Acupuncture and Migraines

Migraines are a debilitating headache disorder that affect 32 million Americans. They have the potential to ruin relationships and hamper a person’s ability to work. While the western medical community is making strides in relieving migraines, it is still fairly limited in its ability to prevent them. Chinese medicine is an excellent method for not only relieving migraines but also preventing their occurrence.

Migraines are a very complex neurological disorder that is not well understood. The pain associated with migraines is excruciating, and often only on one side off the head. They are frequently accompanied by nausea and light or sound sensitivity. Most often migraines will debilitate a person for 12-24 hours, making them go home from work and withdraw from their family into a quiet, dark room until the pain disappears. About a quarter of migraine sufferers experience what is called a prodrome which is a pattern of symptoms that occur before the migraine. These symptoms are often bright colored spots or wave like disturbances in the vision, a loss of peripheral vision, or blind spots.

The greatest benefit in using Chinese medicine for migraines is that we seek to treat the underlying condition that is causing the symptoms. This allows us to prevent the migraines rather than just getting rid of the pain. There are four different kinds of migraines according to Chinese diagnosis and they are all treated differently. This distinction between different kinds of migraines and the fact that we tailor the treatment plan to the individual is the secret to our success.

Acupuncture is the most common treatment that we use. Acupuncture is a phenomenal method of preventing and reversing the neurological changes that occur during a migraine. The points used vary according to the diagnosis and we usually do not put any needles in the head. Several recent studies in major medical journals have proven acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating migraines.

Chinese herbs are also quite effective at treating migraines. There use is mainly to correct that underlying imbalance that is causing the migraine rather than treating an actual headache. The herbs are taken for an extended period of time. Chinese herbs are a very cost effective means of treating migraines, especially when compared to the cost of anti-migraine drugs.

One of the most important and often overlooked factors in migraine treatment is discovering what is triggering the headache. Many things can do this and everyone’s triggers are different. Some can not be controlled such as changes in weather, but having that knowledge can at least prepare a person for the possibility of a day ruining headache. Frequent dietary triggers include red wine, processed meats, cheese, aspartame and MSG. Often eliminating these sources can greatly diminish the number of migraines a patient has. Other common triggers are fluorescent or bright lights or strong scents. These can be difficult to avoid all the time but an aware person can at least minimize their exposure. The menstrual cycle is also a frequent trigger. Even when these factors can not be eliminated, with treatment, the person’s sensitivity to the trigger can be decreased.

Generally people need to come in for acupuncture and herbs weekly for two to three months to get rid of the headaches. After that the best route is for the patient to come in for regular monthly treatments to prevent the return of the migraines. These “tune-up” sessions are usually necessary because the person still has a predisposition to develop migraines. This may sound a bit expensive but how much would you be willing to pay to remove a major impediment to living your life? It is an investment in your health and well-being.

I have had enormous success in using Chinese medicine to treat migraines. The holistic nature of our medicine makes it an excellent method for treating chronic and debilitating disorders. Not only can Chinese medicine treat migraines in the short term but we can eliminate them for good. If you are having trouble with migraines contact a Chinese medical professional. You will be amazed at how much better you feel.