Migraines are a common complaint among men and women worldwide. There are several treatments available for managing the symptoms of this problem. Nowadays, acupuncture is being endorsed by experts as an effective treatment for migraine and headaches. It is an ancient Chinese treatment that focuses on the smooth flow of Qi – the life force circulating in our bodies. An acupuncturist targets different pressure points for headaches and migraine during the procedure. As a result, the patient gets immediate relief from headaches. Moreover, acupuncture can also help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
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In this article, we have addressed some frequently asked questions about acupuncture and why we should consider this traditional healing therapy for migraine and headaches.
What is acupuncture for headaches?
Acupuncture for headache has been used for quite some time now. According to different surveys and clinical trials, acupuncture has proved to be beneficial for reducing pain in different body parts. Similarly, there have been studies that concluded that acupuncture could reduce the frequency of headaches in individuals. Moreover, acupuncture can also help manage the symptoms of chronic migraine.
Usually, experts combine acupuncture with preventive medications to enhance its results. Research has also established that individuals who receive combined treatment experience at least 50% fewer migraine episodes. Moreover, the effects of acupuncture for migraines and headaches can last for about 6 months.
Is acupuncture effective for headaches?
Acupuncture has proved to be safe and effective for treating headaches and migraines. According to multiple patient reports and clinical trials, the frequency of headaches dropped by 50% in individuals getting acupuncture.
This traditional procedure is relatively safe and does not have any side effects. Although the results are not permanent, they last for at least 6 months. After that, patients can undergo follow-up treatments if they want to maintain the results.
Ear acupuncture for headaches does not show immediate results, but patients will see improvements by the 5th week of treatment. By week 13, improvements will become significant.
Most experts suggest acupuncture sessions twice a week for the first 2 weeks. After that, patients should go for one session per week for 8 weeks and follow up once every other week.
Can acupuncture treat tension headaches?
Chronic tension headaches cannot be cured permanently. Usually, ongoing symptom management is the only treatment for tension headaches and migraines. In order to do that, patients have to:
- Manage stress levels
- Avoid triggers
- Alleviate muscle tension
Acupuncture can help reduce stress levels and indicators of stress in the body. As a result, it improves the patient’s experience with stress and anxiety. However, in order to achieve these effects, patients have to undergo at least 10 acupuncture sessions in 5-8 months. Moreover, they should stay in touch with an expert who will guide them according to their condition.
Acupuncture Points for Headache
According to Chinese medicine, the life force circulates in our bodies through fourteen channels, otherwise known as meridians. A smooth flow of this life force or Qi is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. If the flow disrupts, several pressure points along these meridians help with the energy flow. These pressure points are also known as acupoints because they are targeted in acupuncture.
An acupuncturist uses these pressure points for headache and migraine treatment. By inserting hair-like needles into these acupressure points for headaches, an acupuncturist can help relieve pain.
Generally, acupuncture points are also used in acupressure. The only difference is that acupuncture uses thin needles to activate these points, while acupressure only uses physical pressure.
According to experts, there are at least 5 headache and migraine acupuncture points in the human body. These include the following:
- Third Eye – between the eyebrows
- Drilling Bamboo – on the inside of each eyebrow at the point of nose bridge meeting the brow bone
- Gates of Consciousness – just below the skull base in the hollow spaces on either side of the spine
- Shoulder Well – between the shoulder joint and the neck base
- Union Valley or Hegu – on the loose skin between the index finger and thumb
Where do acupuncture needles go for headaches?
As mentioned above, there are several meridians and pressure points for headaches in the human body. An expert acupuncturist inserts sterile, hair-like needles into the skin at these pressure points during an acupuncture session. The location, depth, and a number of needles depend on the acupuncture style, acupuncturist’s expertise, and patient’s requirements. According to the requirements, the needles will be placed in the following:
- Arms
- Legs
- Back
- Head
- Face
Acupuncture Benefits for Headaches
If you go for acupuncture on head benefits are endless. Some benefits of acupuncture for headaches are as follows:
- Acupuncture helps restore the flow of energy throughout the body.
- It removes toxic and negative energy from the body to relieve pain.
- It triggers a healing response of the body and stimulates different body systems.
- The acupuncture needles stimulate nerves making them release endorphins.
- It helps boost the immune and circulatory system, which relieves tension headaches and migraines.
The Final Verdict
According to ancient medicine, research, and clinical trials, there are several pressure points for headaches in the human body. People who suffer from chronic migraines and tension headaches can benefit from different therapies that target these points. Acupuncture and acupressure are the two most commonly used therapies that help reduce chronic pain. While these therapies can help alleviate pain, patients should always consult an expert for the procedure. For instance, acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that requires expertise. So, if a patient gets it done by an expert, it will maximize their chance at pain relief. On the other hand, getting acupuncture from an inexperienced practitioner can cause more complications than benefits.
Euromed® Clinic Center has some of the best acupuncturists in the area who can perform this treatment with care and precision. Find an expert for acupuncture in Dubai at our clinic and get rid of stubborn headaches and chronic migraines.
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