Headaches, Migraines and Head Trauma

Tension headaches and migraine headaches are the most common headaches we see. Tension headaches tend to be less severe and are often caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and muscles around the head. Acupuncture causes the body to release neurochemicals associated with relaxation and diminished pain, resulting in reduced muscle tension and increased blood circulation to the affected area. Multiple clinical trials have provided strong evidence for acupuncture as a safe, effective treatment for tension headache.

Several well-designed studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for treating headaches. Those receiving acupuncture treatment reported headache rates of nearly half that of those who received no treatments. Patients in the study reported 7 fewer days of headaches during the course of the 24 week study, while the non-acupuncture group suffered 1.5 fewer days. The results were lasting, patients reported that the improvements lasted for months after the treatment period ended. A 2016 study on acupuncture for tension headache found that “the available evidence suggests that a course of acupuncture consisting of at least six treatment sessions can be a valuable option for people with frequent tension-type headache”.

During a 24-week, randomized trial acupuncture was found to significantly reduce the recurrence of migraines. Trial participants received treatment 5 days per week for 4 weeks for a total of 20 sessions, followed by 20 weeks of follow-up. “True acupuncture exhibited persistent, superior, and clinically relevant benefits for migraine prophylaxis, reducing the migraine frequency, number of days with migraine, and pain intensity.” The long-term effect of acupuncture is critical to successful prophylaxis and reduction of migraine recurrence.

Sourcepoint Acupuncture offers 5-treatment packages at a special rate. Book by calling 206-954-0609.

Links to clinical research on acupuncture for headaches: "Systematic review on randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture therapy for neurovascular headache," see also "Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache."

Acupuncture for Migraine Treatment

Migraine headaches are often severe and debilitating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, visual disturbances, extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell, and tingling or numbness in the extremities or face. Migraine headaches are complex and can have many possible causes from food sensitivity to hereditary patterns.

While treatments with medication are often associated with an increased risk of weight gain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal intolerance and rebound headaches, acupuncture is one of the few treatment methods clinically proven to help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines headaches. The accompanying clinical research can be found here: "Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine"

Both Migraine and Tension Headache patterns respond well to acupuncture treatment and it’s often possible, with ongoing treatment, to resolve the pain completely, or reduce both the frequency and severity of the occurrences of headache pain.

TBI and Post-concussive symptoms

A concussion is a mild brain injury. From the CDC website: "A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain." 2.8 million people are treated are treated annually for TBI in a U.S. emergency department. The area most often injured are the frontal lobes that control thinking and emotional regulation. Acupuncture can help speed recovery time from concussions, as well as improve cognitive function and reduce pain. Clinical evidence and case reports show that TBI patients have demonstrated meaningful improvements through acupuncture treatments: Restoration of Function With Acupuncture Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report, and Reduced Use of Emergency Care and Hospitalization in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Receiving Acupuncture Treatment.

Sourcepoint Seattle Acupuncture clinic accepts Auto Accident Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims, as well as most health insurance.

For appointments, please call 206-954-0609.

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