Acupuncture Treatment for Migraines & Headaches

Nearly everyone will suffer from a headache at some point in time. Headaches are one of the most common physical complaints that prompt people to seek professional assistance. Research has found that approximately 16% of the US population suffers from headaches or migraines. This equates to approximately four million emergency room visits and over four million office visits each year. Migraines and headaches are also one of the most frequent reasons that people schedule an acupuncture session.

What causes a headache?

Headaches may result from any number of factors. Increased stress, decreased sleep, hunger, and caffeine withdrawal can all trigger headaches. Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries and concussions can also lead to acute and chronic headaches. Specific medical conditions such as high blood pressure, certain infections, strokes, and brain tumors can all present with headaches.

Additionally, other factors can contribute to acute and chronic headaches including muscle tension, food sensitivities, environmental allergies, and withdrawal from certain medications. You may have one or more of these factors if you are suffering from chronic headaches or migraines, making certain triggers difficult to pinpoint.

Are there different types of headaches?

Yes. Headaches fall into a couple of main categories: tension headaches, cluster headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines. Knowing the type of headache that you have, may help you select the best integrative treatment modalities including acupuncture, massage, or mindfulness strategies.

What are the symptoms of a tension headache?

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches that adults and children experience. People who endure tension headaches usually feel mild to moderate pain on both sides of their head. The pain is usually described as tight, constricting, or as if something is being wrapped around your head and squeezed tightly.

What are the symptoms of a cluster headache?

Cluster headaches are characterized by more severe pain usually with burning or a piercing pain around one eye. People who experience these types of headaches often have swelling or a drooping eyelid, eye tearing, and redness of the eye. These can come in clusters with headaches occurring as frequently as one to three times a day, for periods lasting between two weeks to three months. Typically, the cluster of headaches is followed by a noticeable period of remission.

What are the symptoms of a cervicogenic headache?

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by an injury in the neck or spine, causing pain that travels to the head. This type of traveling or referred pain is sometimes difficult to diagnose as the origin of the pain is different from the source. Pain can travel near the temple, around the ear, or into the upper shoulder and extremities. Sometimes cervicogenic headaches occur with neck pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion.

What is the difference between a headache and a migraines?

Migraines typically have a deep or throbbing pain that is persistent and lasts multiple hours or days. In addition to severe pain, migraine sufferers often experience additional symptoms such as light or noise sensitivity, nausea, or loss of appetite. Migraines can be so severe that they can cause auras, blurred vision, or vomiting.

What happens during a migraine?

We still don’t understand all the mechanisms in the brain that causes migraines. However, researchers believe that migraines are a type of neurological disorder. Something triggers the nerve cells in the brainstem and they respond by sending signals along the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve originates in the brain and has three main branches, traveling along the face, eyes, sinuses, and jaw. This cranial nerve also innervates the superficial blood vessels of the brain.

In the next stage of a migraine, something called a “spreading cortical depression” occurs. Spreading cortical depression is a term to describe a wave-like change of brain activity, including blood vessel dilation and the release of various neurohormones. These neurohormones are thought to be related to further pain and inflammation. While this process is still not completely understood, many effective treatments exist including acupuncture.

How does acupuncture work to treat headaches and migraines?

Multiple research studies have been conducted on acupuncture for the treatment of headaches and migraines. Researchers believe that acupuncture has a wide range of effects on the body to reduce pain and the frequency of headaches. Acupuncture is thought to regulate blood flow in the brain, regulate cyclical hormones, reduce muscle spasm, and increase natural pain-reducing hormones including endorphins. All of these mechanisms are thought to help treat headaches in the moment as well as reduce their frequency long-term.

What does the research say about acupuncture and headaches?

Acupuncture has been used for headache treatment from the beginning of Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to research, acupuncture is effective for chronic headaches, migraines, and many conditions associated with headaches. Examples include head trauma, anxiety and stress-related disorders, allergies, and hormonal regulation.

Research on acupuncture and tension headaches shows that participants experience less headaches during active treatment and long-term benefits. Participants in the study continued to have reduced headache frequency following the end of treatment. One advantage of acupuncture treatment is the absence of side effects. Prescription headache medications can have side effects while some over-the-counter medications can lead to rebound headaches.

What does the research say about acupuncture and migraines?

Multiple research studies show that acupuncture is also effective for treating acute migraine pain. Additionally, studies show that acupuncture is at least as effective as prescription medication. Patients in these studies report being able to use their prophylactic prescriptions less often once beginning acupuncture.

One study found that acupuncture was also helpful for the long-term management of migraines. Study participants found that the total number of migraines per month decreased over time. Another study showed that acupuncture improved the quality of life for migraine sufferers. In the study, four hundred adults had twelve acupuncture sessions over a period of three months. Participants experienced twenty-two fewer headache days and a 15% reduction in medication use. Additionally, participants used 15% less sick days and traveled to their physician’s office 25% less often.

At OMBE, I use an integrative approach to treat headaches, migraines, and other chronic pain conditions. In addition to acupuncture, patients find meditation, specific forms of exercise, as well as targeted nutritional therapies to be effective.

If you found this article helpful, you may be interested in Acupuncture for Anxiety & Stress Reduction or Top 10 Women’s Health Reasons to Try Acupuncture.

More About OMBE

OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.

Learn more about us, read our organic health philosophy, or schedule an appointment. Contact us for any questions about appointment scheduling, acupuncture services, or integrative medicine. We look forward to hearing from you!