Natural Relief for Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and headaches are debilitating to nearly 28 million people in the United States aged 12 and older - nearly 13 percent of the population. (National Headache Foundation) Those who suffer will generally try just about anything they can to relieve the pain. Very few of the Western methods work for any length of time and being a person who suffers from Headaches, it can be very frustrating.
Alternative treatment for Headaches Photo by Paul J Everett
Pain relief of headaches, using Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can come in many forms depending on the Chinese Medical diagnosis of the headaches. Chinese Medicine diagnoses in a much different way than Western Medicine, and therefore is more equipped to find the root of the pain rather than simply attempt to alleviate the pain. This is a more healthy way of addressing the problem because it gets patients off of drugs and pain relievers and able to live a healthy lifestyle without the added burden these drugs can put on the liver and kidneys which can lead to further health concerns.
Common Types of Headaches include:
- Migraines
- Cluster Headaches
- Tension Headaches
- Sinus Headaches
These various types of headaches can cause pain in the frontal sinues, top of the head and occiput area. Pain can radiate down into the neck and shoulders, causing tension there. Chronic tension and stress can cause migraines which in turn can cause visual disturbances, balance problems and nausea, just to name a few.
Common Medical Treatments for Headaches:
- Pain relievers
- Suggestion of stress reduction
- Occasionally doctors will suggest dietary changes
- Anti-Depressants for migraines
- Occipital Nerve Stimulation
Diagnosis and Treatment with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture:
Traditional Chinese Medicine does not recognize migraines and recurring headaches as one particular syndrome. Each individual is looked at in terms of their constitution, diet, exercise levels and other lifestyle choices. TCM works to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using techniques determined to help that individual, such as acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, tui na massage and nutrition. The way that you are diagnosed will depend on many variables and your acupuncturist will ask you questions such as: Is the headache behind your eyes and temples, or is it located more on the top of your head? When do your headaches occur (i.e. night, morning, after eating)? Do you find that a cold compress or a dark room can alleviate some of the pain? Do you describe the pain as dull and throbbing, or sharp and piercing?
The answer to these questions can help your acupuncturist to determine the best course of treatment for you. You will likely receive acupuncture treatment at various points in the body corresponding to the actions and locations of your headaches and many patients report having immediate relief of the pain!
Acupuncture is highly effective for migraine headaches, but also works to alleviate tension headaches, cluster headaches, headaches caused by trauma and headaches that are related to disease such as sinus problems, high blood pressure and sleeping disorders.
Traditional Chinese Medicine can bring relief without the side effects of other methods, is effective and without side effects.
Research and Articles:
- Acupuncture may help tension headaches
- Study: Acupuncture for tension type headache
- Study: Treatment of Migraine by Acupuncture
- Acupuncture for recurrent headaches: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
- Effect of acupuncture on Headache
- Acupuncture for Headaches and Head Pain
- Acupuncture treats Headaches and Migraines
Make an appointment today and get the relief you need. Don’t suffer anymore.
Tags: Benefits, Natural Methods, Pain Relief, Research