Acupuncture as a Treatment for Migraines: What You Need to Know

Have you ever experienced severe head pain that increases sensitivity to light and noise? Does it sometimes feel like you’re experiencing throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation? These could be symptoms of migraine. While many opt for oral medications, exploring natural alternatives like traditional acupuncture can also be beneficial for you.

In this blog, Dr. Carolyn Cook of Miami Acupuncture and Classical Herbs discusses how acupuncture treatment can alleviate migraines and shares tips on how to find the right acupuncturist near you.

Understanding migraines

According to the Mayo Clinic, a migraine is a debilitating headache marked by throbbing or pulsing pain, typically on one side of the head. In addition to this intense pain, migraines often come with nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. They can last from hours to days and profoundly affect daily life.

Migraines are surprisingly common, affecting over 37 million people in the United States, including men, women, and children. Despite their prevalence, the exact causes of migraines are still not fully understood. However, both genetic and environmental factors seem to contribute to their onset.

The common triggers of migraines include:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Disruptions in sleep patterns
• Weather changes
• Excessive physical activity
• Excessive physical activity
• Addictive substances like caffeine or tobacco
• Skipping meals
• Exposure to bright lights, loud noises, or strong odors

How acupuncture can help

While there is no definitive cure for migraines, there are tried-and-tested ways to help manage symptoms, one of which is acupuncture. According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture has proven to be an effective method for alleviating tension and migraine headaches and treating various other conditions. While over-the-counter medications can offer immediate relief, acupuncture presents an alternative long-term approach.

Acupuncture offers several advantages when it comes to managing migraines, such as:

• Targeted pain relief. Acupuncture targets specific pressure points on your head, neck, and other areas. A licensed acupuncturist like Dr. Cook inserts needles into these points, stimulating your circulatory system. This process helps release endorphins and hormones to alleviate headache pain and promote overall well-being.
• Restoration of energy flow. Another significant benefit of acupuncture is its ability to restore energy flow throughout your body. Dr. Cook ensures that this holistic approach balances the body’s energy, which can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Comprehensive treatment plan. To achieve the best outcomes, acupuncture typically involves a series of treatments. Dr. Cook advises patients to undergo six to eight weekly sessions, along with recommended dietary adjustments to alleviate headache symptoms further.

Choosing a licensed acupuncturist near you

While understanding that acupuncture can help alleviate your migraines is an important first step, selecting a good licensed acupuncturist is equally important for effective treatment.

To ensure you receive the best care, consider these key factors when looking for acupuncturists near you:

• Verify credentials.Begin by finding a licensed acupuncturist with experience in treating migraines. Dr. Cook has over 25 years of experience and has received numerous positive reviews or recommendations from trusted sources, instilling a good reputation and success rate with migraine patients.
• Consider location and accessibility. Consider the location and accessibility of the acupuncture clinic. Because migraines can be severely disruptive, it’s crucial to choose a clinic that is conveniently situated, allowing for timely access to treatment. Clinics offering teleconsultations may provide added convenience for those who prefer remote consultations, but in-person consultations are most effective and beneficial.  At Miami Acupuncture and Classical Herbs, Dr. Cook offers teleconsultations, making it easier for migraine patients to start treatment without delay.
• Seek personalized care. Ensure that the acupuncturist takes a personalized approach to your treatment. Dr. Cook conducts a thorough assessment of your migraine history and symptoms which is crucial for tailoring the sessions to your specific needs and optimizing treatment outcomes.

Acupuncture offers a promising alternative for managing migraines. It addresses both pain relief and underlying energy imbalances. By understanding how migraines function and exploring the benefits of acupuncture, you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.

If you’re ready to explore acupuncture for your migraine, take the first step by researching and contacting a licensed acupuncturist near you. For teleconsultations or in-person visits in Miami, consider Miami Herbs, led by Dr. Carolyn Cook, a licensed TCM practitioner. To get started, call us at (305) 665-9711, email cc@miamiherbs.com, or visit www.miamiherbs.com.

Sources:

Acupuncture for migraine: What to know; Lifted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-migraines#:~:text=Several%20studies%20suggest%20that%20acupuncture,migraine%20headaches%20or%20decrease%20occurrences

The role of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine; Lifted fromhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3291665/

Acupuncture: What you need to know; Lifted from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know

Acupressure points for migraine relief: What to know; Lifted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/migraine-relief-pressure-points#hand-pressure-points

Facts about migraine; Lifted from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-facts/

Migraine: What it is, types, causes, symptoms, & treatments; Lifted fromhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches