{Research Update}: Acupuncture for the prevention of tension headaches

Can acupuncture help relieve tension headaches? Let’s see what the research says.

A 2016 research study published by the Cochrane Library concluded a course of six acupuncture treatments can be a viable option in the treatment of tension-type headaches. According to the study, participants treated with acupuncture and pain-killers reported their headache frequency was less. This study was actually a compilation of several acupuncture trials. A total of 12 trials met the criteria to be included in this conclusive study.

Understanding the symptoms

Tension headaches are not as debilitating as migraines, but they can occur much more frequently and they are the most common type of headache experienced. Stress tends to be the biggest factor regarding these types of headaches. Those who suffer from tension headaches frequently report a feeling of their head being squeezed, with pressure around the forehead, temples and back of the head or neck. These headaches can last for as short as 30 minutes or they could linger for days.

The cause (s)

While the exact cause of tension headaches is still not clear, they are most commonly attributed to muscle tension. If a person experiences them 15 or more days per month for several months they are considered chronic. The most common treatment for tension headaches is over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. However, severe cases are sometimes treated with prescription drugs, but they tend to fail because they do not address the root cause of the headaches.

Getting to the root cause and finding lasting relief

The core foundation of Naturopathic medicine and Acupuncture is addressing the root cause of the illness. The same principles apply for tension headaches. As from years of experience, there is often more than one trigger, tension being the most obvious, but often if the root of what is causing the stress and tension is not addressed, the symptoms tend to linger for years.

One of the ways we treat the root is by identifying personal triggers that create tension-type headaches. Thing of acupuncturists as the detective when treating patients, always trying to find the root cause. Acupuncturists usually ask multiple questions regarding the symptoms of any illness. This allows for proper diagnosis and treatments. Therefore, this can also give the patient insight into why the headaches keep occurring and how they can eliminate some of the triggers.

Common treatments

In our innovative Migraine headache program, we offer many treatments to find the triggers, address the root cause, and prevent episodes from affecting your daily life. Most people note they are able to not miss as many work days due to headaches, have a higher quality of life, and have more energy.

One patient wrote:

“I’M IMPRESSED. DR. ELLIE IS AN EXCELLENT PROVIDER. SHE SUCCESSFULLY RELIEVED A MIGRAINE IN PROGRESS. THE ONES IN BETWEEN ARE USUALLY LESS SEVERE THAN THEY WERE. THAT’S WHY I SOUGHT OUT STARTING POINT. A SIDE BENEFIT HAS BEEN BETTER SLEEP AND REFLUX RELIEF.”