Acupuncture for Migraine Headache Relief

Did you know that migraines are the 3rd most common disorder in the world? If you suffer from migraines or know someone that does, you know how debilitating and often unpredictable

they can be. Often those with chronic migraines get prescribed the standard treatment which are NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs) or emergency migraine medications. However, these interventions are often accompanied with unwanted side effects, which may include changes in sleep, nausea, and fatigue. There is hope though for migraine pain! Acupuncture for migraine relief and prevention of attacks can help!

How can acupuncture help migraine headache sufferers?

Acupuncture is a time-tested form of medicine that uniquely can work on the symptoms as well as the root cause of the problem. With the complexity of migraines, there are often many parts and many symptoms. There is the migraine headache pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, nausea, and even vision changes. Also, in order to work at migraine prevention, you must also look at the triggers and work to treat the root cause in order to get long-term migraine relief. Acupuncture can help with all of that.

Did you know Dr. Ellie specializes in the treatment of chronic migraines? Read her article on the Two Secrets to Migraine Prevention here!

How can acupuncture reduce pain?

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory which describes energetic pathways throughout the body that can be rebalanced through strategic application of fine needles at various points on the body. Unchecked imbalances can result in organ pathologies and pain. Studies have found that acupuncture can have an effect on the body’s neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and dopamine), hormones (like luteinizing hormone) and the release of endorphins (our natural painkillers), which may explain how it can help reduce pain. Research was also done using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to specifically investigate acupuncture’s effect on the nervous system in the treatment of migraines. Results suggested the possible involvement of recovery of neuronal mitochondrial function of the pain pathway.

What does the research say?

In a recent study in the Journal, Pain Research and Management, looked at several systematic reviews that examined the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine treatment. They found that acupuncture reduced the number of headache days as well as reducing the frequency and intensity of the headaches than prescription pain killer medication.

If you suffer from chronic migraines and are looking for a safe, effective, and natural option. Give our office a call today at (425) 686-4498 to learn more about how we can help.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32269669/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30007828/