Migraines and Headaches

What is a Migraine?

Migraines are pounding or throbbing headaches that start suddenly, can last for hours or days, and usually occur with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Estimated 9% of Canadians suffer from migraines. The headaches usually appear in adolescence, peak at mid-life, and often decrease or vanish after age 50 or, in women, after menopause. Three times more women than men are affected.

What are the symptoms?

• Throbbing or pounding pain, usually on one side of the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Disturbances in hearing or vision (such as flashes of light) that often start 10 to 30 minutes before the headache
• Parts of the body may feel numb, weak, or tingly
• Light, noise, and movement, especially bending over, make the head hurt worse
• Feet and hands feel cold and may look bluish

What causes Migraines?

The exact causes of migraine headaches are unclear. However, evidence suggests it is genetically transmitted. Research shows that emotional distress is one of the most important factors that produces or aggravates migraines. Other triggers of an attack may include the following:

• Abnormal blood levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin
• Certain foods and alcohol; missing meals; too much sun; sleeping too little or too much
• Medicines for high blood pressure, angina, and arthritis
• Hormones and menstruation
• Certain odors, such as perfume or cigarette smoke

How does acupuncture approach Migraines?

Oriental Medicine is holistic. Acupuncture does not simply "block" pain or another manifestation of a specific disease, but rather sees migraines as a condition deriving from energetic imbalances. Once the patient has been diagnosed, the aim is to re-establish the balance, and, as a result, the overall well-being.

Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of Migraines?

Headaches are commonly seen and often successfully treated by acupuncturists. In Oriental Medicine, rather than treating symptoms in isolation, the practitioner looks for the underlying pattern of energetic disharmony unique to each individual case.

Acupuncture not only relieves the acute symptoms of migraines but also addresses the underlying cause, the stress. Therefore, by decreasing the tension, acupuncture prevents migraines from returning as well as treating all of the symptoms induced or aggravated by stress.

How is the treatment done?

Treatment sessions of acupuncture will vary according to the patient's response and practitioner's strategy. A more intensive treatment is recommended at the beginning, followed by more spaced maintenance visits.

Commitment to the treatment and maintenance regime are essential to avoid possible relapses.