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Migraines

A migraine is a disabling chronic brain disorder that affects 12% of Americans. Migraines are three times more common in women than men. They often begin in adolescence or early adulthood.  Studies show that a considerable number of patients do not respond well to drug treatments, and their quality of life is poor. Studies also show that acupuncture, electroacupuncture, neuropuncture, massage therapy, stretch therapy and cupping are a valuable and effective treatments for migraines offered at Ritual Acupuncture.

What are migraines?

Migraines are a type of headache characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain that most people feel on one side of the head. The pain can last for hours or even days. They can occur with nausea, vomiting, sensitive to light and sound. Most suffers have a family history of migraines. They also commonly occur with other disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, sleep disorders and epilepsy.

Common migraine triggers include:

  • For many women, migraines are linked to the onset of menstrual cycle due to fluctuations in estrogen levels and can occur during pregnancy. Oral contraceptives can trigger a migraine.
  • Anxiety, excitement, and any form of stress can increase muscle tension and dilate blood vessels, triggering a migraine.
  • Tiredness and insufficient sleep, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture, and physical overexertion have all been associated with migraines.
  • Some migraines appear to be triggered by certain foods. Common culprits include caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine), aged cheeses, chocolate, aspartame, and foods containing nitrates or MSG.
  • Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, and changes in weather or barometric pressure can provoke migraines in some people.

What are the treatments for a migraine headache?

Western medicine offers acute drug treatments to relieve pain during an attack and restore function. Other drugs are used to prevent and manage acute and chronic migraines. Migraine drugs can help but come with some unpleasant side effects that can lead to discontinuation, may take up to two hours to work and may not get rid of the symptoms completely, or prevent migraines.

A 2016 review of 22 clinical trials involving almost 5000 people concluded that there is consistent evidence that acupuncture is beneficial in the treatment of acute migraine attacks and reduces the frequency of migraines. The frequency of migraine dropped by 50% or more in up to 69% of patients receiving acupuncture and the effect lasted for more than six months. A course of at least 6 treatment sessions can be a valuable option.

It is a modern acupuncture technique that integrates the principles of 21st-century neuroscience with traditional Chinese acupuncture practices. The goal is to enhance the therapeutic effects of acupuncture by targeting specific nerve pathways to regulate, rehabilitate and modulate the nervous system to restore homeostasis, balance, and health.

Neuropuncture incorporates electrical stimulation, passing a mild electric current through the acupuncture needles to enhance the effects on the nervous system. The frequency and intensity of the electrical stimulation are adjusted to target specific treatment outcomes.

Electroacupuncture combines traditional acupuncture techniques with modern electrical stimulation to enhance the therapeutic effects and provide more consistent and potent relief for migraine sufferers.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture, also known as electropuncture, is effective to treat migraines. Research has shown that electroacupuncture can provide immediate and long-term pain relief by modulating pain pathways and reducing inflammation.

Regular electroacupuncture sessions have been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, providing lasting benefits even after treatment, improve quality of life, and decrease the need for medication.

Electroacupuncture has been found to be more effective than traditional acupuncture alone in managing migraines, likely due to the enhanced and consistent stimulation provided by the electrical current. The evidence is clear, electroacupuncture is evidence-based therapy to treat migraines.

Shoulder and neck tension can trigger migraines. Massage therapy may be beneficial to reduce pain, control triggers, reduce frequency and even prevent migraines. Studies report that regular massage may be as effective as some common migraine medications in reducing frequency.  Another study found that massage therapy can reduce the intensity of migraines. Other studies suggest that massage therapy can shorten the duration of migraine attacks. By addressing muscle tension, improving circulation, releasing endorphins, and reducing stress, massage therapy can contribute to better migraine management and improve quality of life.

Stretch therapy also known as assisted stretching or facilitated stretching, is a therapeutic practice focused on improving flexibility, increasing range of motion, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing overall physical function. It involves a trained therapist or practitioner assisting an individual in performing stretches that target specific muscle groups.

Stretch therapy may offer benefits for individuals suffering from migraines by addressing physical tension and stress, which are common triggers for these headaches. It can contribute to reducing migraine frequency and intensity.

Cupping therapy, an ancient form of alternative medicine originating from traditional Chinese medicine, involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This practice is believed to reduce muscle tension and stress, release endorphins to manage migraine pain, and improve circulation.  Cupping may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, improve quality of life and provide relief from symptoms. Integrating cupping therapy into a broader migraine management plan may help enhance overall outcomes and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from migraines.

Contact Ritual Acupuncture in Vallejo, California to schedule a consultation today. Our practitioners combine the power of ancient eastern medicine with modern holistic modalities.

References

  • Guo W, Cui H, Zhang L, et al. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2023 Aug;27(8):239-257. doi: 10.1007/s11916-023-01120-7. Epub 2023 Jun 17. PMID: 37329483.
  • Chu H, Seo J, Kim C, et al. Electroacupuncture for migraine protocol for a systematic review of controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Apr;97(17):e9999. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000009999. PMID: 29703068; PMCID: PMC5944497.
  • Linde K, Allais G, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jun 28;2016(6):CD001218. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3. PMID: 27351677; PMCID: PMC4977344.
  • Chaibi A, Tuchin PJ, Russell MB. Manual therapies for migraine: a systematic review. J Headache Pain. 2011 Apr;12(2):127-33. doi: 10.1007/s10194-011-0296-6. Epub 2011 Feb 5. PMID: 21298314; PMCID: PMC3072494.
  • Onan D, Ekizoğlu E,et al. The Efficacy of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Integr Neurosci. 2023 Aug 16;22(5):126. doi: 10.31083/j.jin2205126. PMID: 37735140.
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