Headaches & Migraines

How Acupuncture Helps

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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

• Relax muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and scalp

• Regulate the nervous system to calm overstimulation

• Balance hormones, which often play a role in chronic migraines

• Reduce inflammation that can contribute to pain

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Many patients experience immediate relief from an acute headache while still on the table.
👉 BMJ Open: Acupuncture for acute migraine attacks

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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

• Sides of the head are linked to the Liver and gallbladder—often connected to stress or hormonal imbalance

• Back of the head and neck may indicate tension in the Bladder meridian, often tied to posture and muscle tightness

• Top of the head can point to Liver Blood Deficiency or rising internal pressure (yang)

• Pain behind the eyes is commonly connected to Liver energy or blood stagnation

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Each pattern requires a different approach, and acupuncture is uniquely tailored to each individual.
👉 Journal of Neurology: Acupuncture and migraine

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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.

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This may include:

• Regular acupuncture sessions

• Herbal medicine to support internal balance

• Nutritional recommendations based on TCM principles

• Identifying environmental or lifestyle triggers (like food sensitivities, screen use, or hormonal cycles)

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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

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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.

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Ready to stop living around your headaches?

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We’re here to help. Relief is possible.​