Migraines

Migraines can be a debilitating condition for anyone who has ever suffered with them. Many people see migraines as “just a headache,” but it goes far beyond. Beyond extreme pain, migraines can cause visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, or even dizziness and faintness. This condition can be even more difficult because medications do not always help; even when medications do help with migraines, they may have serious side effects.

How does a migraine happen?

Many people have triggers that can bring on migraines. These include stress, extreme emotions, hormonal shifts, lights, fatigue, weather changes, or certain foods. As for how migraines take place, the current thinking is that excitable brain cells trigger serotonin, which narrows blood vessels. Fluctuations in hormone levels can also make one more sensitive to the pain of the migraine headaches.


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So can Acupuncture help with migraines?

The research says it can. In a systematic review of 22 clinical trials for Acupuncture and migraines, a majority of participants had a reduction of at least 50% in migraine frequency during the studies. The migraine society agrees that Acupuncture can be effective. They concluded that coming for at least 6 treatments can be beneficial for migraine relief. From a Chinese medicine point of view, energetic blockages are moved which helps with the pain. The treatment also has minimal risks. My own personal experience is that Acupuncture can be very effective for migraine treatments in most clients.


What can you expect when you come in for Acupuncture?

You can expect questions in regard to general health, and specifically the migraine symptoms you are experiencing. The needles are painless, and can often prevent migraines, as well as helping the pain of a migraine in progress. Usually you will be asked to come in 2x per week for 2-3 weeks, at which time a re-evaluation will take place. If you have questions, call or email us today. We would love to help.