Using Acupuncture to Treat Headaches and Migraines

by urban-acupuncture | Jan 29, 2016 | Acupuncture

Headache and Migraine Treatment

Many researchers agree that acupuncture offers a better solution in preventing and treating headaches and migraines as compared to standard medical care. People suffering from recurring headaches and migraine can hope to find lasting relief and improve their quality of life with acupuncture treatments. Board certified acupuncturist Steve Drugan provides solutions for headaches and migraines to patients in and around Columbus, OH.

Relief from Headache

In acupuncture treatment, the provider will insert fine needles into pre-determined points on the body, followed by gentle stimulation of the needles. This stimulation can be performed manually or electrically. The treatment is designed to cause small blood vessels in the affected area of the head to dilate. This promotes blood circulation in the tissue, providing a relief from headaches.

When the treatment is received over a period of time, patients suffering from frequent headaches will tend to find lasting relief. For a normal headache, the acupuncture treatment process and the principle behind it will be similar to that of other pain management techniques involving acupuncture.

However, the traditional approach is not suitable for the treatment of migraines because the migraine pain may be related to blood vessel dilation in the head. Therefore, an increase in blood flow in these vessels may lead to a worsening of the problem. Acupuncturist Drugan receives patients from Columbus, OH and nearby areas for the treatment of headaches and migraines.

Relief from Migraines

Migraine treatment through acupuncture requires a unique approach. The acupuncturist will avoid points in the head, neck, and upper body areas for inserting the needles. Only the points in the lower body will be used in order to eliminate the risk of blood vessel dilation in the head. The patient is placed in a recumbent position rather than a prone position during this treatment. This position ensures that the dilation of blood vessels is minimized during the procedure.

Preventing Migraine Recurrence

Emotional stress is known to trigger migraines, and it usually affects individuals with an imbalanced autonomic nervous system. In this condition, the para-sympathetic or relaxed state is inhibited, while the sympathetic or stressed state is activated. Acupuncture techniques are aimed at activating the para-sympathetic nervous system in order to reduce muscle tension and prevent migraines. Target points on the lower legs and forearms are generally chosen to perform this procedure.

Many migraine patients also complain of heightened muscular tension in the upper back and neck. Therefore, the treatment provider may include minimizing this tension as an integral part of the migraine prevention plan. The acupuncturist will identify and treat the most reactive of the key diagnostic points to instantly improve the blood flow in tense and sore muscles.

Acupuncture needles may be stimulated with a low frequency electrical current of 1 Hz. This will help to further improve blood circulation in the affected muscle and tissue. The provider may also recommend certain lifestyle changes such as getting sufficient sleep, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and avoiding or minimizing activities that cause physical or mental exhaustion.

Contact Us For More Information

For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488    |    Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or  click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.