If you experience regular headaches or migraines, you know just how debilitating they can be. These conditions can interfere with work, school, and the simple enjoyment of everyday life. Acupuncture may be able to provide some relief, minimizing the severity and frequency of these episodes. Find out how this practice can help in the following guide.

A Guide to Acupuncture Treatment for Headaches

How Does Acupuncture Help Headaches?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into the skin to trigger pressure points throughout the body. This practice is a method of Traditional Chinese medicine. 

Inserting acupuncture needles triggers several different responses from central nervous system (CNS) and from the site of insertion (skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles). CNS responds with secreting endorphins - our internal pain killer that regulates how susceptible we are to the pain. Other tissues respond by dilating blood vessels which improves blood flow, allowing better oxygenation of the surrounding tissue. This process also speeds up evacuation of inflammatory proteins. 

Why Turn to Acupuncture for Headache Relief?

Acupuncture offers a nonpharmaceutical means of addressing headaches and migraines. Some medications have side effects that you may not like, such as drowsiness. Over time, the body can also build up a tolerance to the effects of some drugs, requiring higher dosages to achieve the same outcome. This can make nonpharmaceutical alternatives more appealing—especially for individuals who are worried about dependency issues.

Regular acupuncture treatments may reduce the severity and frequency of headaches or migraines. The practice has long been recognized as a means of pain relief and was even endorsed by the World Health Organization for this purpose. It offers many positive effects when it comes to treating tension-type headaches and preventing migraine attacks. A physician can advise you on whether it may be a fitting option for your situation.

If you're interested in trying acupuncture for migraine or headache relief, turn to Avicenna Acupuncture & Lymphedema Clinic. This facility is located in Wheat Ridge, CO, and their team has been serving the Denver metro area since 2009. These professionals take a holistic approach to wellness and will aim to target the root cause of your discomfort to find a lasting solution. Learn more about their acupuncture services online, and call (303) 803-0675 to make an appointment.

*Note that these services are not a replacement for professional medical help.