Benefits of Acupuncture for Headaches & Migraines
Do you suffer from headaches or migraines? Acupuncture can provide relief. In Chinese medicine, the body has a natural cycle of energy flow called Qi. Yin and yang are the two energies that make Qi. Yin is described as coldness, passivity, darkness and downward movement; while yang is hot, active and ascending in nature. The imbalance between these two energies can sometimes cause pain, disease or headaches and migraines. When your body's Qi is out of balance it's time to see an acupuncturist!
Acupuncture therapy may be able to help improve circulation by releasing endorphins. Endorphins are natural opiates that produce pleasure in your brain and reduce pain levels. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This decreases your heart rate, opens up your blood vessels and relaxes your muscles.
What is acupuncture and how does it work for headaches and migraines?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing system that involves the use of very fine needles inserted into specific points on your body. Acupuncturists have observed for thousands of years that when these points are stimulated, they balance and restore Qi energy in your body. Acupuncture is an accepted medical treatment in many countries around the world. Oftentimes acupuncture is combined with other therapies, although it is also used alone.
Acupuncture can be especially useful in treating headaches and migraines due to its ability to relieve pain at the source. It can also unblock and normalize Qi flow. This can help reduce specific symptoms like pain, dizziness and nausea.
Acupuncturists are specialists in finding Qi points on your body and stimulating them through acupuncture with needles. Each person's condition is unique. Therefore, acupuncture treatments are tailored to the individual to suit their specific condition and needs.
What causes headaches or migraines?
Migraines are a type of headache that affects 12 percent of Americans according to the Migraine Research Foundation. For some, migraines can be so severe they interfere with daily activities and cause intense throbbing pain for hours or days at a time.
A number of conditions cause headaches or migraines, including the following:
Stress or anxiety
Food allergies and sensitivities that cause inflammation to enter your system
Nutrient deficiencies that negatively affect the proper functioning of your nervous system and organs
Tension in the shoulders, neck or other parts of your body which can lead to tension headaches or migraines
Not getting enough exercise, which can weaken your immune system and prevent you from sleeping well
A long term condition that has not been diagnosed or treated
One of the most common reasons someone might get migraines is because they are suffering from stress. For some, it can be as easy as getting a bad night's sleep or forgetting to eat breakfast. For others, even just thinking about an event in their past might cause them to have migraines throughout the day. This debilitating condition can interfere with the quality of life. Migraines slow down productivity and limit one's ability to complete tasks due when under severe episodes. They can also cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. These symptoms may not go away after several days or weeks on their own if left untreated all together.
What are the benefits of acupuncture for migraines?
A great tool for migraine sufferers is acupuncture. It's a safe alternative that can be effective in reducing the frequency of migraines and even help relieve an acute attack.
There are some great benefits to choosing acupuncture as a method of treatment for headaches or migraines. These include:
Acupuncture increases the flow of oxygen to your brain, which can be helpful in fighting a headache or migraine.
Acupuncture can reduce the pain of headaches and migraines.
It is safe to use and most people do not experience side effects.
Acupuncture is non-invasive; it does not require anesthesia or surgery to be effective.
Acupuncture may improve your overall health and well-being.
How to find a qualified acupuncturist in your area?
Many acupuncturists, such as AcuMantras, specialize in treating headache and migraine patients, so it shouldn't be difficult to find a qualified practitioner close by. It's important to look for practitioners or wellness centers with a history of positive reviews. Once you find the acupuncturist or clinic that's near you verify their accreditations and contact info on their website. If you’re in the Plantation, FL area you can check out more about our community acupuncture at AcuMantras here!
If you're in the Broward County or South Florida region, AcuMantras is a great option for you to experience exceptional acupuncture treatments in a community setting. Our team aims to educate and empower each one of our patients and members through quality acupuncture and resources.
Tips on preparing for an acupuncture session:
Consult an acupuncturist or medical practitioner to ensure that acupuncture does not conflict with any medications you are currently taking. It is a good idea to avoid eating solid foods before your session. Instead, drink lots of water and clear liquids about 2 hours before your treatment is scheduled.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment so that you have time to fill out any forms and questions with the practitioner. Treatment sessions last around 30-40 minutes, although some may run a bit longer.
How does acupuncture work best?
Acupuncture is an effective way to treat headaches and migraines. However, you will experience the best results when it is combined with other therapies like biofeedback, muscle therapy, relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes.
Acupuncture is most effective when done on a regular basis. You will need to schedule several treatments for it to be effective. If you have a debilitating and chronic condition, you may want to seek out long term treatment and consult with your primary doctor prior to any treatment.
If you have tried over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and other treatments for your condition without any results, acupuncture may be a good alternative.
Remember that acupuncture is not intended to replace traditional treatments, but can be a great addition for those who are looking for an alternative method of treatment.
Want to learn more about acupuncture?
If you're curious to learn more about what acupuncture and eastern medicine can do, we invite you to check out our library of educational blogs. For anyone in South Florida looking to give acupuncture a try, reach out to our team via phone at (954) 408-8224 or email us at info@acumantras.com and one of our team members will be happy to help you schedule your first visit.
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