Acupuncture for Migraines

By Dr Luke McPherson (CM)

Acupuncture, TCM, Crows Nest

acupuncture for migraine

As an acupuncturist with over 15 years of years of clinical experience, I've treated countless patients suffering from migraines. These debilitating headaches can severely impact daily life, and while conventional medicine offers a range of solutions, many patients seek acupuncture for relief when other treatments fall short or produce unwanted side effects.

The Effectiveness of Acupuncture from a TCM Perspective

Acupuncture's effectiveness in managing migraines lies in its ability to address both the immediate pain and the underlying imbalances that may trigger the episodes. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, migraines are often seen as a result of blocked energy (Qi) flow, particularly around the head, neck, jaw, and shoulders. This stagnation can be due to factors like stress, hormonal imbalnce, emotional tension, posture, or even dietary triggers. Acupuncture aims to restore balance by regulating the flow of Qi through carefully selected points, promoting the body's natural healing mechanisms; relieving pain, reducing stress, relaxing painful muscles and joints, and balancing hormonea.

Clinically, I often observe that acupuncture not only reduces the frequency and severity of migraines but also improves patients' overall well-being. While each case is unique, patients typically report relief after a few sessions, with notable improvements in their stress levels, sleep quality, pain levels, and emotional health.

Research on Acupuncture and Migraines

The effectiveness of acupuncture for migraines has garnered significant interest in the scientific community. Numerous studies have been conducted, with many demonstrating promising results. 

A large-scale meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine reviewed over 20 studies involving thousands of migraine patients. The research concluded that acupuncture reduced the frequency of migraine attacks by an average of 50%, a level comparable to some pharmaceutical treatments. Another study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that acupuncture was more effective in reducing the frequency of migraines than conventional care and even sham acupuncture (a placebo form of the therapy).

From a biomedical standpoint, acupuncture’s ability to modulate pain involves its influence on the nervous system. It’s believed that acupuncture helps release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and can regulate serotonin levels, a key neurotransmitter involved in migraine attacks. The procedure has also been found to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, both of which play a role in preventing migraines.

In addition, a study published in Cephalalgia found that acupuncture had long-term benefits, with patients experiencing fewer migraines even 12 months after completing treatment. This points to acupuncture’s potential for not just managing acute attacks but also offering sustained relief over time.

Integrating Acupuncture into Migraine Care

In my practice, I often combine acupuncture with herbal medicine, supplements, lifestyle advice, recommending dietary adjustments or stress management techniques to support long-term migraine prevention. It’s this integrative approach that allows patients to experience not just temporary relief, but lasting improvement in their overall health.

If you’re struggling with migraines and are looking for a more natural, comprehensive approach to treatment, acupuncture may offer the relief you’ve been searching for. Backed by both ancient wisdom and modern research, acupuncture provides an effective, drug-free option for those looking to manage migraines holistically.

Call Dr Luke McPherson (TCM) for a Consultation today!

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