Headache Relief via Acupuncture
Headache Relief via Acupuncture
If you suffer from headaches, you’re not alone.
Over 50 million of us experience some form of a severe headache at some point in our lives. Whether you experience minor head pain or severe migraines, headaches can take valuable time out of your day and your life, and leave you searching for relief.
One way to seek relief is by reaching for drugs and other medications. This is fine for the short run, and can help you get out of pain fast. Unfortunately, common headache medications don’t address the “root” cause(s), and when used over long periods of time, can cause unwanted side effects.
Acupuncture offers a safe and effective approach to relieving headache pain, without causing harmful side effects, and incorporate a comprehensive diagnostic protocol that can help your acupuncturist understand and address the “root” cause(s) of your headaches.
There are many factors in acupuncture theory that may play a key role in the root cause(s) of a headache.
These include:
body constitution
emotional health
excessive work
social & exercise activities
improper diet
physical trauma
pregnancy
Headaches can also be diagnosed according to specific symptoms, times of occurrence, location on the body, type of pain, triggers and remedies which provide relief.
Acupuncture takes a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. Your practitioner will take a detailed health history to determine how and why your body’s circulation is out of balance, and what root causes are contributing to the overall problem.
This will allow them to identify the type of headaches you are experiencing. By identifying and treating the underlying causes, not just the symptoms, we apply the most effective care.
What do you mean, "my circulation is out of balance"?
An important part of Acupuncture is the concept of circulation. The acient texts describe pathways that we liken to rivers which are entwined throughout the structure and physiology of your body. We benefit from the detailed descriptions of these rivers from the source texts of acpuncture and through the insertion of sterile, hair thin needles into the skin, we are able to aid the body's circulation back to a healthy flow that allows the body to heal.
During treatment, in order to restore proper circulation, fine sterile needles will be inserted at specific areas along the “rivers” (channel pathways). Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs or physiology of the body. Afterwards, a variety of self-care techniques may be prescribed to further expedite your healing process.
It’s important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick fix”.
Changes may occur quickly or over a longer period of time, depending upon your overall constitution and health. It is important to closely follow care recommendations suggested by your acupuncturist. Whether it’s one visit to address an acute problem, or several visits to address a chronic problem, your acupuncturist will create a treatment protocol that will maximize your healing potential.
Below are a few ways that you can participate in your own healing, by making simple lifestyle changes that may help soothe – or even prevent – head pain.
Try to keep track of when your headaches start. Migraine sufferers may find it especially helpful to keep a diary of symptoms and possible causes. Triggers might include anything from eating chocolate, to anxiety or inhaling specific smells. Pinpointing these triggers – and avoiding them when possible – could help.
Stress puts a lot of strain on the body, and can contribute to many types of health concerns, including headaches. Talk to your practitioner about healthy ways to handle stress, such as meditation or breathing techniques.
Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and is a great antidote to stress. Your acupuncturist can recommend types of exercises that may work best for you.
Making minor changes can make a big difference in your overall health and vitality. Do your best to eat healthy, organic foods, and make sure to get enough sleep every day.
Acupuncture provides an effective, natural treatment for many different types of pain, including headache pain. By working with your acupuncturist and adopting some simple lifestyle changes, you’ll be on your way towards a healthier, happier, pain-free life.