Headaches & Migraines
Headaches and migraines can be incredibly disruptive—impacting your ability to work, focus, sleep, or enjoy life. Acupuncture offers a natural, effective solution that doesn't rely on medication and can provide both immediate relief and long-term results.
How Acupuncture Helps
Acupuncture treats headaches and migraines by addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms. During treatment, ultra-thin needles are placed in specific points to:
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Dilate blood vessels to improve circulation and reduce constriction-related pain
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Relax muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and scalp
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Regulate the nervous system to calm overstimulation
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Balance hormones, which often play a role in chronic migraines
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Reduce inflammation that can contribute to pain
Many patients experience immediate relief from an acute headache while still on the table.
👉 BMJ Open: Acupuncture for acute migraine attacks
Understanding Different Types of Headaches
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the location and character of the headache help us determine the underlying pattern. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
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Forehead pain often relates to the Stomach or digestive system
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Sides of the head are linked to the Liver and gallbladder—often connected to stress or hormonal imbalance
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Back of the head and neck may indicate tension in the Bladder meridian, often tied to posture and muscle tightness
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Top of the head can point to Liver Blood Deficiency or rising internal pressure (yang)
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Pain behind the eyes is commonly connected to Liver energy or blood stagnation
Each pattern requires a different approach, and acupuncture is uniquely tailored to each individual.
👉 Journal of Neurology: Acupuncture and migraine
Immediate Relief vs. Long-Term Healing
If you're coming in with an active headache, we often aim for instant relief during your visit. But for those struggling with frequent or long-standing headaches and migraines, a comprehensive treatment plan works best.
This may include:
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Regular acupuncture sessions
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Herbal medicine to support internal balance
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Nutritional recommendations based on TCM principles
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Identifying environmental or lifestyle triggers (like food sensitivities, screen use, or hormonal cycles)
What the Research Shows
Modern research supports what TCM practitioners have known for centuries:
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A systematic review of 22 clinical trials involving nearly 5,000 participants found acupuncture reduces migraine frequency with results comparable to medication.
👉 American Migraine Foundation summary -
A Cochrane Review found that 41% of patients receiving acupuncture had their headache frequency halved, compared to just 17% without treatment.
👉 Cochrane Library: Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis -
Research in the Journal of Pain Research highlights acupuncture’s ability to regulate inflammation and hormones—key contributors to migraines.
👉 Dove Medical Press: Mechanism of acupuncture in migraine
A Personalized Approach
Your experience with headaches is unique—and your treatment should be too. Whether your headaches are stress-related, hormonal, digestive, or due to muscle tension, we create a customized plan to bring lasting relief.
Ready to stop living around your headaches?
We’re here to help. Relief is possible.