A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so bad that it interferes with your daily activities.
For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking. {courtesy of Mayo Clinic}
Symptoms
Migraines, which affect children and teenagers as well as adults, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. Not everyone who has migraines goes through all stages.
Understanding acupuncture as a potential migraine treatment option
The research
Based on a recent systematic review of 22 clinical trials involving 4985 people, there is evidence that acupuncture reduces the frequency of headaches in individuals with migraine and that the effect may be similar to that observed with preventive medications. The frequency of headaches is dropped by 50% or more in up to 59% of individuals receiving acupuncture and this effect can persist for more than 6 months.
How it works
Acupuncture is meant to keep the energy flow (called “qi”) balanced along the meridians. An acupuncturist will place needles at specific 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. Treatment takes about an hour, and patients are advised to undergo at least six sessions, usually once a week. The acupuncturist may also suggest dietary changes. For example, Caffeine can exacerbate migraine, and some acupuncturists believe it disrupts the flow of the body. {courtesy of America Migraine Foundation}
The most recent study done by Beijing Gulou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine showed a 100% effectivity rate on their participants. See the recent study here.
If you are suffering from a migraine, we can help. Call us today to schedule your appointment.