Acupuncture for Headache Relief: Will it help ease pain or prevent them?
Headaches can disrupt your concentration and productivity at work or home for days or even weeks on end. First and foremost, have you discussed them with your doctor? Pain relief is important, no question. Depending on your individual situation, some doctors may encourage you to explore other pain relief options before prescribing strong painkillers. In this post, we'll explore Acupuncture as a support therapy for headaches.
Migraines vs Headaches
Migraines are usually one sided headaches that commonly present behind the eye or radiate pain across the face and head. Bright lights become difficult to work under or exacerbate the migraine. Some people also experience visual disturbances such as spots, sparks or floaters in their vision or even an aura before or during their migraine.
Headaches can present in different forms - some people experience them at the base of their skull, coming from tension in the neck and shoulders. You may also experience headaches at the crown of the head (vertex), on the forehead (frontal), or the sides of the head (temporal). Painkillers may diminish some or all of the pain, but sometimes they don't relieve headaches and migraines.
Frequency of Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture has been studied for its effectiveness in relieving headaches, including migraines. Several studies suggest that acupuncture may help treat pain associated with headaches and migraines. Some benefits of acupuncture for headache relief include prevention.
A clinical study on acupuncture for cluster headaches recommended treatment twice a week for two weeks, followed by one treatment per week for eight weeks, and maintenance treatments as needed. Acupuncture has also been found to reduce the frequency of headaches in individuals with migraines, with effects similar to those observed with preventive medications.
LI4 and pain relief
Large Intestine 4 (LI4) is one of the most studied acupoints in Acupuncture. Known as Hegu or "Joining Valleys", it is located in the muscular webbing between the thumb and index finger.
According to the pain gate theory, acupuncture may generate impulses that block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. By stimulating specific points on the body, such as LI4, acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins that relieve pain.
LI4 has been widely studied for its effectiveness in reducing pain, including headache and migraines. It's commonly used to treat pain in different parts of the body, including the face, head, neck, and upper back.
Electroacupuncture
TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or Electro Acupuncture may also be added to LI4 to increase your pain threshold to help cope with sever headache pain. You can read more about TENS and Acupuncture here.
It's important to note that acupuncture is most effective when performed by an AHPRA registered (Aus) and experienced acupuncturist. They will assess your individual situation and determine the most effective treatment plan for you. Acupuncture is often a helpful addition to a broader medical plan to manage pain. Pain relief becomes paramount and a team of professionals working towards your recovery is a clever strategy to consider.
Read More... about Headaches and Migraines:
Migraines and Chinese Medicine
Cluster Headaches and Acupuncture
More resources about acupuncture and its benefits in easing headaches and migraines:
"Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches: What You Need to Know" by Healthline.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of how acupuncture works to relieve headaches and migraines, the types of headaches it can help treat, and what to expect during a typical acupuncture session. It also includes a discussion of the evidence supporting acupuncture's effectiveness for headache and migraine relief.
"Acupuncture for Headache" by Harvard Health Publishing (Harvard Medical School)
Medical News Today: Acupuncture: How it Works, Uses, Benefits, and Risks
