Acupuncture for Headache Relief
Headaches. We have all experienced them from time to time and from a number of different causes, like dehydration, hunger or spend too much time in the summer sun. These types of headaches are fleeting and quickly remedied with proper hydration and a good night’s rest.
However, there are many people that experience headaches or migraines on a regular basis, to the point of severe pain and compromise of life quality. In fact, there are many different types of headaches, and each one has its unique root causes and symptoms. Generally, certain headaches are more likely to cause certain types of pain.
Tension headaches tend to affect a both sides of the head with a dull pain and can be located near the front or back of the head.
Cluster headaches are more sever and occur periodically, particularly around the eyes.
Sinus headaches are caused by sinus inflammation, which may be from an acute infection or chronic, stubborn sinus blockage.
Migraines are the most common type of headache, affecting 1 in 10 people and more likely to impact women. The pain pattern is often one sided and can be accompanied by a visual aura and light sensitivity.
Fortunately, for headache sufferers, acupuncture can provide relief for these common types of headaches and promote a pain-free, healthy lifestyle long term.
Can Acupuncture Reduce the Frequency of Headaches and Migraines?
The available evidence and research suggest that it can in both the short-term and long-term.
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in 2017 showing the efficiency of acupuncture for reducing the frequency of migraines. In participants who received true acupuncture, the frequency of their migraines was reduced from 4.8 per month to three per month.
The American Migraine Association is also a proponent of acupuncture. “Based on a systemic review of 22 plus studies, involving 4985 people, there is evidence that acupuncture reduces the frequency of headache in individuals with migraine, and that the effect may be similar to that observed with preventive medications. The frequency of headache is dropped by 50% or more in up to 59% of individuals receiving acupuncture and this effect can persist for more than 6 months.”
Further review of large, meta-analysis studies on acupuncture shows that three months after starting acupuncture treatment, frequent headache or migraine sufferers experienced significantly fewer headache days than those receiving routine care, treatment with 'fake' acupuncture, or treatment with preventative drugs. These reviews also found that acupuncture was safe, well tolerated and people receiving acupuncture reported fewer side effects than those receiving drugs.
Modern Acupuncture Relieves Pain
Overall, the research highlights that regular acupuncture can be a good choice to help relieve and prevent chronic headaches and migraines without the use of drugs and associated side effects.
This ancient practice has even gained the endorsement of many of the top universities, hospital systems and headache/migraine associations as an effective alternative therapy for these all too common pains.
“My headaches went from an 8 to a 3! Excited for my future treatments.” – Jill S.
“I went in with my neck being so stiff and the surrounding muscles so tight and sore. I was waking up with a headache almost every day. I am feeling so much better.” - Robin B
Modern Acupuncture® is a natural pain relief solution and the leading provider of acupuncture in the U.S. The most studied theories show that acupuncture stimulates the body to release naturally produced “feel good” endorphins and stimulate the parasympathetic or “rest and digest” response in our body.
Visit the clinic nearest you today.
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