Headache is a common debilitating condition. It is one of the usual reasons why people miss work or school, and it significantly reduces the quality of life for many.
There are numerous treatments available for chronic headaches, but many patients find that acupuncture enables them to get faster relief compared to conventional cures. This treatment also offers relief without the potential side effects often associated with medications. A recent study found that patients who received acupuncture treatment reported a significant reduction in the frequency of attacks compared to those who did not receive the treatment.
Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to produce a therapeutic effect. Even though it may seem a bit strange initially, acupuncture treatment is an effective option for many people who want to manage their chronic and acute head pain or mitigate attacks with the help of natural methods.
How Does Acupuncture Work for Headaches?
Generally, this treatment can span over a series of sessions. It can help with both acute and chronic head pain, as well as migraine attacks. Once you’ve received a diagnosis, your acupuncturist will identify the best points to stimulate to mitigate the pain.
The acupoints for managing headaches include GB-36, GB-40, ST-44, and SP-6. It can also include Baihui (lateral occipital), which is for intense head pain caused by eye strain or sinus infections. GV-26 and LI-10 are for migraine and pain in the back of the head.
These are just to mention a few; depending on the patient’s condition, the acupuncturist can choose to stimulate one or more of these points to achieve optimal results.
Pros and Cons of Acupuncture
There are a number of benefits of acupuncture treatment. For instance, it has been found that patients who received this treatment experience lower levels of pain and feel more energetic compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. It is an inexpensive option unlike most other treatment methods. Generally a safe treatment option for people of all ages, acupuncture can also alleviate pain from injuries. It can also be used as part of a holistic plan for migraines, including diet, lifestyle, and other treatment methods.
Acupuncture, however, is not as quick as popping a pill. It may take several sessions before you feel any relief. It is important to note that such treatment can alleviate pain, but it is still not a cure for its root cause; it only mitigates the pain levels that a headache causes. It is important to realize that it has a few side effects that you may experience; these include fatigue, slight bleeding, and aching at the insertion points. Some patients reported that this treatment alone isn’t enough to relieve their chronic migraines, so it is always helpful to combine the treatment with lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly to reduce stress.
Takeaway
Headaches can be excruciating and interfere with your daily life. Although you can use over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat the pain, you may want to consider acupuncture as an alternative treatment option.
Evidence-based research shows that acupuncture triggers a release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced in the body. Furthermore, it helps balance the flow of qi (life force) in the body, and stimulates points that are effective in releasing stress, reducing pain, and relaxing muscles.
Acupuncture is an alternative healing practice that has been around for thousands of years. It is a tried-and-tested method to relieve pain, stress, and other symptoms associated with various medical conditions. More importantly, it can also be an excellent way to ease the pressure and tension in your head!
