Acupuncture helps relieve many types of chronic headaches including migraines and tension headaches.
I have seen this everyday in my acupuncture clinic. Many research studies support acupuncture for treatment of headaches
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The Research on Acupuncture for Headaches
A recent large analysis of 31 studies, in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia, showed that acupuncture was effective at treating headaches. In fact, the studies showed that acupuncture was stronger than placebo acupuncture for reducing headaches, and even stronger than medication for reducing headache frequency, intensity, and improving overall physical function.
How does acupuncture work to treat headaches?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by stimulating the body to heal itself. This occurs by reducing inflammation and reducing pain in the nervous system.
What are the causes of headaches in acupuncture?
Qi circulates in the body. When there is stress, trauma, or other illness, the qi circulation can slow down and become stagnated. Someone with qi stagnation will have headaches that are intense, worse with stress, neck pain, ribside pain, possible insomnia, and digestive problems.
Another imbalance can be too little energy, or what is called qi deficiency. If there is too little energy, then people will feel tired, get bloated after they eat, and have a weak pulse.
What is treatment like?
During the initial visit we will have an exam and a treatment. In the exam we will discuss your medical history and I will take your pulse and look at your tongue.
Acupuncture is very safe. Also it is very relaxing! The treatment lasts about 30 minutes and usually I will combine with acupressure or cupping.
Usually people will feel relief after only a few weekly visits.