Should You Use Acupuncture for Migraines?
Time permitting, definitely.
Anecdotally, I've had fast and long-lasting results from a single acupuncture treatment. The pain was gone in minutes. There was no pain after 12 hours, compared to ibuprofen which generally wears off and lets the headache back in. That's why I am so passionate about acupuncture: it fixed the root of my problem instead of covering up the symptom.
Dr. T.J. Gan of Duke University reviewed 30 high-quality studies and found that acupuncture treated migraines as effectively as or better than using pain medication while in pain. As acupuncture has fewer side effects and more side benefits it was deemed a good choice of treatment. Click here for more details. Dr. Gan is also finding that acupuncture works well for post-operative nausea.
Anecdotally, I've had fast and long-lasting results from a single acupuncture treatment. The pain was gone in minutes. There was no pain after 12 hours, compared to ibuprofen which generally wears off and lets the headache back in. That's why I am so passionate about acupuncture: it fixed the root of my problem instead of covering up the symptom.
Dr. T.J. Gan of Duke University reviewed 30 high-quality studies and found that acupuncture treated migraines as effectively as or better than using pain medication while in pain. As acupuncture has fewer side effects and more side benefits it was deemed a good choice of treatment. Click here for more details. Dr. Gan is also finding that acupuncture works well for post-operative nausea.
What is a Migraine?
A headache so bad you want to throw up.
Which is an oversimplification.
People think it has to be a very intense headache for it to be a migraine, but actually migraines just have to meet 2 out of the following 5 qualifications:
Because blood flow to the brain is effected during a migraine, other neurological symptoms may occur.
Check out the Migraine Research Foundation for more facts, and click here for statistics that you can share with people who don't understand the pain you're experiencing.
Which is an oversimplification.
People think it has to be a very intense headache for it to be a migraine, but actually migraines just have to meet 2 out of the following 5 qualifications:
- Throbbing pain (often only on one side of the head)
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and/or smell
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Visual disturbances
Because blood flow to the brain is effected during a migraine, other neurological symptoms may occur.
Check out the Migraine Research Foundation for more facts, and click here for statistics that you can share with people who don't understand the pain you're experiencing.
Tips for dealing with migraines at home
Nausea
Treating the nausea makes the pain much easier to cope with.
Self massage this point: If you don't have gallstones, try eating ginger, or drinking ginger tea. Sniffing peppermint oil helps a lot of people too. Ask your health care provider if Pepto-Bismol, Gravol, or other medications are suitable for you. |
PainRedirecting blood-flow from the head during a migraine helps to ease pressure and pain. You can do this by heating your torso, hands, and feet. Eating can also help by redirecting blood-flow to the stomach (as long as you're not too nauseous).
Similarly, cooling the forehead and nape of the neck usually helps. |
GeneralYou should check with a doctor to confirm that what you are experiencing really are migraines. If migraines are sudden and new to you it is especially important to rule out other potential causes of headaches and related symptoms.
Avoiding triggers is one of the most important preventative steps you can take. This checklist is a good place to start. |
For more information about managing migraine symptoms check out my article on the Cardinal Point Health Centre Blog, or this helpful article from The Mayo Clinic.