Headaches & Migraines
Headaches and migraines can be disruptive, particularly when they happen repeatedly or begin to affect your work, sleep, exercise, or everyday life.
Acupuncture may help reduce the frequency, intensity, or duration of headaches for some people. Treatment is individualized based on your particular headache pattern and the other factors that may be contributing to it.
Common concerns I work with
- Migraine
- Tension headaches
- Frequent or recurring headaches
- Headaches associated with neck and shoulder tension
- Stress-related headaches
- Headaches that occur alongside other symptoms
Looking beyond the headache
A headache may be connected with more than what is happening in your head.
Neck and shoulder tension, stress, sleep, hormonal changes, digestion, and other factors can all be relevant. During your evaluation, I look at the larger pattern rather than treating the headache as an isolated symptom.
For example, if your headaches tend to occur during periods of significant stress and are accompanied by tightness through your neck and shoulders, those patterns become part of the treatment approach.
Acupuncture for migraine
Migraines can involve much more than head pain. Depending on the person, they may occur with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, visual changes, or other symptoms.
Acupuncture may be used as part of a broader approach to managing recurring migraine.
The goal of treatment is not simply to address what you are feeling during an individual headache. When possible, we also look at the pattern of your headaches and factors that may be associated with their recurrence.
Your treatment
Your first appointment includes a detailed discussion of your headaches or migraines, including their frequency, duration, symptoms, and any patterns you have noticed. I also ask about other aspects of your health that may be relevant, such as sleep, stress, digestion, hormonal changes, and musculoskeletal tension.
Your acupuncture treatment is then tailored to your individual presentation.
When to seek medical care
Acupuncture should not replace appropriate medical evaluation of headaches.
If you experience a sudden, severe, or unusual headache, a new type of headache, or a headache accompanied by concerning neurological or other symptoms, seek appropriate medical care.
If you already have a diagnosis of migraine or another headache disorder, acupuncture can be used as complementary care alongside your existing treatment.
