Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches
Oak Bay Victoria BC
Acupuncture can treat migraine and headache pain as effectively as (or even better than) pain medication — in as little as one appointment — without drug side effects.
What is a Migraine?
A headache so bad you want to throw up. But that is an oversimplification. Often, people think it has to be a very intense headache for it to be a migraine; however, because blood flow to the brain is affected during a migraine, other neurological symptoms may occur. It actually just needs to meet two of these qualifications to be a migraine:
- throbbing pain, often only on one side
- sensitivity to light, sound, and/or smell
- visual disturbances (aura)
- nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Frequently, it just takes 2-3 things to happen in the same day to trigger a migraine:
- you can be sleep deprived
- have a tight neck
- be surrounded by screaming kids (or customers who act like kids)
- eat old cheese
- indulge in dark chocolate
- squint in the sunshine
- have PMS/PMDD
- be super stressed
- live in an area with an incoming storm
Visit 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.
How acupuncture can help migraines
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 the pain returns. That’s why I am so passionate about acupuncture: it fixed the root of my problem instead of covering up the symptom.
Sabrina Lundquist’s acupuncture gave me migraine relief while I was nursing and couldn’t take medication to manage the pain. She listened to my health concerns and accommodated my anxiety about needles. I had a really great experience trying acupuncture. Thank you, Sabrina!
C.B.D.
Have questions?
Self Care Tips for Migraines & Headaches
While impossible to avoid all migraine triggers, it can be helpful to identify patterns using a diary. Maintaining a consistent routine with regular sleep, meals, and exercise can also help you to cope better.
Inclusive Care for All Bodies & Brains
As with any kind of new experience, it is normal to wonder if or how a situation will work for you.
I have been offering relaxation massage for 20 years and acupuncture for over 10, and have hundreds of tips and tricks for accommodating a wide variety of needs and making your entire treatment experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.