Exploration of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Neurogenic Headache Based on the Theory of"Kidney Essence-Brain Marrow-Qi Blood"

ZHAO Sihan; HAO Rubin; LI Wanting

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-3250.2025.10.010

Abstract：Vascular Neurogenic headache is a type of recurrent headache caused by functional disorders of the cranial vasculature and nerves.It may present as intense pain on one or both sides of the head.Its incidence has been gradually rising with the acceleration of societal pace and increased psychological stress.Western medicine primarily relies on symptomatic treatment with pharmaceuticals,but this approach often entails significant side effects.Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the original spirit resides in the brain,which must be nourished by kidney essence.Moreover,the seven emotions and five willful intentions are closely linked to kidney essence in both physiology and pathology,Qi and blood are also important mediators in maintaining the balance of physiological functions in life.Based on theories from Inner Canon of Huangdi,the concept of the"Kidney Essence-Brain Marrow-Qi blood"axis holds guiding significance in the differentiation and treatment of Vascular Neurogenic headache.This paper explores the pathogenesis of this condition through the lens of kidney essence,sea of marrow,and their relationship with Qi and blood.It proposes a three-dimensional pathomechanistic model"Kidney Essence-Brain Marrow-Qi blood"to examine the unique characteristics of TCM diagnosis and treatment,especially in relation to how emotional and mental imbalances contribute to disease.It demonstrates how this theoretical framework,through the interlinking meridians of the brain and kidney,achieves a synergistic and reciprocal functional relationship.The aim is to provide highly effective clinical treatment strategies.This research aspires to maximize the use of classical theory from Inner Canon of Huangdi in guiding clinical prescriptions and medication in TCM,offering multidimensional and multifaceted perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular neurogenic headache.