Does Acupuncture help Migraines?

We get this question a lot. According to the WHO, headaches are the most common disorders of the nervous system. It is estimated that almost half of the adult population has reported having a headache in the last year and almost 30% have reported having a migraine. This means we end up treating headaches a fair bit at our clinic because it is so common. It is also one of our favourite things to treat because the effects are often immediate.

How can Acupuncture help Migraine Headaches?

• Posture
• Stress
• Over Exertion
• Lack of Activity
• Being too hot
• Poor Sleep Quality
• Loud Noises or overstimulation
• Food triggers
• Medications
• Glares from your screens
• Hormonal Shifts before your period where your estrogen dips

What to expect at your Acupuncture treatment for Migraine Headaches

When you come for a treatment your acupuncturist will ask you many questions regarding your health. Questions range from sleep quality, to digestion, to stress levels.

From there your acupuncturist will be able to make up a syndrome differential diagnosis based in TCM principles to help formulate an acupuncture point prescription that is specific to you. The acupuncture itself helps to improve blood and lymphatic circulation, regulate hormones, and release endorphins – our body’s “feel good chemicals” which are so important in pain management.

Most people find the treatments so relaxing that they fall asleep. We lovingly call this an “acu-nap” and our clients often report that they feel like they were sleeping 4 hours when they might only have been sleeping 10 minutes. Lifestyle recommendations will also be discussed to help prevent reoccurrence.

Do you suffer from headaches or migraines?