If you are one of the many Americans who experience migraines or headaches, you likely know that over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and rest do not always help. Migraines can be excruciating and challenging to manage without prescription drugs. Because of this, some people are exploring holistic treatments such as acupuncture to alleviate their headaches.
Acupuncture can be used to relieve chronic headaches and enhance overall well-being. Continue reading to learn about acupuncture, how it relieves headache pain, and what happens during sessions.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice where thin needles are placed into specific points on the body.
Acupuncturists believe that energy flows through the body, and they call this energy “qi” (pronounced “chi”). According to them, good health comes from a balanced flow of qi, where opposing forces—“yin” and “yang”—are in harmony.
When this energy is imbalanced, it can lead to health problems. Inserting needles into specific points on the skin, called acupuncture points or acupoints, restore balance to the flow of qi.
There are many different types of acupuncture, but most focus on adjusting qi at acupoints spread throughout the body. Scientists suggest that qi moves through channels in the body known as meridians. There are about 350 acupoints along 14 main meridians, which are thought to be pathways that carry energy. Acupoints are areas where muscles and nerves can be stimulated. This stimulation increases blood flow and prompts the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms to kick in.
When these needles are inserted, they may trigger the body to:
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Restore balance.
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Address symptoms of certain conditions.
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Release chemicals such as endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and help manage nerve impulses.
Types of Headaches
There are different types of headaches, which can be divided into two major categories: primary and secondary. Primary headaches have no underlying cause, whereas secondary headaches are caused by a condition that causes inflammation around the neck and head.
There are four main types of primary headaches include:
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Tension headaches.
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Migraines.
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Hypnic headaches.
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Cluster headaches.
Chronic headaches are common, impacting around 1 in every six Americans. They can last up to seventy-two hours and usually cause discomfort on one side of a patient’s head. Tension headaches typically cause discomfort around the temples, back part of your head, and forehead. Like migraines, they can also last for many days.
Cluster headaches occur on the sides of the head. They are distinct from migraine headaches because they are shorter in duration and can include symptoms like drooping eyelids and a stuffy nose on the affected side. Hypnic headaches are uncommon. They usually occur at night and can last for fifteen to sixty minutes.
What Are Migraines?
These neurological conditions cause a pounding headache, although this is not always true. Many people who have migraines also feel more sensitive to light, sound, and smell. About 25% of those with migraines experience auras.
Auras are symptoms that can appear during or before a migraine, often affecting a person’s vision. Many patients describe seeing bright flashes, lines, shapes, or partial vision loss. Some may feel numbness or tingling in their limbs or face, while others report ringing inside the ears.
These aura symptoms usually develop within about five minutes and typically fade within an hour. In some cases, individuals experience a prodrome phase up to 48 hours before the migraine starts. This phase can include symptoms such as excessive yawning, feelings of irritability, depression, food cravings, stiff neck, or constipation.
There are 3 main types of aura: sensory, aphasic, and visual. Visual aura symptoms are the most common, accounting for 98% of all cases.
A visual aura may appear as spots, zigzag patterns, flashes of light, or temporary vision loss. Despite being the most frequent type, visual auras can confuse patients and doctors, especially when determining whether they affect one or both eyes. Genuine auras typically affect both eyes and originate from your brain.
A sensory aura typically begins as tingling or numbness, starting in your fingers or mouth and sometimes spreading to other areas. It can also affect just one part of the body. Similar to the visual aura, it develops slowly and gradually.
Aphasic auras are less common and involve difficulty with speech. Those affected may struggle to find the right words or have their speech come out incorrectly. Like sensory and visual auras, they often have a gradual buildup, usually followed by headaches.
Types of Migraine
There are eight different kinds of migraines, each with unique symptoms. These include:
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Ocular migraine—This migraine causes total or partial loss of vision in a single eye, and some people may feel a dull pain behind that eye.
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Common migraine—This type happens without an aura.
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Chronic migraine—This type leads to symptoms of varying intensity at least fifteen days each month.
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Silent migraine—In this case, individuals experience aura symptoms but do not have a headache.
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Hemiplegic migraine—This migraine causes neurological symptoms on one side or part of the body, such as weakness, temporary paralysis, numbness, or tingling. It may also lead to dizziness and vision changes.
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Complicated migraine—This type also occurs with an aura.
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Brainstem aura migraine—This migraine causes pain at the back part of the head and may also lead to vertigo, slurred speech, vision loss, or balance issues before the headache starts.
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Status migrainosus—These migraines are rare and can last longer than seventy-two hours, causing nausea and intense head pain.
Causes of Migraines
Researchers have studied migraines extensively, but the actual cause is still unclear. Nerve signals and hormonal changes are believed to influence the brain’s blood vessels and the body’s response to pain.
If the brain’s blood vessels widen, more oxygen and blood will flow to your brain. This can lead to the release of a substance known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins can help control pain and inflammation, but higher levels can increase discomfort.
Estrogen plays a role in managing the brain’s chemicals that affect how we feel pain. Some women could have migraines around their menstrual period because of a drop in their estrogen levels. Studies indicate that some triggers, like lack of sleep or stress, can lead to the start of migraine attacks.
Common Triggers of Migraine
The following are some of the common triggers of migraines:
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Stress
This is a frequent cause of migraines because it can change how your brain works, including releasing chemical signals and hormones. When you experience stress, your body increases serotonin levels, which helps you respond to the situation. However, since serotonin causes blood vessels to narrow, any change in its levels can lead to migraines.
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Certain Foods
Certain foods can also trigger migraines. Cured meats such as sausages, bacon, and ham, as well as mature cheeses such as blue cheese and Parmesan, are common culprits. Pickled and salty foodstuffs and chocolate can also trigger migraines, as they comprise nitrates, preservatives, tyramine, and additives. Foods rich in sodium can tighten blood vessels and increase your blood pressure, which can also trigger a migraine.
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Poor Sleeping Habits
Lack of rest or changes in sleep patterns can be associated with migraines. Inadequate rest can affect the production of hormones and lower pain tolerance.
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Caffeine
Caffeine can cause migraines in 2 ways:
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Consuming coffee or caffeinated drinks.
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Experiencing withdrawal when you quit drinking caffeine.
Caffeine may lead to dehydration, decreased magnesium levels (an essential mineral for nerve and muscle function), and raised blood pressure, which can be associated with migraines.
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Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol contains ethanol and histamine, which are known to cause migraines. Histamine causes inflammation in the body, while ethanol acts as a diuretic. This increases the urge to urinate and affects the blood pressure.
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Weather Changes
Changes in the weather could also trigger migraines. Pressure fluctuations during storms, high humidity, and overcast days are associated with brain chemical changes that could increase inflammation and irritate nerves.
Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraine
Acupuncture is helpful for various medical problems, like migraine headaches and other headaches. Studies from clinical trials involving 148 participants found that 34% of migraine patients who received acupuncture therapy experienced a 50% reduction in the frequency of migraines.
The effect of using acupuncture can last up to six months. This shows that acupuncture and some preventative medications can work. Additionally, acupuncture can lessen the intensity of migraines, allowing individuals to rely on painkillers less frequently.
How Acupuncture Can Help With Migraine Pain
Acupuncture is effective for treating migraines. It activates pressure points and nerves in your body to alleviate symptoms. A professional acupuncturist uses thin needles at these points to help restore balance in your body.
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Few Side Effects
Acupuncture may lead to better results compared to other treatment options. Many common medications for migraines can result in side effects such as stomach pain, chest discomfort, diarrhea, and tiredness. In contrast, acupuncture seldom causes serious complications.
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It Reduces Migraine Intensity
Acupuncture may lessen the pain and duration of migraine attacks. The acupuncturist places thin needles into the skin, activating the central nervous system. This process causes the body to release endorphins, hormones that promote feelings of well-being.
Although migraines usually last between 4 to 72 hours, some studies indicate that acupuncture might reduce the intensity of migraines within two hours. More research is necessary to understand how quickly acupuncture is effective.
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Lower Levels of Stress And Promote Relaxation By Balancing Hormone Levels
Hormones like serotonin, cortisol, dopamine, and noradrenaline affect how your body reacts to stress. Once the hormones are regulated and balanced, the body can handle stress more effectively. For example, serotonin imbalance is connected to the start of migraines.
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Prevent Migraines
Currently, there is no cure for chronic migraines. However, acupuncture has been found to help prevent migraine attacks. For example, a review in 2016 showed that over half of the participants had attained a 50% reduction in headache frequency after six months of acupuncture treatment.
In another 2020 study, 148 individuals with episodic migraines were divided into two groups. One group received 12 acupuncture sessions, while the other received medication. The researchers discovered that both groups experienced similar decreases in the frequency of their migraines after four months.
Acupuncture can also:
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Reduce tightness in your neck by placing needles at trigger points where muscles are tight.
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Lower inflammation and adjust the chemicals in your brain that manage how blood vessels narrow and widen to promote healthy blood circulation. When blood vessels narrow, migraine symptoms improve.
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Enhance immune function, which helps manage inflammation and production of prostaglandins, the hormones that promote pain.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before your initial acupuncture session, you should talk with your acupuncturist. Tell them about your current symptoms, medical history, and any worries. This will enable your acupuncturist to customize the treatment to your individual needs.
Loose, comfortable clothes are also necessary for the session as they make it easier to access the areas where the needles are placed. To improve the effectiveness of the treatment, you should not eat heavy meals or drink too much caffeine before your appointment.
During the acupuncture treatment, lie down comfortably. Your acupuncturist will carefully insert thin, sterile needles into acupoints on the body. These needles usually remain in place for fifteen to thirty minutes, during which you may feel warmth or slight tingling.
Many people feel deeply relaxed once the needles are inserted during the treatment. Others may even fall asleep due to the soothing effect of acupuncture. It is normal to feel a heaviness or warmth where the needles are inserted, indicating that your body’s energy is responding.
If you feel nervous about acupuncture, talk to your practitioner about your concerns. They can provide tips to help you feel calmer and more at ease. After your session, your acupuncturist can give you recommendations to support your healing process.
Risks of Acupuncture
When considering acupuncture for migraines and headaches, you should weigh the potential risks and benefits. Acupuncture is usually safe when performed by a qualified professional. However, you should be aware of the possible side effects.
After acupuncture, you may experience some soreness or mild bleeding and bruising. There is also a small risk of infection because needles go through the skin. A dirty needle can transmit disease and cause infections. If a needle is inserted incorrectly, it can hurt the skin and lead to an infection. However, most modern acupuncturists use single-use, disposable needles, which helps lower the chance of infection.
You may need to avoid acupuncture if you:
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Have a bleeding disorder.
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Have a pacemaker (mainly if electrical pulses are used).
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Take blood thinners.
Ensure the acupuncturist is certified and observes proper hygiene practices to lower the risk of infections or other issues. Before the treatment, you can also discuss any medical conditions or concerns with your acupuncturist. This can help customize the session to meet your specific needs and reduce the chance of adverse effects.
Some research indicates that acupuncture may not be safe during pregnancy, as it could lead to bleeding and discomfort. If you are pregnant and thinking about acupuncture, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider first.
FAQs About Acupuncture For Headaches and Migraines
Here are some commonly asked questions about acupuncture for headaches and migraines.
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do I Need for My Headache?
There is no single answer to this question, as treatment differs for each person. A typical acupuncture treatment for headaches involves several sessions over a few weeks or months. Initially, you may attend weekly appointments, but the frequency may decrease as your symptoms improve.
Individuals seeking acupuncture for headaches should speak with their acupuncturist about their progress, symptoms, and any changes they notice. The acupuncturist can help adjust the therapy plan to fit their specific goals and enhance the benefits of acupuncture.
How Often Should I Receive Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be very helpful in treating migraines. A standard treatment program includes one to two sessions every week. Your health practitioner will create a personalized plan based on the symptoms and response to treatment.
Is Acupuncture Treatment for Headaches and Migraines Included in Insurance Coverage?
This varies depending on the insurance coverage. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic back pain. However, private health insurers might cover acupuncture treatment for various medical issues as long as a prescription is given by a physician or licensed medical professional and deemed necessary. Your plan could require you to see an acupuncturist or restrict the sessions covered each year, so it is best to contact your insurer to learn what is specifically covered.
How Long Does the Effect of Acupuncture Take?
Acupuncture effects can last weeks, days, or even months. This depends on your age, general health, and specific symptoms. For migraine sufferers, the effects of acupuncture can last up to six months.
Find a Los Angeles Acupuncture Clinic Near Me
Headaches can be very intense and may make it difficult for you to carry out daily activities. Many people choose acupuncture as a natural way to manage their headaches, looking for an alternative to medication. Acupuncture can provide relief from ongoing headaches, enhancing your quality of life. If migraine headaches stop you from enjoying life, Art of Chinese Healing in Los Angeles is here to assist you. We are a holistic healing clinic offering traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture services. You can reach us at 310-405-1610 or book an acupuncture appointment with one of our qualified practitioners.