What are headaches and migraines?

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or neck region. Most of us experience headaches occasionally, and they often resolve on their own. However, for some people, headaches become recurrent or persistent and can significantly affect daily life.

Headaches can have many different causes and contributing factors. Common ones include stress, hormonal changes, muscle tension in the neck and upper back, dehydration, sinus problems and changes in caffeine or medication use.

There are several types of headaches, including tension-type headaches, migraines and cluster headaches. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems can also contribute to pain around the head and face.

Migraine is more than just a headache. It is a neurological condition that can cause moderate to severe, often throbbing head pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual or other sensory disturbances known as aura. Symptoms and triggers vary from person to person.

Although most headaches are not caused by a serious condition, some can be associated with underlying medical problems. New, sudden or unusually severe headaches, or headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms, fever or other concerning signs, should always be medically assessed.

How can acupuncture help with migraines and headaches?

Acupuncture can be a useful treatment option for certain types of headaches, particularly migraine and tension-type headaches.

Research suggests that acupuncture may influence the way the nervous system processes pain and may help regulate mechanisms involved in headache development. Studies have found that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and may help reduce the frequency of tension-type headaches in some people.

Treatment is tailored to the individual and may involve points around the head and neck, as well as distal points on the arms and legs. The choice of points depends on the type of headache, your symptoms and the findings of the consultation.

The aim is to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, improve your quality of life and help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Looking Beyond the Pain

Headaches are not always an isolated problem. Stress, sleep, hormonal changes, muscle tension and other factors can all play a role.

This is why I look beyond the location of the pain and consider the wider picture. During your consultation, we will explore your symptoms, possible triggers, health history and any contributing factors that may be relevant.

Depending on your needs, treatment may include acupuncture, motor point or trigger point techniques, and other approaches to address muscle tension and support better function.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies from person to person and depends on the type of headache, how frequently it occurs, how long you have experienced it and how you respond to treatment.

Some people notice improvements relatively early, while others need a course of treatments before experiencing meaningful changes. Acupuncture often has a cumulative effect, which is why treatments are generally scheduled more frequently at the beginning and gradually spaced out as symptoms improve.

We will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan according to your response and individual needs.