Can Acupuncture Help with Headaches and Migraines? Exploring With the Evidence

If you have ever had a headache or migraine, you are aware of how disruptive these conditions can be to day-to-day activities. Even basic tasks can appear overwhelming due to the accompanying symptoms, throbbing pain, and sensitivity to light and sound. Stress, tense muscles, hormone changes, insufficient sleep, or food decisions are some of the things that can cause these episodes. Although they provide momentary solace, opioids might not deal with the underlying issue, which is why many people are looking for longer-term fixes. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that stimulates particular spots on the body to encourage healing and balance. The promise of this holistic approach to lessen headache frequency and intensity has drawn attention, giving individuals looking for safe and efficient relief hope.

1) What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional medical treatment that dates back more than 2,500 years to ancient China. It is a fundamental component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which maintains that qi, or the body’s internal energy, is balanced harmoniously (pronounced “chee”). It is thought that this energy moves through meridians, which are invisible channels that link the body’s many organs and systems.

The procedure is inserting tiny, sterile needles into acupuncture points, sometimes referred to as acupoints, which are certain locations on the body. It is believed that each acupoint influences distinct bodily and emotional processes and correlates to various meridians. In order to correct imbalances that could lead to discomfort, disease, or malfunction, the needles are positioned carefully to unblock, reroute, or improve the flow of qi.

2) How Does Acupuncture Work?

a) A Viewpoint on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• Energy Flow (Qi): Stress, disease, or injury can cause qi to become obstructed or unbalanced. Acupuncture helps to regulate this flow.
• Meridians: There are twelve major meridians in the body, along with a number of smaller ones that represent different organs and systems. These meridians are stimulated by acupuncture to bring about equilibrium again.

b) A Contemporary Scientific Viewpoint

• Neurological Effects: When nerves are stimulated by acupuncture, signals are sent to the brain, causing the production of neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin. These substances have an impact on mood modulation and pain management.
• Blood Circulation: It promotes tissue repair and lowers inflammation by increasing blood flow to particular locations.
• Hormonal Regulation: The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is influenced by acupuncture, can control hormones and relieve illnesses brought on by stress.

3) Acupuncture Techniques

Acupuncture comes in a variety of forms, each designed to meet certain needs:

a) Traditional Acupuncture: 

• This method entails putting tiny needles into particular meridians’ acupoints.
• Often used for general wellness, stress reduction, and pain alleviation.

b) Electroacupuncture

• To improve stimulation, a little electrical current is run via the needles.
• Good for muscle spasms, neurological conditions, and persistent pain.

c) Auricular Acupuncture 

• Targets the ear, which is said to be a microsystem that reflects the body as a whole.
• Frequently used to control weight, stress, and addiction.

d) Trigger Point Acupuncture

• In order to alleviate pain and tension, acupuncture targets particular muscle knots, also known as trigger points.
• Often used for musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries.

e) Scalp Acupuncture

• Certain parts of the scalp are punctured with needles.

• Beneficial for neurological disorders including migraines and stroke recovery.

f) Moxibustion and Cupping (Adjunct Therapies)

• Cupping: This technique relaxes muscles and increases circulation by using suction cups.
• Moxibustion: To warm and energize the flow of qi, a herb called moxa is burned close to the skin.

4) How Acupuncture Works for Headaches and Migraines

a) Triggering Hormonal and Neurological Responses

• By placing needles at particular acupuncture locations, muscles and skin nerves are stimulated.
• Neurotransmitters like serotonin, which control mood and pain perception, are released as a result.

b) Regulating Blood Flow

• By enhancing blood flow to the brain and head, acupuncture lessens vascular dilatation and constrictions that may precipitate migraines.

c) Modulating Pain Pathways

• By stimulating the body’s natural opioid system, acupuncture lessens pain sensitivity.

5) Specific Acupuncture Points for Headache Relief

a) LI-4 (Hegu):

• Location: The webbing between the thumb and index finger is where LI-4 is found on the hand. Press the fleshy portion of the hand here to locate it; the location is usually where the most soreness is felt.
• Efficiency: One of the most adaptable acupuncture points, LI-4 is frequently utilized to treat headaches in general. It works especially well for headaches caused by the sinuses, tension headaches, and frontal headaches. This location also encourages general relaxation and pain reduction.

• Mechanism: It is thought that activating LI-4 triggers the large intestine meridian, which reduces pain and inflammation throughout the body, including the head area.

b) GB-20 (Fengchi):

• Location: GB-20 is located where the neck muscles connect to the skull, in the hollows on either side of the spine. Feel for the indentation directly beneath the occipital bone to find it.
• Efficiency: For migraines, tension headaches, and headaches brought on by stiff necks, GB-20 is especially helpful. It also helps with headache-related fatigue, dizziness, and impaired vision.

• Mechanism: By promoting the smooth passage of blood and Qi in the head and neck and stimulating the gallbladder meridian, this point eases pain and releases tension.

c) ST-8 (Touwei)

• Location: ST-8 is situated close to the temple, roughly 4.5 cun laterally to the forehead midline and 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline (a traditional Chinese unit of measurement).
• Efficiency: This point helps with headaches that cause nausea or vertigo, migraines, and forehead pain. Additionally, it is utilized to treat headache-related eye strain and visual abnormalities.

• Mechanism: By reducing excessive heat and tension in the head and focusing on the stomach meridian, ST-8 eases pain and encourages relaxation.

d) BL-2 (Zanzhu):

• Location: BL-2 is situated in the little indentations of the brow ridge, above the inner corners of the eyes and at the medial ends of the eyebrows.
• Efficiency: BL-2 works very well for eye strain, sinus headaches, and headaches brought on by nasal congestion. Additionally, it reduces eye pain, oedema, and redness.

• Mechanism: This point, which is part of the bladder meridian, is believed to relieve pressure and pain by enhancing circulation around the eyes and sinuses.

e) GV-20 (Baihui):

• Location: GV-20 is situated along the midline, almost halfway between the tips of the ears, on the crown of the head. Draw an imaginary line from the midline of the head and the peak of each ear to find it.
• Efficiency: GV-20 is perfect for treating tension headaches, stress-induced headaches, and headaches that make your head feel heavy. It also encourages brain clarity and general relaxation.

• Mechanism: The controlling vessel meridian, which affects the central nervous system, includes this point. It is believed that stimulating GV-20 can relax the mind, increase and regulate Qi, and enhance blood circulation in the head.

1. 1. How These Points Are Used:

• • Needling Technique:  Depending on the patient’s symptoms and general health, a certified acupuncturist inserts tiny needles into these spots at different depths and angles.
  • Pressure or Massage: Although the results may not be as strong as with acupuncture, applying forceful pressure or massaging these spots can also relieve headaches at home.

6) Types of Headaches and How Acupuncture Helps

a) Headaches under tension

• Symptoms: A dull, agonizing pain, usually in the temples or forehead.
• The Benefits of Acupuncture: Relaxes the nervous system, increases blood flow, and eases tense muscles.

b) Migraines

• Symptoms: Severe, throbbing pain that is frequently accompanied by light or sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting.
• How Acupuncture Helps:

• • One benefit of acupuncture is that it lessens the frequency and intensity of attacks.
  • Relieves associated symptoms such as nausea and vertigo. Addresses underlying causes to prevent recurrence.

c) Cluster Headaches 

• Signs: Excruciating, piercing pain on one side of the head or around one eye.
• The Benefits of Acupuncture: lowers inflammation and calms the neurological systems, which are factors in causing excruciating headaches.

7) Benefits of Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines

a) Non-Invasive and Natural:

• Since acupuncture does not use drugs, it is a fantastic choice for people who are sensitive to pharmaceuticals or who prefer natural treatments.

b) Few Side Effects

• There is very little chance of side effects when done by a certified acupuncturist.

c) Long-Lasting Relief

• Frequent acupuncture treatments can result in long-lasting relief from headache pain.

d) Comprehensive Approach

• Acupuncture frequently treats underlying issues including stress, hormone abnormalities, or food allergies.

8) What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

a) First Consultation:  

• Your acupuncturist will ask you about the frequency, severity, and triggers of your headaches.

b) Positioning of Needles

• Depending on your symptoms, tiny needles are placed into particular acupoints.
• You might have slight warmth or tingling, but there will not be much pain.

c) Length of Session 

• The needles are remained in place for 15 to 40 minutes during sessions, which normally last 30 to 60 minutes.

d) Aftercare:

• You might experience a feeling of calm, energy, or mild exhaustion.

9) Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Migraines

a) American Family Physician Review:

According to a review in American Family Physician, acupuncture reduces headache frequency by at least 50% compared to standard therapy, with a number required to treat (NNT) of 4. This implies that one patient would gain a great deal from acupuncture for every four that receive treatment. The effectiveness of acupuncture is similar to that of preventative drugs, according to the review, but it may have fewer adverse effects.

b) American Migraine Foundation:

According to the American Migraine Foundation, acupuncture can help people with migraines experience fewer headaches, with results comparable to those of preventive drugs. According to their findings, up to 59% of patients who receive acupuncture report a 50% or greater decrease in headache frequency, with results lasting longer than six months.

10) How Can The Brost Clinic Help?

It is our goal at The Brost Clinic to help you find effective natural healthcare options for headaches. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs by a team of chiropractors and acupuncturists who understand the complexities of headaches and migraines.

At The Brost Clinic, we combine the power of chiropractic care with acupuncture techniques in order to provide comprehensive headache relief. With our holistic approach and state-of-the-art facilities, we aim to address the root causes of your headaches while promoting overall wellness.

Trust us for compassionate care that puts you on a path toward long-lasting relief from those nagging headaches! Contact us today!

Conclusion

Acupuncture presents a promising fusion of traditional healing methods and modern medical knowledge, offering a comprehensive and successful strategy for treating migraines and headaches. This tried-and-true method addresses stress, hormone imbalances, and disturbed energy flow, among other underlying causes, in addition to the symptoms.

Acupuncture has been shown in numerous trials and expert reviews to be effective in lowering headache frequency, intensity, and duration; it frequently outperforms traditional drugs while having fewer adverse effects. By activating particular acupoints, it not only reduces pain but also improves blood circulation, hormone balance, and stress levels, all of which contribute to good health.

For those looking for a long-lasting, non-invasive, and natural remedy for crippling headaches and migraines, acupuncture is a strong contender. Acupuncture’s evidence-based benefits make it a useful tool in your quest for wellbeing, regardless of whether you are looking for an integrative strategy or investigating complementary therapies.