing professional medical advice on a particular matter. This website is not a substitute for independent and separate professional medical advice. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used for specific diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any symptoms, diseases or conditions, nor should it be a substitute for your own health professional's advice. We do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
Book your appointment with Josephine Zhuo today