Treating Migraines With Acupuncture
Several studies have pointed to the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine, both in reducing the frequency and the severity of attacks. One recent trial in the Lancet Neurol. reported that 47% of patients experienced a reduction of over 50% in migraine days after 10 acupuncture treatments in 6 weeks and a review by Endres HG, Diener HC and Molsberger A. published in the Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics suggested that, because of the effectiveness, acupuncture should be integrated into existing migraine therapy protocols.
How does Acupuncture treat migraine?
What has caused one person to suffer from migraine headaches is not the same as another and diagnosing the individual pattern of disharmony responsible is at the heart of traditional acupunctures approach to treatment.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary from person to person and also from week to week as the treatment progresses. So one patients migraine headaches may be treated using points on the back, perhaps if the headaches are more commonly associated with periods of over-exertion and exhaustion, while in another case where mental-emotional stress is more of a factor points on the hands and feet may be used.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary from person to person and also from week to week as the treatment progresses. So one patients migraine headaches may be treated using points on the back, perhaps if the headaches are more commonly associated with periods of over-exertion and exhaustion, while in another case where mental-emotional stress is more of a factor points on the hands and feet may be used.
What happens when I come for treatment?
Treatment will usually involve the insertion of 6-12 fine, sterile, surgical stainless steal needles and their retention for 20-30 minutes. After insertion, the practitioner will sometimes manipulate the needles at intervals to achieve a specific therapeutic effect. In most individuals withdrawal of the needles leaves no mark as the natural elasticity of the skin closes the point again without bleeding or bruising.
How long will the treatment last?
A standard course comprises 6 treatments, with more than one course being required in most cases for improvement to be consolidated. In most cases treatments will be weekly, although in acute cases twice weekly treatments can be beneficial.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is widely regarded as a safe and reliable therapy and is increasingly used by medical doctors and physiotherapist, as well as traditional acupuncturists. Only sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used and competence is ensured by membership of a professional body with rigorous standards of training and professional conduct.
Is there anything I can do?
Being treated with Chinese medicine is not just about being 'done to', it is also about actively managing ones own health and treatment Is a partnership between patient and practitioner.
The most important factor we have control over that directly impacts the experience of migraine headaches is diet. The importance of triggers such as cheese, coffee, chocolate and red wine is well known but eating habits (eating late, eating on the go, skipping meals etc.) also have a role to play.
Stressful lifestyles are another major contributory factor and avoidance or reduction of stress will significantly facilitate recovery. For some people exercise may be beneficial. As can self-help techniques
including meditation and massage.
The most important factor we have control over that directly impacts the experience of migraine headaches is diet. The importance of triggers such as cheese, coffee, chocolate and red wine is well known but eating habits (eating late, eating on the go, skipping meals etc.) also have a role to play.
Stressful lifestyles are another major contributory factor and avoidance or reduction of stress will significantly facilitate recovery. For some people exercise may be beneficial. As can self-help techniques
including meditation and massage.
