Headache or Migraine?

Tension type headaches, migraines and cluster headaches affect 40% of the population globally according to WHO. NICE estimate that approximately 10 million people in the UK live with migraine. The statisticians are often concerned with the economic burden of such conditions, which amounts to £4 billion per year from sick days. It’s also worth noting the social and emotional impact chronic pain has on individuals, from mood changes to inability to commit to plans.

Patients who visit my clinic frequently seek acupuncture treatment for headache and migraine symptoms. Often it’s the main issue for their visit to the acupuncture clinic, but it might also be one of a multitude of symptoms they present with. Quite often they have been down the usual care route without results, or have found some relief but are looking for a multifaceted approach to manage this chronic condition.

As an acupuncturist, I treat head pain frequently. This is one of the conditions that generally responds quickly to acupuncture treatment, however in some cases long term management is required. A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM, the style of acupuncture practiced in Chinese hospitals) diagnosis is made based upon location of the pain, the nature and severity of the pain, and associated symptoms. A comprehensive look at your current health plus diagnostic tests such as pulse taking and tongue analysis help to inform the diagnosis and point prescription.

Acupuncture points used for headaches and migraines can be found all over the body. Acupuncturists combine head points with body points, such as wrists, hands, torso, legs and feet. The exact point prescription depends upon the pattern you are diagnosed with. The needles are super fine and in most cases cannot be felt when inserted. The amount of needles used, and the sensation that they elicit (which can be controlled by the acupuncturist) will be dependent upon various factors. As a TCM practitioner, we can adjust the dose as necessary and with your comfort in mind. As with any condition treated by TCM acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary advice are an integral part of treatment. The recommendations you receive will depend upon your TCM diagnosis.

The evidence demonstrates that acupuncture is an effective treatment for headache and migraine. Vickers et al (2018) found acupuncture to be superior to sham acupuncture in 6 studies. The benefits cannot be explained by placebo. NICE, who produce guidance for the NHS, recommend acupuncture for headaches and migraines.

If you’re experiencing tension headaches, migraines or cluster headaches a course of acupuncture treatment could be beneficial for you. Acupuncturists advise between 6 and 10 sessions, weekly. Each treatment builds upon the last, and by treatment 3 or 4 the frequency or severity of pain will hopefully have reduced. There is no commitment – you can book as you go. Or for a discount, you can book a block of 6 and get the 6th half price.