Forward Head Posture

In a turtle neck posture, the suboccipital muscle group located directly beneath the skull continuously contracts to support the weight of the head. The greater occipital nerve passes through this area, and if the tense muscles irritate the nerve, cervicogenic headaches can occur, spreading from the back of the head to the crown and temples. Additionally, myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles can also cause headaches and eye strain. This is very common among students who maintain a study posture for long periods, and even if temporarily relieved by painkillers, it recurs if the posture and muscle tension remain unchanged. From the perspective of a Korean medicine clinic, Korean medicine views headaches as arising when the Qi and blood in the meridians passing through the nape of the neck to the head become stagnant, preventing clear energy from ascending to the head. Based on the principle that the liver governs the muscles, if liver Qi becomes stagnant due to exam stress, muscle tension intensifies, resulting in a Qi-Qi and Blood Stasis type headache; if this is compounded by sleep deprivation and overwork, it progresses to a Muscle and Blood Exhaustion type headache, where Qi and blood fail to nourish the muscles and blood vessels. Treatment involves inserting acupuncture needles into the suboccipital and scapular regions—the roots of tension—to facilitate the flow of Qi and blood; hardened trigger points are released using needles; and pharmacopuncture is added if inflammatory tenderness is pronounced. Furthermore, the key to reducing headache recurrence is to clear accumulated fatigue and dampness, replenish liver blood with herbal medicine tailored to your constitution, and restore circulation in both the neck and head.