We treat a lot of people who suffer from migraines and chronic headaches with a great success.
Acupuncture can be used for prevention of migraine and to alleviate symptoms of acute attacks.
When we first see you we will decide on a treatment plan. This sometimes involves lifestyle , dietary advice and trigger management.
World Health Organisation endorses acupuncture for migraine headaches.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence} guidelines recommend acupuncture for migraine.
OVERVIEW
Most headaches are not a serious problem but if they are frequent they can affect your quality of life. Commonly they are caused by tension, dehydration, eye strain, low blood sugar levels, sinusitis, head injury, spinal problems, hormonal changes, overuse of painkillers etc.
Migraines affect mainly women and about 60% of migraines are associated with menstrual cycle. The pain is severe, often one sided and accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, visual problems, sensitivity to light or sound . Some people experience an aura before the attack manifested by visual disturbances, pins and needles , speech problems, dizziness etc.
Migraine attacks last between few hours and few days and the frequency varies from once a week to only occasionally.
Migraines are believed to be caused by changes in blood vessels in the brain. There are many known factors : high blood pressure, hormonal changes, contraceptive pill, HRT, hormonal fluctuations before the period., smoking. Some foods are known to be migraine triggers such as cheese, alcohol, caffeine, food additives, irregular meals. Emotional triggers play an important role such as stress, anxiety, anger.Physical triggers include tiredness, dental problems. Combined these triggers can cause an acute attack.
MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE TREATMENTS
Conventional medical treatment is mainly based on over the counter and prescription medications to relieve the symptoms. Doctors usually prescribe painkillers , antisickness drugs and beta blockers but most of them are associated with adverse effects.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE
There have been many controlled trials and studies of acupuncture for migraine, especially in recent years. The results are very encouraging and some medical professionals are embracing acupuncture as it is a safe, effective and low cost treatment.
The effectiveness of the treatment is believed to be due to regulating of the blood flow in the brain. reducing inflammation, affecting serotonine levels and release of endorphines ( body’s natural pain killers and feel good hormones).