Acupuncture and Headache

Acupuncture and headache is a centuries old form of pain reduction developed by the Chinese. For years it was ridiculed in the West as invalid compared to medicines and pills.

Well, things have changed in recent years, and it is now more acceptable to combine Eastern and Western medicine for the best effect in treatment of chronic pain.

The method is to place slim needles at various predetermined sites to stimulate nerve endings. By doing so, the body will release natural opiods to reduce pain levels.

So how about using it for migraine?

acupuncture and headache Manipulation or twirling of the needles after placement causes the blood vessels in the area to dilate slightly. To do this in the head would cause more pain, therefore the needles are placed in the arms and legs.

The needles are manipulated approximately every five minutes to achieve the maximum effect. Read more about acupuncture and headache.

Generally speaking using this form of treatment for headache relief has about a 50% success rate and you need to have between five and ten treatments before a complete assessment can be made.

In addition to treating migraine headache symptoms, it has been shown to be effective in neck pain and headaches, and therefore could be used if you have cervicogenic headache.

Don't worry if the placement of the needles seems a bit odd. Stimulation of certain nerves does create a feedback system to the brain and can dampen perception of pain through this mechanism. Once you find a skilled practitioner and it helps your migraines, it is worthwhile to continue treatment for several months to get the full benefit.

Return to alternative headache treatments.