Migraines & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Migraines and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Migraines are a complex and debilitating neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike regular headaches, migraines often involve intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and can last for hours or even days. They are frequently accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. Migraines can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to work, attend social activities, or even perform basic tasks. Managing migraines can be challenging, as they often have multiple triggers and do not always respond well to conventional treatments. Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a natural and effective approach to managing migraines by addressing both the symptoms and underlying imbalances in the body.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Acute and chronic pain can be physically and emotionally unbearable and requires a sustained, integrated approach to reducing and resolving. We are Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

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Challenges Associated with Migraines

  1. Intense Pain and Disruptive Symptoms: Migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain that can make it nearly impossible to concentrate or function normally. This pain is often localized on one side of the head and can spread to the neck and shoulders. The pain can be so intense that it forces people to retreat to a dark, quiet room until the episode passes. In addition to pain, migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, further complicating daily activities and reducing quality of life.

  2. Unpredictability and Frequency: Migraines can be highly unpredictable, making it difficult for individuals to plan their days or participate in social activities. Some people may experience migraines occasionally, while others suffer from chronic migraines that occur multiple times a month. The frequency and severity of migraines can vary greatly, leading to anxiety and stress about when the next episode will strike. This unpredictability can disrupt personal and professional life, leading to missed workdays, reduced productivity, and social isolation.

  3. Diverse Triggers and Difficulty in Management: Migraines are often triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, environmental stimuli, and even weather changes. Identifying and managing these triggers can be a daunting task, as they differ from person to person. Lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes or stress management techniques, may not always be sufficient to prevent migraines, and traditional treatments may not fully address the condition’s complexity.

  4. Medication Side Effects and Dependency: While conventional medications, such as triptans, anti-nausea drugs, and pain relievers, can provide temporary relief, they often come with side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or digestive issues. Overuse of pain medications can also lead to medication-overuse headaches, creating a cycle of dependency that worsens the condition. Additionally, some individuals may find that these medications are not effective in preventing migraines or reducing their frequency.

  5. Emotional and Psychological Impact: The chronic nature of migraines can take a toll on mental health, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. The constant worry about when the next migraine will occur can increase stress levels, which, in turn, can trigger more migraines. This cycle of pain and emotional distress can lead to a diminished quality of life and feelings of helplessness.

  6. Impact on Sleep and Overall Well-Being: Migraines can disrupt sleep patterns, either by causing difficulty falling asleep or waking people up in the middle of the night. Poor sleep quality can increase the frequency and severity of migraines, creating a vicious cycle. The physical and emotional strain of living with chronic migraines can also lead to fatigue, decreased energy levels, and reduced overall well-being.

From Our Clients

“A wonderful experience all around!”

- Kim R.

“I have been going to Kirsten for 5 months and my experience with her has been nothing short of transformational. I initially went in for TMJ and after about 3.5 months of consistent treatment, I no longer wake up with headaches or the terrible jaw pain I've been dealing with for years! Kirsten has also been tremendously helpful in treating me for my sinus and allergy issues, which have been particularly bad this season. I really can't recommend her enough. She is knowledgeable, has a great bedside manner, and is someone I really trust.”

- Christina N.

“I have been a patient of Kirsten's for four years and have nothing but wonderful things to say, and attribute to her and her practice. Not only has Kirsten helped combat the occasional headache or cold, but she has also helped me bring two healthy beautiful children into this world via fertility treatments, and labor preparation. Kirsten is attentive, calming, kind, and knowledgeable. She has also given many tips for my children when they've had colds, car sickness, etc. that we swear by! I have recommended Kirsten to countless friends + family members. This is the place to go for acupuncture treatments.”

- Raffkin B.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Migraines

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. It offers a holistic approach to managing migraines by addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition. Here’s how acupuncture can benefit individuals suffering from migraines:

  1. Reduces Migraine Frequency and Severity: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by promoting the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that help regulate pain and mood. Regular acupuncture sessions can decrease the number of migraine episodes, making them less frequent and severe over time. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic migraines who experience multiple episodes per month.

  2. Alleviates Pain and Other Symptoms: Acupuncture can provide immediate relief from migraine pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms. It helps modulate pain signals in the nervous system and reduces the sensation of throbbing pain. Acupuncture can also alleviate accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, making it easier to cope with migraine episodes.

  3. Addresses Stress and Emotional Well-Being: Stress is a common trigger for migraines, and acupuncture is known for its calming effects on the nervous system. It helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels. By lowering cortisol levels and balancing the body’s energy, acupuncture helps reduce stress-related migraine triggers and promotes emotional well-being.

  4. Balances Hormones and Reduces Migraine Triggers: Hormonal imbalances, particularly in women, are a common trigger for migraines. Acupuncture helps regulate the endocrine system, balancing hormones and reducing the frequency of hormonally triggered migraines. This makes acupuncture an effective option for managing menstrual-related or menopausal migraines.

  5. Improves Sleep Quality and Overall Health: Acupuncture promotes better sleep by calming the mind, reducing pain, and alleviating stress. Improved sleep quality supports overall health and reduces the likelihood of migraines triggered by poor sleep. Better sleep helps individuals feel more rested and resilient, making it easier to manage migraines and maintain a higher quality of life.

  6. Reduces Dependency on Medications: Acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free approach to managing migraines, reducing the need for pain medications and their associated side effects. It can be safely integrated into a comprehensive migraine management plan, providing additional support for long-term relief.

Pain We Treat With Acupuncture

Parting Thoughts:

Migraines present a complex set of challenges that can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being. While conventional treatments often focus on symptom relief, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that addresses the underlying imbalances contributing to migraines. By reducing pain, decreasing migraine frequency, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall health, acupuncture provides a valuable complementary therapy for managing migraines and improving quality of life. Through its multifaceted benefits, acupuncture helps individuals regain control over their health and live more comfortably, even in the presence of chronic migraine conditions.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in managing migraines. Here are five clinical studies from different sources highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Acupuncture for Migraine Prophylaxis: A Randomized Controlled Trial: This study investigated the long-term effects of true acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture and a waiting-list control group for migraine prophylaxis. Results indicated that true acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of migraine attacks compared to the other groups.  JAMA Network

  2. Manual Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture and Usual Care for Prophylaxis of Episodic Migraine Without Aura: Multicentre, Randomised Clinical Trial: This multicenter randomized clinical trial assessed the efficacy of manual acupuncture as a prophylactic treatment for patients with episodic migraine without aura. The study found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of migraine days compared to sham acupuncture and usual care.  BMJ

  3. Acupuncture for Migraine: A Systematic Review
    This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. The analysis concluded that acupuncture is associated with a reduction in the frequency of migraine headaches and may be at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, prophylactic drug treatment, with fewer adverse effects.  Cochrane

  4. Acupuncture for Migraine: A Review of the Data and Clinical Insights
    This review discusses the current evidence for acupuncture in migraine treatment, highlighting multiple studies that support acupuncture as a validated modality for the prevention of episodic migraine. The authors note that while small studies on acupuncture for chronic migraine are encouraging, evidence for its benefit is limited.  SpringerLink

  5. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
    This overview assessed the methodological and reporting quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on acupuncture for migraine treatment. The evaluation suggests that acupuncture may have beneficial effects on migraine frequency and intensity, though the quality of evidence varies among studies.  SpringerLink

These studies collectively suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits in managing migraines, particularly in reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks.