Acupuncture for Migraines

For centuries, acupuncture has been used to relieve the excruciating pain of migraine headaches, and studies performed by today’s medical experts continue to support its safety and effectiveness.

To schedule an appointment, call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or book a visit online.

Migraine Q & A

What causes migraines?

Migraine is a neurological disorder that occurs when cranial nerves overreact to a trigger, sending signals to your brain that lead to a migraine. While there are many potential triggers that initiate a migraine, some of the most common include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Caffeine
• Bright lights
• Certain odors
• Skipping a meal
• Changes in weather
• Foods and additives

Some women find that hormone fluctuations during their menstrual periods trigger migraines.

What symptoms occur during a migraine?

Migraines are one of the most intense types of headaches you can experience. The primary symptoms of a migraine include:

• Excruciating, throbbing pain, often around one or both temples
• Pain that lasts 4–72 hours
• Sensitivity to lights, sounds, smells, and touch
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo

You may notice food cravings or mood fluctuations the day or two before your migraine. Some patients continue to have symptoms such as sensitivity, dizziness, and confusion for a day after their pain goes away.

About one-third of migraine patients experience aura shortly before their headache pain begins. During aura you may have:

• Visual disturbances, such as seeing wavy lines or flashes of light
• Tingling sensations in your arms or legs
• Muscle jerking or weakness
• Difficulty speaking

Although it’s not common, aura can also cause auditory hallucinations, such as hearing music.

How does acupuncture help migraines?

Migraines develop when your energy is blocked as it flows along defined pathways throughout your body. Vonda treats the source of your migraine pain by placing acupuncture needles at precise points along these pathways. The needles open the blockage and restore the balance of energy, freeing your body’s natural healing ability.

Acupuncture is an exceptional treatment for migraine pain. The needles stimulate nerves in the surrounding area, then the nerves send messages to your brain. As a result, your brain releases endorphins, your body’s innate pain relievers.

A large review of published studies found that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraines just as well as prophylactic drugs. Migraine frequency was cut in half in 57% of patients receiving acupuncture. By comparison, migraine frequency was decreased by half in only 46% of subjects receiving medications.

Acupuncture effectively relieves your migraine without the risk of side effects that you might have with medications. It’s also a safe procedure when it’s performed by a highly trained professional like Vonda.

To get relief for your migraines, schedule an appointment online or call Castle Pines Acupuncture & Wellness.