Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches

Acupuncture for migraines and headaches can be extremely effective but it is key to first identify what organ or channel is out of balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine understands that the expression of a symptom may be similar but the cause may be very different from person to person and so must the treatment.

Western Medicine and Chinese medicine have different ways of classifying headaches. Western Medicine classifies headaches by their symptoms such as type of pain and pain location. 

Common headache types from a Western perspective are:

• Migraines

• Cluster Headaches

• Sinus Headaches

• Tension Headaches

• Rebound Headaches

TCM goes deeper to understand that migraines and headaches are in fact a symptom in of itself and that the actual diagnosis is a pathological TCM pattern.Your Western classification of headache is a clue toward your underlying pattern that needs to be addressed for long term relief. Some example TCM patterns that acupuncture for migraines and headaches look to correct:

• Blood Stagnation

• Blood Stasis

• Qi or Blood Deficiency

• Excess Liver Yang

• Stagnation of Liver Qi

The root or pattern causing the expression of migraines and headaches is what TCM addresses; not just the pain itself.

Your treatment would be unique based on what is making this happen to you.

People with a diagnosis of migraines in Western Medicine usually receive similar treatments. It consists of avoiding headache triggers and giving medication such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories, anti-nausea medication and triptans such as Imitrex. These methods don’t necessarily prevent migraines by actually fixing the problem; only lessening the severity of symptoms upon onset or avoidance of symptoms through medication and avoiding your triggers. But the question is, what has become out of balance within your body that the collective response to certain stimuli is a migraine?

Using comprehensive observation techniques, tongue and pulse diagnosis and evaluation of your diet, lifestyle and environment, Chinese herbs and acupuncture for migraines and headaches can be a powerful source of treatment of the underlying issue. If your migraine is being caused by an excess heat pattern for example, along with the proper acupuncture treatment, a diet consisting of cooling foods may be recommended. But, if you have a pattern of Qi Deficiency, your treatment and dietary recommendations would be different. It is crucial to be evaluated by a professional in Traditional Chinese Medicine to receive the correct TCM diagnosis and recommendations for your individualized case.

Our treatments go beyond the office and we can arm you with tools and tips for prevention at home that are right for your body. Did you know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine foods have very specific properties and are used as medicine along with herbs?

Garden Acupuncture is located in Park Slope, Brooklyn on Union Street. The city life has plagued many with excess stress, poor diet and hectic lifestyles. Headaches are one of the most common complaints, can be terribly painful and shut down your whole day BUT typically they are also very easily remedied with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture for migraines and headaches has been very successful and we invite you to try this if you are suffering. We have extended office hours for convenient scheduling and also take many insurances.