How Acupuncture Can Relieve Migraines and Headaches
If you’re one of the millions struggling with migraines or headaches, you’re likely familiar with the search for relief. While conventional treatments like medications and lifestyle changes can help, many people are now turning to alternative therapies such as acupuncture that offers a natural way to manage migraine headaches.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, reduce pain, and improve circulation. But how exactly does it help with migraine, and what makes it effective?
How Acupuncture Targets Migraines
Migraine and headaches can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, poor posture, diet, or sleep problems, all could disrupt the body’s natural energy balance. According to traditional Chinese medicine, migraine headaches occur when there’s a blockage or imbalance of ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) and blood, the body’s vital energy flow. Acupuncture works by releasing this blockage, allowing Qi and blood to flow freely and restoring balance, which in turn relieves pain and reduces migraine headaches frequency and intensity.
Modern research supports acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating migraines or headaches. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and reduces stress—a common migraine trigger. According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, patients who received acupuncture reported fewer migraine days and less severe pain compared to those who didn’t receive treatment (1).
What To Expect During an Acupuncture Session
If you’re new to acupuncture, a typical session for migraine relief might focus on points on the head, face, neck, abdomen, hands and/ or feet. The practitioner gently inserts fine needles into these areas to improve Qi and blood flow, relax the nervous system, and calm inflammation. Many people report a sense of deep relaxation during treatment, and some even fall asleep.
Unlike medications that only treat the symptoms, acupuncture addresses potential root causes of migraine, such as stress, poor circulation, or an energy imbalance. Research published in Cephalalgia found that acupuncture not only reduced migraine pain but also helped prevent future headaches by treating underlying triggers (2). Some patients experience relief after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from regular weekly treatments depending on the severity of their migraine headache.
Why Consider Acupuncture for Migraine?
Acupuncture has gained recognition in the medical community as a safe and effective treatment for migraine. Many people are drawn to it because it’s a drug-free option that works naturally with the body. A review in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews noted that acupuncture could be as effective as migraine medications without the associated side effects, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a natural approach (3).
Ready to Try Acupuncture?
If migraine disrupt your life and you’re looking for a natural approach, consider booking a consultation with Meng Eng, our inhouse acupuncturist. She can assess your needs and develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain and prevent future migraine. Acupuncture might be the solution you’ve been searching for!
References
1. Diener, H. C., et al. (2017). ‘Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine’. JAMA Internal Medicine.
2. Linde, K., et al. (2009). ‘Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis’. Cephalalgia.
3. Vickers, A. J., et al. (2012). ‘Acupuncture for chronic
