Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches

Migraine sufferers are seeking out natural, safe alternatives to standard treatments. Migraines can be as unique as the patient. As acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, we assess the overall presentation looking to discern the pathomechanism behind the migraine and seek out the root cause. Are the migraines exacerbated by changing weather conditions? Fluctuations in the menstrual cycle? Certain foods? Stress? Muscle tension? There are many possibilities and it is our job to explore these options.

Treat Migraines and Headaches Naturally at our Dallas Acupuncture Clinic

The treatment strategy and acupuncture points utilized is entirely dependent upon the diagnosis and the root cause of the migraine. For example, if the patient is suffering from migraines correlating to hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle, our main focus would be to address the cycle itself and balance the hormones. Another picture might be that of a patient who spends 8 hours per day typing on a computer and suffers from chronic upper back and neck tightness. Their pain might begin at the base of the skull then radiates around the scalp and finally arriving behind the eyes in a debilitating migraine. In that case, we would most likely address their tight musculature and painful areas through the neck and scalp.

These two patients have very unique presentations, thus very different treatments. The location of the pain can also be very helpful when making a diagnosis and selecting acupuncture points. Different areas on the head correspond to certain points and acupuncture meridians. Pain on the temples may be relieved by Gall Bladder 41 (on the outside of the foot) but Small Intestine 3 (on the outside of the hand) would be better suited for treating pain on the top of the head.