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Headache with indigestion? It might not be simple indigestion but caused by 'this'.

Many people visit our clinic complaining that "my head hurts when I'm constipated or have indigestion." It's easy to think that it's just a temporary headache because of poor digestion, but if these symptoms repeat frequently, it might not be a simple issue. Many think that neurological symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness, and headaches are unrelated to gastrointestinal symptoms like indigestion or acid reflux, but our body is organically connected. Especially, the close interaction between the gut and the brain can be a hidden cause of chronic indigestion and headaches.

💡 [Key Answer] Top 3 common causes of headaches with indigestion: ① Autonomic Imbalance: Simultaneously causes decreased digestive function and brain overactivity ② Gut-Brain Axis Disruption: Toxins in the gut travel through the blood and negatively affect brain function ③ Dam-jeok (Phlegm Accumulation): Waste accumulation due to decreased stomach function and systemic circulation disorder Dalimchae Clinic helps fundamental health recovery by breaking the link between indigestion and headaches through autonomic stabilization and gut detoxification treatment.

Everyone has experienced a headache after eating and getting indigestion. However, if this happens repeatedly, you should consider the possibility of a problem in the 'Gut-Brain Axis,' an important link in our body. The gut-brain axis is a biological communication system where the gut and brain constantly exchange information through the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system. If gut health is poor, harmful bacteria multiply and inflammatory reactions can occur, and toxins or inflammatory substances produced at this time can be delivered to the brain through the blood, affecting brain function and causing headaches.

Particularly, headache symptoms like migraines are commonly observed in patients with functional dyspepsia. According to a study published in the 「American Journal of Gastroenterology」 in 2019, 76% of 60 patients with postprandial syndrome also had migraines, and 89% of them developed migraines in relation to meals. The researchers concluded that these results are closely related to the postprandial hypersensitive gastrointestinal reaction of functional dyspepsia patients. This suggests that indigestion and headaches are not just symptoms occurring separately, but that an imbalance in the digestive system can directly affect the brain's nervous system.

Indigestion and headaches may be a warning signal from our body's 'autonomic nervous system.' The autonomic nervous system regulates functions essential for maintaining life, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and blood circulation, regardless of our will. If the balance of the autonomic nervous system is broken due to stress or irregular lifestyle habits, the sympathetic nervous system becomes excessively active, decreasing gastrointestinal motility and reducing digestive fluid secretion, which can worsen indigestion. At the same time, it affects the contraction and relaxation of brain blood vessels, causing tension headaches or migraines.

Many patients visiting Dalimchae Clinic in Incheon also complain of chronic indigestion, headaches, and dizziness. This is a clear example showing that an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system causes various symptoms throughout the body. Especially, indigestion and headaches that persist even though there's nothing wrong in tests are highly likely to be functional abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system. In this case, it's hard to solve fundamentally with only symptomatic treatment that suppresses symptoms, and treatment to regain the balance of the autonomic nervous system is needed.

Headaches from indigestion may show slightly different characteristics from general headaches. If the following symptoms are accompanied, you can suspect a headache caused by digestive issues.

Self-Checklist for Headaches from Indigestion

• Headache starts or worsens after a meal or after eating certain foods.
• Feeling bloated and stuffy, with pain or pressure in the solar plexus.
• Digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, belching, and abdominal bloating appear with the headache.
• Hands and feet are cold, and the body feels heavy overall.
• Feeling heart palpitations, anxiety, or nervousness.
• Experiencing decreased concentration or memory loss along with the headache.
• Vulnerable to stress and sensitive in general.

Judgment Criteria: If 3 or more apply → Suspect autonomic imbalance and gut-brain axis disruption → Review oriental medical diagnosis and treatment If 5 or more apply → Professional diagnosis and treatment are recommended immediately. Please get a detailed consultation at Dalimchae Clinic.

Dalimchae Clinic approaches the link between chronic indigestion and headaches with the core treatment principle of 'autonomic stabilization.' When the balance of the autonomic nervous system collapses, the brain easily falls into an overactive state without rest, leading to a vicious cycle of decreased digestive function and headaches. Dalimchae Clinic breaks this vicious cycle and creates an environment where the brain and body can recover themselves. We aim to cool down the excessive heat in the nervous system and create an environment where the brain can rest comfortably — in oriental medicine, this is called 'Suseunghwagang' (keeping the head cool and the belly warm).

According to a study in the journal 「Complementary and Alternative Medicine」 in 2023, after taking the herbal medicine 'Naesohwajung-tang' for 4 weeks in a study of 116 patients with functional dyspepsia, the total indigestion symptom score decreased significantly compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05), and distinct improvements were confirmed particularly in epigastric burning, postprandial fullness, early satiety, and functional dyspepsia-related quality of life items. The researchers concluded that this herbal prescription is effective in alleviating symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

These research results show that oriental medical treatment can be effective in improving digestive symptoms. Dalimchae Clinic solves the fundamental causes of indigestion and headaches through 1:1 customized herbal prescriptions suitable for the constitution and symptoms, stabilizing the autonomic nervous system, strengthening stomach function, and discharging toxins in the body. Also, we improve qi and blood circulation, alleviate pain, and regain the balance of the disrupted autonomic nervous system through acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture treatment, helping the body build the power to recover itself. For those looking for an autonomic nervous system clinic in Songdo, Incheon, Dalimchae Clinic will provide the right treatment direction.

Q. How often can headaches from indigestion appear? A. Indigestion and headaches related to meals or stress can appear more frequently and with more severe intensity as the autonomic imbalance worsens. If it appears chronically more than once a week, a professional diagnosis is needed.

Q. Can headaches from indigestion heal naturally? A. Temporary headaches from indigestion can be naturally resolved through rest and measures to help digestion. However, if symptoms repeat or become chronic, it could be a signal of autonomic imbalance or gut-brain axis disruption, so active treatment is important.

Q. I have both indigestion and migraines, can they be treated together? A. Yes, Dalimchae Clinic sees the fundamental cause of indigestion and migraines as autonomic imbalance and gut-brain axis disruption and treats them integratedly. Since we understand the organic connection of the body and approach it from a systemic perspective, both symptoms can be improved at the same time.

Headaches from indigestion are not a problem that can be solved by enduring. You no longer have to ignore the signals your body has been sending for a long time. If you approach it in the right direction, your body will react faster than you think. Bring your current symptoms as they are. We will find the cause together at Dalimchae Clinic.

A place where life blooms. Herbal medicine is, after all, Dalimchae. Check your similar symptoms through the AI consultation on the Dalimchae Clinic website first!

This article is health information compiled by the Dalimchae medical team based on questions actually received in the consultation room. Medical Supervision | Autonomic Medicine Standard, Dalimchae Clinic Incheon Branch, Doctor Chan Yang (Headache Column)