Migraine headaches can be utterly incapacitating, affecting one’s work, social life, and overall well-being. While conventional treatments such as painkillers and preventive medications can offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects and fail to address the underlying cause.
Recent research* published in the British Medical Journal provides compelling evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating migraine headaches. The study, which involved over 400 participants, found acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of migraines compared to standard medical care alone.
How can acupuncture help treat migraine headaches?
- Pain Relief: Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help alleviate migraine pain and discomfort.
- Reduced Frequency and Severity: Regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks over time, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Stress Reduction: Stress is a common trigger for migraines, and acupuncture can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system.
- Improved Blood Circulation: Acupuncture can improve blood circulation to the brain, ensuring that it receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, which is essential for preventing migraines.
- Balancing Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger migraines in many individuals, especially women. Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels and reduce the likelihood of hormonal migraines.
It’s important to note that acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all solution or a quick fix. The number of treatments needed will vary from person to person. However, many migraine sufferers report significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few sessions.
Betsy Gordon Acupuncture, Portland OR, treats a wide range of conditions. With a high standard of evidence-based care, she focuses each treatment on bringing relief. If you or someone you know is suffering with migraine headaches, give us a call at (971) 341-9546, or schedule online.
*Xu S, Yu L, Luo X, Wang M, Chen G, Zhang Q et al. Manual acupuncture versus sham acupuncture and usual care for prophylaxis of episodic migraine without aura: multicentre, randomised clinical trial BMJ 2020; 368 :m697 doi:10.1136/bmj.m697
