Acpuncture and Headaches: What's the Link?

February 07, 2020

Do you suffer from headaches? You're not alone. In fact, more than one billion people around the world cope with the adverse effects of chronic migraines, let alone the occasional headache. These debilitating head pains can cause a slew of other problems, too, including nausea, vision problems, fatigue, and irritability. Whether you're dealing with the occasional headache or the harrowing health issues associated with migraines, acupuncture might be a great form of relief.

Acupuncture is a form of treatment in which thin needles are inserted through the patient’s skin. The needles are inserted at specific positions that align with your qi at varying depths depending on the condition. This ancient Chinese practice is used for a range of health issues, but it is known for its ability to help with migraines and headaches.

But how does this work? Here's what you should know about acupuncture and its effect on helping your headaches.

How it works

By targeting specific pressure points on your body, acupuncturists are able to relieve stress on these areas by inserting acupuncture needles. By restoring the proper flow of qi throughout your body, thereby triggering a healing response, any pain you might be experiencing can be mitigated. From a more modern medical interpretation, these needles can stimulate nerves and the release of endorphins to help alleviate pain symptoms, especially those associated with head pain.

If it seems like a sham, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, study after study has shown that acupuncture has led to long-term wellness for chronic migraine sufferers. The control group, who had acupuncture needles placed at random points on their body, didn't have the lasting improvements that the experimental group was able to achieve. Other studies have shown that acupuncture treatment works better than no treatment at all for headaches. If you're suffering from headaches, these statistics back up the idea that this is worth a try.

Relieving headaches the natural way

While taking over-the-counter medications can help some people, there are plenty of all-natural options that can improve your headache symptoms.

Along with acupuncture therapy, many headache sufferers have found that essential oils, massage, and regular exercise can improve their symptoms. The next time you're suffering from a headache, try rubbing your temples with lavender oil for acute pain relief. Gently massaging your sinuses and head can also help relieve the worst of your symptoms.

If you're interested in starting acupuncture for headaches, the best thing you can do is talk to an expert. Rely on the professionals at The Emperor's Medicine for holistic treatment you can trust.