Acupuncture for Tension Headaches

This is the fourth and last post in a series on headaches.  This one focuses on the most common form of headache, the tension headache.  I am teaching a class on self acupressure called “Migraines, Sinus Headaches, and the Common Cold” on March 8th. It is free but space is limited, so call us at 917-887-4946 to reserve your spot.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.  Everyone gets them from time to time, but in some it may become chronic.  There is no need to suffer, acupuncture can treat your headaches and make you feel better.  For those with occasional headaches, acupressure may even be enough.

You probably know when you have a tension headache.  It is usually a dull aching pain that can come from being stressed out, upset, too tired, overworked, or stared at your computer too long.  There is often accompanied with tension of the neck muscles, pressure in the forehead, temples, or base of the skull.

For most people, the headache will last a few minutes to a few hours, but some have chronic headaches which reoccur for a long time. Severe chronic headache suffers can have it for more than a few days or months. Most cases are not an emergency, but if you experience an abrupt severe headache with a feeling of a snap in you head or if you headache is accompanied by a fever or trauma, you should go to the emergency room.

How does Chinese medicine diagnosis and treat headaches?

There is not a one size fits all diagnosis for headaches in Chinese medicine.  Chinese medicine works by addressing imbalances in the body.  Once the imbalance is corrected, the body works to heal itself.  Everybody’s imbalance can be different and the treatment is focused specifically to your symptoms and complaints. When it comes to chronic pain conditions, it is important to consider both the mind and the body, which effect one another.  Chinese medicine is quite specific about this, and each organ is effected by different emotions (I plan to write more about this in future posts).

Often with headaches, the diagnosis can be associated with the liver.  Don’t worry, imbalances in the Chinese medicine liver don’t necessarily mean disorder of the Western liver.  The Liver in Chinese medicine is responsible for the free flowing of qi.  When qi flow is damaged, it is called qi stagnation.  This can often happen from stress and anxiety.

Acupuncture works to correct the imbalance causing the qi stagnation.   The treatment  is tailored to different people.   The deeper the imbalance, the more intense the headache and possible longer time you will need treatment.

An effective acupuncture treatment is based upon a specific and accurate diagnosis. Also combining acupressure with the acupuncture helps to relieve the muscle tension also associated with the tension headaches.  Usually people will feel relief after only a few weekly visits.

If you are interested in finding out more about how acupuncture can help reduce your chronic headaches, please call us at 917.887.4946 for a free consultation.