Acupuncture for Migraine Relief*
Many migraine sufferers turn to acupuncture for a safe, effective alternative treatment, free of side effects.* Migraine headaches affect more than 12% of the American population. The cause is not definitively known, but researchers believe it to be a neurovascular disease (meaning it affects both the nerves and blood vessels of the brain). The benefits of acupuncture are:
Chinese medicine has sophisticated theories on the origin of migraines and their treatment. In Chinese medicine, we do not look at all migraines as originating from the same cause. In fact, we tend to break migraines down into 4-5 different categories from which we construct individualized treatment plans. Your category will depend on how migraines present for you, the location of the pain and other symptoms that describe your overall health and well-being. If we are able to correctly diagnose the appropriate category you fit into, then the likelihood of achieving relief is very high.*
The Different Approaches of Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine
For those who suffer from migraines, episodes can last for a few hours to a few days and can range from moderate to severe in nature. Migraines will typically be one-sided, many times occurring near the temples or eye, and will feel pulsating or throbbing in quality. Generally episodes will feel worse with movement or activity, and there may be sensitivity to light or sound with accompanying nausea or vomiting. Episodes may occur infrequently, as little as a few times per year, or as frequent as may many times a month, making a person’s quality of life very difficult. For some women, migraines tend to occur during pregnancy or menstruation.
Typical western medical approaches aim to reduce triggers, decrease episodes and manage pain with pharmaceuticals, biofeedback or behavioral therapy. If these approaches fail to yield acceptable results or result in uncomfortable side effects, many people look to alternatives for relief.
At our clinic, the treatment plan for migraines will depend on how you present during your initial exam, and what you are able to tolerate, but it may encompass one or all of the modalities available to us, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha and electrical stimulation.
How Long Does It Take for Acupuncture to Relieve My Migraine?*
Acupuncture frequency will typically require an initial commitment of twice a week until we are able to see improvement in your condition.* The frequency of visits needed will depend upon how your migraines are presenting. If your migraines occur often, then you will need to come for more treatments than someone whose migraines occur less frequently. For women whose migraines happen around their periods, it might be sufficient to treat you just a few times before your period.*
Once we achieve stability in your condition, we can taper off your treatments and assess what future course of treatments are needed, if any, to maintain stability.*
Where Do the Needles Go?
The acupuncture points and Chinese herbs we use for migraines will depend on how you present during your initial exam and the category you fit into. Generally speaking, most of the needles we use won’t be inserted in your head or face. Depending on your condition, we often use points on the arms and legs to provide migraine relief.
Have you been suffering from migraines? If you are looking for a safe, alternative form of treatment that will provide you with relief without the possible side effects of pharmaceuticals, then contact us today for a FREE consult.*
*Disclaimer: Specific results are not guaranteed. Results may vary from person to person.
Family Acupuncture & Herbs of Reading serves many communities in Massachusetts (MA) and New Hampshire (NH), including: Wakefield; Reading; Lynnfield; Winchester; Lexington; Stoneham; Wilmington; Melrose; Saugus; Medford; Somerville; Woburn; Andover; Peabody; Danvers; Boston; North Reading; North Andover; Concord; Cambridge; Acton; Bedford; Billerica; Burlington; Wayland; Weston; Newton; Arlington; Nahant; Gloucester; Manchester; Manchester-by-the-Sea;Sudbury; Lincoln; Waltham; Watertown; Revere; Malden; Everett; Chelsea; Salem; Beverly; Swampscott; Marblehead;Middleton; Wenham; Ipswich; Tewksbury; Lowell; Belmont; Boxford; Rockport; Topsfield; Rowley; Brookline; Winthrop; Carlisle; Chelmsford;Dracut;Methuen; Haverhill; Lawrence; Georgetown; Newburyport; Salisbury; Groveland; Amesbury; Seabrook; Hampton
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