Relieve Headaches & Migraines with Acupuncture
- Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Understanding Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and headaches are common conditions that affect millions of people, but they differ significantly in their causes, symptoms, and impact on daily life.
What is a Migraine?
Nature: Migraines are categorized as a neurological condition rather than just a type of headache.
Pain: They typically involve **throbbing or pulsating pain**, often felt on one side of the head but can occur on both sides.
Duration: Migraines last **from 4 hours to 3 days.**
Associated Symptoms: They are frequently accompanied by:
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)** and sound (phonophobia)
Post-Migraine Exhaustion: Following an episode, individuals may experience exhaustion or a migraine hangover that lasts for **1-2 days.**
Impact -Over **90% of migraine sufferers** find it difficult to work or maintain their daily activities during an episode, making migraines one of the most disabling conditions globally.
What is a Headache?
Nature: Headaches are more general and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as tension, stress, dehydration, or sinus issues.
Pain: They typically involve a **dull, aching pain, or a feeling of tightness** in the head.
Severity: While they can be uncomfortable, headaches are generally **less severe than migraines**.
Duration: The duration can vary from a few minutes to several days, but they usually do not last as long or cause as much disruption as migraines.
Associated Symptoms: Headaches usually do not involve severe nausea, vomiting, or heightened sensitivity to light or sound.
Impact: People with headaches can often continue with their daily activities and find pain relief more easily through over-the-counter painkillers.
Key Differences Between Headaches and Migraines
| Feature | Headache | Migraine |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Type | General pain in the head | Neurological condition |
| Pain Intensity | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| Location of Pain | Can be on both sides; no specific pattern| Usually on one side |
| Duration | Minutes to several days | 4 hours to 3 days |
| Associated Symptoms;| Rarely includes nausea or vomiting | Often includes nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity |
| Disability Impact | Usually can perform daily activities | Over 90% cannot work or function during an episode |
|Response to Treatment; Sensitive to over-the-counter pain relief | Often less responsive to standard analgesics |
Treatment Options
Acupuncture for Migraines
Research indicates that **acupuncture** can be an effective treatment for migraines. It may help reduce the **frequency and severity** of headaches and migraines, potentially providing more significant relief than traditional remedies like prescription medications. Many individuals find acupuncture to be a valuable alternative or complementary approach to managing migraine symptoms.
Understanding the difference between headaches and migraines is essential for effective treatment and management. While headaches may be bothersome, migraines can severely impact quality of life. If you suffer from migraines, consider discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider, including therapies like acupuncture to help manage your condition.
There are many causes of headaches including:
Stress headaches can arise from anxiety or tension, impacting daily life. Acupuncture can help manage stress and anxiety (see website for more).
Sinus headaches can result from inflamed sinuses due to allergies or infections, causing deep pain and congestion. Addressing sinus issues is crucial (see Acupuncture for Hay Fever and Sinus Problems).
Tension headaches can stem from muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders, often due to poor posture or stress. Regular stretching and relaxation techniques can help.
Eye strain headaches may occur from prolonged visual tasks, causing discomfort and blurred vision. Regular breaks and proper lighting are beneficial.
Jaw headaches relate to TMJ issues, causing pain from the jaw to temples. Acupuncture and relaxation techniques can alleviate symptoms (see TMJ article).
Poor sleep may contribute to headaches by increasing stress. Good sleep hygiene can reduce occurrences (see insomnia blog).
Liver toxin headaches may arise from processed foods and alcohol. A balanced diet and hydration support liver function.
Dehydration can trigger headaches due to decreased blood volume. Proper fluid intake is essential.
Colds or flu cause headaches through sinus inflammation. Rest and hydration aid recovery.
Medication side effects may include headaches. Consult a healthcare provider if they persist. Acupuncture might help.
Hormonal changes in women can trigger headaches. Understanding patterns aids management (see menopause blog).
Migraines can be induced by bright lights, loud noises, strong odours, caffeine, and food additives.
How can Acupuncture help?
From a Western perspective, acupuncture may reduce inflammation, improves circulation, and releases endorphins, possibly aiding in migraine and headache relief. In traditional Chinese medicine, migraines and headaches may be caused by factors like Liver Yang rise, Blood Stasis, Qi Stagnation, Qi and Blood Deficiency, imbalances between the Kidney and Liver, or external pathogenic wind.
What is the benefit to using acupuncture in the treatment for headaches and migraines? ·
Tackling the root cause of headaches or migraines can potentially provide lasting relief
Acupuncture has minimal to no side effects (unlike prescription medications)
Research indicates that acupuncture might decrease the occurrence of headaches and migraines, and possibly even prevent them.
How many treatments do you need?
Migraines tend to require more comprehensive and specialized treatment than standard headaches due to their complexity and the severity of symptoms. Unlike typical tension headaches, which may resolve with just a few acupuncture treatments.
Migraines often necessitate a multi-faceted approach to management and relief. Patients experiencing migraines may find themselves needing anywhere from 8 to 12 treatment sessions on a weekly basis. These sessions can include various therapeutic options such as medication management and diet and lifestyle adjustments.
As the treatment progresses and the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes begin to diminish, the schedule may shift to follow-up sessions that occur every two weeks and eventually transition to monthly intervals. This gradual reduction in frequency allows your acupuncturist to monitor your response to treatment closely and make necessary adjustments to the therapeutic plan.
Additionally, during these follow-up appointments, your practitioner can evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment regime and implement preventive strategies tailored to the individual's specific triggers and patterns. This structured approach not only aims to alleviate the immediate discomfort associated with migraines but also focuses on long-term management to improve the patient's overall quality of life.
If you experience headaches or migraines, reach out to Dr. Margie Virgo, a registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner (AHPRA). With almost 30 years of experience, she may be able to assist you. Schedule an appointment online or inquire at www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au or call/text 0438 815 167.
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