Treating Headaches and Migraines with Acupuncture

If you suffer from frequent or severe headaches, you are not alone. It is estimated that 45 million Americans experience chronic headaches.

Acupuncture provides a natural way to treat headaches and migraines by promoting the body's own ability to heal.

Some causes of headaches are stress, muscle tension, sinus pressure, hormonal changes, or exposure to smoke or environmental chemicals. However, many people experience chronic headaches with no identifiable cause. The common Western treatment for headaches is either over-the-counter drugs or prescription medications.

Acupuncture provides a natural way to treat headaches and migraines by promoting the body's own ability to heal. Acupuncture is a complete medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease, and improve well-being. It addresses problems on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Acupuncture originated in China more than 3,000 years ago and has now been embraced throughout the world. The World Health Organization recognizes Acupuncture for the treatment of many conditions, including headaches.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are based on the flow of vital energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee") through the body. This Qi flows through pathways called meridians. The meridians connect to the organs, body structures, and systems. If the flow of Qi is disrupted along the meridian, pain, weakness, or illness can result. Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the meridians in order to re-balance the flow of Qi.

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins in the body; these hormones can help to relieve pain and create a sense of well being. Many studies also suggest that acupuncture can influence the nervous system and the connective tissue network throughout the body.

How Can Acupuncture Help With Headaches?

Stress Headaches

While acupuncture can treat the pain of stress headaches, it can also help prevent them from recurring. Acupuncture is well known for its ability to provide deep relaxation; many people actually fall asleep during treatment. Acupuncture can also assist people with daily stress management, by balancing the body as a whole.

Migraines

Migraines can have numerous causes: stress, hormonal imbalances, toxicity in certain organs, an overworked liver, often due to long-term intake of alcohol, medications or unhealthy diets. Migraines frequently are due to food or environmental allergies.

In Chinese Medicine all the above causes are seen as blocked energy along the meridian pathways. The practitioners skill lies in identifying the root cause, and with the help of Acupuncture, medicinal herbs or Homeopathics help to clear these pathways. Regular Acupuncture treatment helps decrease the frequency and severity of migraines and or eliminate them eventually.

Sinus Headaches

Our sinuses are narrow passages, and when challenged, quickly react with blockage or inflammation. A wrong diet can increase mucous production which tends to settle in the sinuses. Allergens - food and environmentally based - also lead to mucous blockage or inflammation.

Acupuncture eases the pain of blocked sinuses. In stimulating or sedating the digestive system, it can also help reduce mucous production.

The NAET allergy-elimination program treats the root cause of sinus pressure by de-sensitizing the body to allergens such as pollens, dust, mold, wheat, and others.

Rebound and Cluster Headaches

If you have suffered from headaches for a very long time, and have used NSAID's such as Tylenol or Excedrin, possibly you suffer from "rebound headaches". These occur because the long-term use of medication has overburdened your liver, and while you get initial relief from the drugs, the load to the liver may be cause for another headache.

In Chinese Medicine, we often consider blockage of the liver meridian when evaluating headaches. Emotions such as frustration, anger, stuckness in a situation can block the liver enough to bring on a headache.

Chinese Herbal Formulas as well as Acupuncture and detoxification are very helpful in treatment of rebound headaches.

What Should You Expect from a Visit?

Each acupuncture treatment is individualized for you, based on information you provide to us in the initial visit.

Very thin, stainless steel needles are inserted into acupuncture points to treat your condition. These needles are sterile and used only once.

Most patients do not feel the acupuncture needles, but may feel a deep relaxation soon after the treatment begins.

Private treatment rooms are quiet and a soothing atmosphere is provided. You should plan 90 minutes for the first session and about 45-60 minutes for each additional session.

How Do You Get Started?

Call to arrange a free 15-minute consultation, to find out how acupuncture can help you. Or, set up your initial evaluation and treatment for the same week.

Office hours are flexible, with daytime, evening, and Saturday appointments available.