Last Updated on 25 January 2023 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Can Acupuncture Treat Headaches and Migraines?
Acupuncture has been studied since the 1970s, and as interest grows in how natural health treatments can help consumers, the quality of the research keeps improving. Using acupuncture for headaches and migraines is becoming increasingly more popular as an alternative treatment option to using painkillers.
Research is growing that supports acupuncture as an effective therapy for migraine prevention with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals. The science says that acupuncture for migraines and headaches of different types is a valid and helpful treatment option.
An analysis of 22 studies involving very close to 5000 people reported that when compared to pharmaceutical-only treatments, Headache and Migraine frequency more than halved. [1]
In another recent analysis of large Acupuncture for Migraines trials, the author concluded that Acupuncture treatment is “at least as effective as conventional drug preventative therapy…and is safe, long-lasting, and cost-effective”. [2]
For those that don’t like to rely on painkillers, and those who are trying to quit relying on them to get through nasty bouts of Headache and Migraine, Acupuncture is a great option! You can use it in conjunction with your regular treatments or choose it as your preferred treatment; do what’s right for you – Brisbane Livewell Clinic practitioners are here to support you to do that.
Can Acupuncture Prevent Migraines?
Yes; several types of Tension-Type Headaches, Chronic Headache conditions and Migraines are effectively treated and prevented with Acupuncture.
An analysis of 22 studies concluded that the evidence is compelling. [3]
How Can Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches Help You?
Headaches and Migraines impact each person a little differently. Acupuncture is a fantastic treatment option for those suffering from issues and symptoms including but not limited to:
- Neck Aches
- Tension Headaches
- Chronic Headache disorders
- Migraines
- Sinus Pain
- Menstrual Headaches
- Sleeping problems leaving you feeling Headachey and not yourself
Acupuncture for Headaches
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Will You Need for Headaches?
As with any treatment plan, it depends entirely on your symptoms, conditions and how quickly your body responds to the treatment.
The analysis of nearly 5000 people mentioned above stated that “…a course of Acupuncture of at least six treatment sessions can be a valuable option for people with Migraine. [1]
Your practitioner will discuss your personal situation with you during your first consultation and continue communicating with you about your improvements as your sessions progress.
We are here to give you the best, most ethical treatment possible. You won’t be put on the “infinity plan” and asked to return every week forever.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture uses very small needles to stimulate certain Acupuncture points, and some people are surprised that they don’t feel anything in a lot of areas!
However, some people can experience a little tenderness, especially in tight places. This feeling is similar to a massage therapist massaging an area with a knot in it that you didn’t know you had.
Most clients find they get used to the sensation rather quickly. After the first session, the mystery of how it will feel to you is solved!
What Happens in a Session with Your Acupuncturist?
1. Spend Time To Find a Clear Diagnosis
In your initial consultation, our experienced Acupuncturist will spend up time diagnosing your condition, using a wide range of diagnostic tools. The acupuncturist may assess the tongue, skin, pulse and eyes as these areas are seen as major indicators of overall health and well-being.
2. Find Relief With Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches Treatment Sessions
Acupuncture for headaches and migraines treatments involve the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body’s meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual.
Acupuncture is very relaxing and once the needles are inserted, you lie on a massage table and rest for 15-30 minutes. While you are resting, the acupuncture needles are working to balance your whole body. Acupuncture for migraines helps address the origin of the problem, while at the same time, reducing the painful symptoms that are affecting your health and wellbeing.
3. Medicine Specifically Prepared For Your Condition
Herbs play a prominent role in healing. Herbs can be dispensed as an “off the shelf” formula or our practitioners can create a formula specifically designed for you. Our clinic has over 100 herbs to suit your specific needs.
4. Walk away with a Plan
Our practitioner can offer you a plan for your ongoing recovery and other customised programs to support your health, diet and lifestyle.
Effectively Treat Your Headaches & Find Relief with Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (Acupuncture Points) along the body’s meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual.
The first treatment is very gentle so as not to aggravate your condition. Once the practitioner can see how your body is responding to the treatment, they may also stimulate the Acupuncture Points using other methods, including Moxibustion, Cupping, Laser Therapy, Electro-Stimulation and Massage to re-establish the flow of qi.
Acupuncture is widely considered a safe therapy, but occasionally, as with all therapies – conventional and complementary – results may vary, and adverse reactions may be experienced.
For those that do experience adverse reactions to Acupuncture, the most common are itchiness and soreness at the site of the needles, light-headedness, mild bruising and muscle twitching.
You’re encouraged to communicate with your practitioner, they are there for you.
References
[1] Klaus, L., Allais, G., Brinhaus, B., Fei, Y., Vertosick, EA., Vickers, A., White, AR., 2009, ‘Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic Migraine review’, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1; CD001218.
[2] Da Silva, A.N 2015, ‘Acupuncture for Migraine prevention’, Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, vol:55(3), pp: 470-473.
[3] Coeytaux, R. R., Befus, D., 2016, ‘Role of Acupuncture in the treatment or prevention of Migraine, tension-type headache, or chronic Headache disorders’, Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, vol:56(7), pp. 1238-1240.
FAQ's
There are 9 pressure points to relieve headaches and migraines. Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body’s meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual. Acupuncture is very relaxing and once the needles are inserted, you lie on a massage table and rest for 15-30 minutes. While you are resting, the acupuncture needles are working to balance your whole body. Acupuncture helps address the origin of the problem, while at the same time reducing the painful symptoms that are affecting your health and wellbeing.
A Clinical study has indicated that 1-2 treatments in the first week then 1 treatment every week for 8 weeks. Your practitioner will discuss your personal situation with you during your first consultation and continue communicating with you about your improvements as your sessions progress.
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body’s meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual. An acupuncturist will place needles at these pressure points, usually along a person’s back or neck where they can slow pain transmission. Sometimes, a gentle head massage accompanies the placement of the needles. Acupuncture is very relaxing and once the needles are inserted, you lie on a massage table and rest for 15-30 minutes. While you are resting, the acupuncture needles are working to balance your whole body. Acupuncture helps address the origin of the problem, while at the same time reducing the painful symptoms that are affecting your health and wellbeing.
For those that don’t like to rely on painkillers, and those who are trying to quit relying on them to get through nasty bouts of Headache and Migraine, Acupuncture is a great option! In a recent analysis of large Acupuncture for Migraine trials, the author concluded that Acupuncture treatment is “at least as effective as conventional drug preventative therapy…and is safe, long-lasting, and cost-effective”. You can use Acupuncture in conjunction with your regular treatments or choose it as your preferred treatment; do what’s right for you – Brisbane Livewell Clinic practitioners are all here to support you to do that.
The analysis of nearly 5000 people in 22 studies stated that “…a course of Acupuncture of at least six treatment sessions can be a valuable option for people with Migraine. Your practitioner will discuss your personal situation with you during your first consultation and continue communicating with you about your improvements as your sessions progress.
Acupuncture has no associated side effects at all, which gives patients a sense of hope that, if nothing else, their headaches will not worsen or intensify. The better news, however, is that many migraine patients express a sense of relief after receiving acupuncture treatment, and many more say that continual acupuncture sessions can lessen the intensity and frequency of these intense, painful headaches. Acupuncture is very relaxing and once the needles are inserted, you lie on a massage table and rest for 15-30 minutes. While you are resting, the acupuncture needles are working to balance your whole body.
