Acupuncture relieves migraines by opening blocked channels and resolving underlying root imbalances at the organ level. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, acupuncture works by restoring the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is the vital energy that circulates throughout the body. When the Qi is blocked, it results in various health conditions, including migraines.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Migraines
In TCM, the underlying root imbalances contributing to migraines are disruptions in the flow of Qi and blood within the body. Various factors, including stress, emotional issues, poor diet, lack of sleep, or external environmental factors, can cause these imbalances. By identifying the root causes unique to each individual, acupuncture restores the healthy flow of Qi and blood, thereby alleviating migraine symptoms and preventing their recurrence.
Acupuncture treatment for migraines typically involves a comprehensive approach considering the symptoms and the underlying imbalances. Here are some ways in which acupuncture may relieve migraine headaches:
Pain Relief
Acupuncture relieves migraines by stimulating the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving substances in the body. By targeting specific acupuncture points associated with pain modulation, acupuncture can help reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks.
Stress Reduction
Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels by influencing the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. This process can help decrease the likelihood of migraine onset and severity.
Hormonal Balance
Hormonal imbalances, such as fluctuations in estrogen levels, can trigger migraines in some individuals, especially women. Acupuncture may help regulate hormonal levels and restore balance, potentially reducing the occurrence of migraines related to hormonal changes.
Improved Blood Circulation
Acupuncture can enhance blood flow and microcirculation. By improving circulation, acupuncture helps deliver oxygen, nutrients, and other essential substances to the brain and other tissues, promoting overall health and reducing migraine symptoms.
Nervous System Regulation
Acupuncture relieves migraines by influencing the autonomic nervous system, which regulates various bodily functions. By modulating the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) branches of the nervous system, acupuncture can help restore balance and alleviate migraines.
Migraine Pain and Qi Stagnation
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, migraines are often attributed to a stagnation of Qi in the channels of the head. Qi stagnation refers to an obstruction or blockage in the flow of vital energy. At the same time, the channels (also known as meridians) are the pathways through which Qi and blood circulate throughout the body.
In TCM, when Qi and blood become stagnant, they can create imbalances and disharmonies in the body, leading to various health conditions, including migraines. The channels in the head, such as the Gallbladder, Liver, and Yang Ming channels, are particularly susceptible to Qi stagnation.
Open The Channels to Stop Pain
Acupuncture relieves migraines by opening the channels and facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood. The insertion of acupuncture needles at specific points along the affected channels helps stimulate Qi’s flow, unblock obstructions, and restore balance.
Here’s a closer look at how acupuncture opens the channels and reduces migraine pain:
Needle Placement
The practitioner selects acupuncture points along the channels of the head and neck for needle insertion. These points are often chosen based on TCM diagnostic principles and the individual’s specific symptoms and imbalances. The acupuncturist may focus on points along the Gallbladder, Liver, and Yang Ming channels and other relevant points throughout the body.
Qi Activation
Inserting acupuncture needles at specific points stimulates the Qi within the channels. The needles act as a stimulus, encouraging the movement of Qi and facilitating its flow along the affected pathways. This stimulation helps to alleviate stagnation and promotes a smoother circulation of energy.
Harmonizing the Body
Acupuncture aims to restore balance and harmony in the body as a whole. By addressing the underlying imbalances and disharmonies contributing to migraines, acupuncture treatment supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promotes optimal health.
Acupuncture Relieves Migraines – Current Research
Here are synopses of three research studies confirming that acupuncture relieves migraines.
First Migraine Research Study.
Second Migraine Research Study.
Third Migraine Research Study.
Raleigh Acupuncture Migraine Case Study
Last year a 37-year-old man came to our clinic complaining of a migraine that had persisted every day for the past ten weeks. The pain was in his temples, the back of his head, neck, and upper back. He believed it was related to a bout of Covid, which occurred just before the onset of the migraine.
In addition to migraines, he was always tired, had bloating and stomach pain, poor sleep, irritability, and high stress. His pulse was wiry (indicating Qi stagnation), and his tongue had a thick white coating (digestive weakness) and rough edges (Qi stagnation). His Chinese medicine diagnosis was migraines due to liver qi and blood stagnation, accompanying spleen qi deficiency.
Treatment Plan
His treatment addressed the migraines at several different levels. First, we opened blocked channels in his upper back, neck, and head. This blockage was the direct cause of the pain in his head. In addition, we got his Qi and blood circulating throughout the entire body by activating his liver. Finally, we strengthened his stomach, which had taken a toll on the stress accumulation in his body.
Powerful, Lasting Results
Within four sessions, acupuncture completely resolved his migraines. He started seeing results following the first treatment, and his symptoms improved with each subsequent session. In addition to migraine relief, his energy was back to normal, his stomach pain was gone, his mood and sleep improved, and he felt much less stress. Since this condition resulted from an event triggering an imbalance, he did not require follow-up sessions or maintenance.
Next Steps
Try acupuncture if you struggle with migraines. Treatments are safe (sterile, single-use needles) and relaxing. And results are long-lasting.
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What our Clients are Saying
I saw Dr. Jade to treat my migraine headaches. I was a skeptic about acupuncture. But now, I’m a true believer in the treatment. Dr. Jade worked miracles in relieving my migraines!! She’s worth her weight in gold!! Thank you Dr. Jade!
Raleigh Acupuncture was recommended by a friend after I mentioned my insomnia and dependency on a sleeping pill. My apprehension was short lived because of the results of my visits to Dr. Mark. With acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs I was able to begin sleeping well and continue to do so. Dr. Mark is a good listener and encourages his patients in all health issues as well as the original purpose for treatment. Consequently, my knees are stronger and I’m walking better and with more confidence. I haven’t had the need for a cortisone shot in a year and a half. Occasionally, I would use a cane and it’s now somewhere gathering dust. Also, I had a persistent headache that my primary physician had no solution for, and after two acupuncture treatments it’s a thing of the past. Hot flashes were another issue that was treated successfully. I am so grateful to have found a knowledgeable and caring person to treat my ailments, many of which I thought would only grow worse as I aged. Generally, I feel healthier.
I suffered a serious concussion last year riding my mountain bike. After the accident I was getting severe headaches every day. They were so bad I couldn’t drive. I found Raleigh Acupuncture online. I liked their website and they said they treated post-concussion headaches. They got rid of the headaches and helped me with a number of other post-concussion issues like blurred vision, anxiety and insomnia. They really understood what was going on with me. I’m very grateful.
I’ve gotten migraine headaches for the past thirty years. They started as a teenager and have come once or twice a week since then. Pain medication used to work for the first ten or fifteen years, but since then nothing seemed to help. I mentioned to my doctor that I wanted to try Acupuncture and he recommended Raleigh Acupuncture. That was the best decision I’ve ever made. They not only cured my migraines, but got rid of a chronic neck pain at the same time. They gave me Chinese herbs as well, which I took for the eight weeks that I received acupuncture. They were highly professional, easy to talk to, and very informative. They explained everything they were doing and how it was working. Once the headaches stopped, I didn’t have to continue the herbs. It’s been two years and they have not returned. I go back for maintenance once a month. I’ll happily do that forever, not having to deal with migraines any more. I recommend this practice to anyone suffering from migraines.
My 14 year old daughter started getting migraines when her period started last year. They were aweful. A friend of mine suggested we try acupuncture. She went to Raleigh Acupuncture, so we made an appointment. The doctors there were so kind to my daughter. They made her feel safe and comfortable during the treatments. They cured her migraines in just eight treatments! She does not get them anymore. And her periods are so much easier than before. Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture! We are very grateful to you!