Q Sometimes coffee gives me a headache, and other times it makes my headache go away. How does caffeine affect tension headaches?
A In small, regular amounts, caffeine temporarily relieves headaches through blood vessel constriction, but excessive intake (over 200 mg per day) or sudden withdrawal can actually trigger headaches.
Detailed Answer
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors and causes blood vessel constriction, so in small amounts it can provide temporary headache relief. However, if you habitually drink more than 200 mg per day (about two Americanos) and then suddenly stop, caffeine-withdrawal headache occurs. Excess caffeine also lowers sleep quality, indirectly worsening tension headaches.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, excessive caffeine intake stimulates Heart fire (sim-hwa), disturbing Qi and blood and intensifying neck stiffness. We recommend heat-clearing teas such as chrysanthemum tea or cassia seed tea instead of coffee. Reduce your daily intake, but rather than quitting abruptly, taper off gradually over 2 to 3 weeks to avoid withdrawal headaches.
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