Acupuncture: An All-Natural Remedy for Migraines

 It’s a headache like no other: throbbing pain that lasts for hours or days, sensitivity to light, and often nausea or vomiting. Approximately 25% of households in the United States are affected by migraines. Some 4 million sufferers experience them chronically, or at least 15 days out of every month.

If your life is disrupted by migraine pain and little seems to help, you may want to consider acupuncture. 

At Twin Acupuncture in the New Springville area of Staten Island, New York, founder and acupuncture specialist Kerri Kuhlsen provides this minimally invasive treatment to address common health concerns, including migraine headaches. 

Take a few moments to learn how acupuncture can be a natural migraine treatment.

How acupuncture works

Derived from Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to improve the flow of energy, or Qi, in the body. Currently embraced by many traditional medical practitioners, acupuncture targets acupressure points throughout your body’s natural pathways, known as meridians, for benefits like improved blood circulation and reduced inflammation.

During acupuncture treatment, your provider inserts tiny sterilized needles into target areas. Most people tolerate the sensation well. Your first session should last about an hour. 

While one acupuncture treatment may provide benefits, we often recommend one to two per week until your pain symptoms improve. A customized plan is created based on the specifics of your concerns, your overall health, and how you respond to your first treatment.

Acupuncture for migraines

Acupuncture stimulates body processes, like circulation and the immune system, to relieve chronic pain. The treatment also prompts the production of “feel-good” hormones, such as endorphins. All of these perks make acupuncture a promising option for migraines.

Over 20 studies collectively showed that acupuncture reduced migraine pain by 50% or more for more than 59% of nearly 5,000 recipients. Those benefits lasted for over six months.

Acupuncture may also reduce the frequency of chronic migraine flare-ups or make your overall treatment plan more effective. As a bonus, you may leave your sessions feeling more relaxed, which may help ease emotional stress related to migraines.

While some people find that acupuncture reduces the need for other migraine treatments, such as resting, avoiding migraine triggers, and taking over-the-counter or prescription medication, others find that acupuncture alone suffices.

To learn more about acupuncture as a natural migraine remedy or find out if you’re a good candidate, call Twin Acupuncture or request an appointment through our website today. We also offer cupping therapy, dry needling, and electroacupuncture, which may help minimize migraine symptoms.