Millions of migraine sufferers fear the thought of it. Many people have learned to live with migraine pain and are comfortable with it. However, they don’t want to think about the next episode. What is Acupuncture for Migraines? Acupuncture can be described as an alternative or complementary medicine that is derived from traditional Chinese medicine.
Acupuncture Points
The “acupuncture points” are a method of treating pain by inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. The needles can then be gently manipulated. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is for you, your acupuncturist will help you to decide. Your SES treatment will be given in a sitting position. The fine acupuncture needles are inserted very slowly into your skin.
The acupuncture points for SES will be usually on your forearms or lower legs. The needles can then be gently manipulated by being pushed back and forth by hand while you inhale. You can try acupuncture to treat migraines during a migraine attack. Fine needles will then be inserted into the acupuncture points throughout your body. The needles will be gently pushed backward and forth. Each needle will dilate small blood vessels around it as it moves. This will increase blood flow to your tissues. However, your acupuncturist might take a different approach.
Migraine Pain
Your migraine pain is usually thought to be caused by blood vessel dilation in your skull. Therefore, your acupuncturist may not want to place needles in your neck and head. This could make your pain worse temporarily. Your acupuncturist might instead use the acupuncture points on your arms or legs. Four British newspapers published a study that found that acupuncture was helpful for people suffering from migraines on the 15th of March 2004. Four British newspapers reported on a controlled, randomized trial.
The trial compared acupuncture with other types of care to determine the effects on migraines. The trial was conducted across twelve (12) areas in England and Wales. It involved 401 patients. It reported the results for 301 patients. Patients who received acupuncture for migraines experienced less severe headaches than patients who received more standard treatments.
Patients who received acupuncture for migraines had less time off work, took fewer medications, and visited the doctor less often that patients who received standard care. Two studies published in the United States have shown strong and positive results for acupuncture’s effectiveness in migraine relief. JAMA published a study that involved 302 patients under the title “Acupuncture For Patients with Migraine.” The majority of patients were female.
Let’s Understand It
Patients were divided into three groups: those who received acupuncture to treat migraines and those who received sham treatment. Researchers concluded that regular acupuncture was just as effective as sham acupuncture. However, sham acupuncture and acupuncture for migraines had a greater effect on migraines than the wait-list control. This study examined 160 women to determine if acupuncture for their migraines was effective.
This study compared acupuncture for migraines with Flunarizine for migraines. For two months, Group A received acupuncture every week to treat their migraines. They were then given acupuncture once a month for four months. For two months, Group B received Flunarizine daily for Flunarizine. They were then given Flunarizine twenty days a month for four months. The study’s conclusion was shocking. Acupuncture for migraines was found to be the most effective of both treatments.
Conclusion
Do Acupuncture and Migraines Hurt? You might be one of those migraine sufferers who sees acupuncture as a choice between the pain from the headache and the pain from needles. You might be one of those people who fear needles. How can you overcome your fear?
- Find a qualified, professional acupuncturist. If possible, get recommendations. Make sure that the acupuncturist is licensed in your area and certified.
- Before making an appointment, visit the acupuncturist. Ask to see needle sterilizing procedures. Ask if they use disposables needles.
- Ask your doctor if you are still afraid of needles. Many offer magnetic needles, earcups, and/or herbal options.
- Schedule an appointment. Make sure to explain the problem, its frequency and intensity when you make an appointment. Please provide as much information as you can. This will allow the acupuncturist to provide the best acupuncture for your migraines treatment.
