Most people will suffer from headaches at some stage in their lives, but did you know that nearly 5 million Australians suffer from migraines and over 70% of these sufferers are woman. More than 90% of migraine sufferers are unable to work or function in normal ‘day to day’ activities during a migraine episode.
Migraines are one of the most disabling conditions in the world. The World Health Organization considers migraines to be the sixth-highest cause worldwide of ‘years lost to disability’.
Acupuncture has been shown in numerous studies to reduce both the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines, of varying underlying causes, and may be more effective than traditional remedies -including prescription drugs.
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?
Migraines are a neurological condition and tend to be ‘throbbing’ or ‘pulsating’ in nature. Migraines mainly affect one side of the head and are worse with activity. They can be accompanied by other symptoms such as; nausea, vomiting, light and/or sound sensitivity, vision disturbance, seeing flashing lights and /or tingling. Migraines can last from 4 hours to 3 days and tend to leave the person incapacitated for the duration- and exhausted for 1-2 days afterwards.
Headaches are a pain or tightness in the head that can be felt as a lower grade pressure, a continuous pain of a sharp, or dull nature. Generally, they are not as debilitating as a migraine, and sufferers can still function with their normal day to day activities. Headaches also can be more easily subdued with pain killers where migraines are not as easily subdued by medications- of at all.
There are many causes of headaches such as;
Headaches from stress,
Sinus headaches
Headaches from muscular tension
Eye strain headaches
Jaw headaches
Poor sleep
Liver toxin headaches from the build-up of too much processed foods that contain nitrates/ certain preservatives as well as alcohol, in particular – red wine
Dehydration
Common cold/flu
Side effect of some prescription drugs
Hormone imbalance or changes
Migraines may be triggered by stress, flashing lights, loud sounds, strong smells, caffeine, additives in food and hormonal changes.
How can Acupuncture help?
From a ‘western standpoint ‘Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, thus helping to aid in reducing migraines and headaches. Acupuncture also releases the endorphins from the brain, which are of the morphine family and are associated with both pain relief and a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
From a TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) standpoint, both headaches and migraines have a range of underlying causes such as; The rise of the Liver Yang, or Liver Wind, Blood Stasis, Qi Stagnation, Deficiency of the QI and/or the Blood and imbalances mainly between the Kidney and Liver. Also, they can be attributed to external pathogenic ‘wind’ that often accompanies the common cold.
What is the benefit to using acupuncture in the treatment for headaches and migraines?
By addressing the underlying cause of the headache or migraine there may be longer term relief.
There are little to no side effects with acupuncture - as compared to taking prescription medication.
Evidence shows that acupuncture may reduce the frequency of headaches & migraines -and may even prevent them.
How many treatments do you need?
Migraines tend to require more treatment than headaches but somewhere between 8-10 weekly sessions, followed up by fortnightly then monthly intervals.
What to Expect?
Depending on the underlying cause, needles may be placed in the feet, hands, face, scalp, neck and shoulders but also possibly arms and legs.
Between treatments at home care;
If you feel a headache or migraine coming on, stop, take a deep breath, get a drink of water and sit down.
If you have some Chinese liniments on hand, apply to neck and back of head at the hairline
Use a heat pack on neck and shoulders for a headache, and an ice pack on the back of the neck for migraines, however, use whichever feels better. Remember, heat relaxes and improves circulation and cold reduces inflammation and pain.
Apply acupressure the acupuncture point ‘Large Intestine #4’ and hold firmly for 60 seconds. Do each hand, (see diagram below)). Press and hold firmly so you feel a dull pressure localised ache.
If you are suffering from migraines or headaches, please think about Acupuncture.
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