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 advil which generally wears off and lets the headache back in. This is why I am so passionate about Acupuncture, it fixed the root instead of covering up the branch symptom
Dr. T.J. Gan of Duke University reviewed 30 high quality studies found that acupuncture treated migraines as effectively 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 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 advil which generally wears off and lets the headache back in. This is why I am so passionate about Acupuncture, it fixed the root instead of covering up the branch symptom
Dr. T.J. Gan of Duke University reviewed 30 high quality studies found that acupuncture treated migraines as effectively 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 Acupuncture works well for post-operative nausea.
What is a Migraine?
A headache so bad you want to throw up.
Which is an over simplification.
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 5 of the following qualifications:
Feel like you need someone to take your pain seriously? http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2014006/article/14033-eng.htm is a good source of stats for you.
Which is an over simplification.
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 5 of the following 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 other neurological symptoms may occur
Feel like you need someone to take your pain seriously? http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2014006/article/14033-eng.htm is a good source of stats for you.
Tips for dealing with migraines at home
Nausea
Treating the nausea, it makes the pain much easier to cope with.
Self massage this point: If you don't have gallstones, try eating ginger, drinking ginger tea. Sniffing peppermint oil helps a lot of people too. Ask your health care provider if peptobismal, gravol, other medications are suitable for you |
PainDrawing blood from the head by heating your torso, hands and feet, or eating can help.
Similarly cooling the forehead and nape of the neck usually help. *more to come* |
GeneralYou should check with a doctor 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.
Avoiding triggers is one of the most important preventative steps you can take. This checklist is a good place to start. |