Acupuncture for Migraine Relief
By Ashley Miller, MSTOM, ACA, Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
Chronic migraine headache is a serious affliction that affects millions of Americans. A migraine is usually described as an intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light and sound. These episodes can last anywhere from hours to days, often rendering the person unable to continue with their normal daily routine.
People who are seeking a natural, drug-free approach for treating migraines often turn to acupuncture. These treatments can offer effective relief from this debilitating condition without the side effects of medications. Acupuncture helps to stop the progression of a migraine, and is also especially effective between episodes to prevent the headaches from occurring in the first place.
According to modern research, acupuncture appears to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain that may be responsible for generating a migraine, and it has also been found to stimulate the release of endorphins, which help neutralize pain. For women who suffer from menstrual migraines, acupuncture helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and balance the hormones that seem to be a trigger for this particular type of migraine.
In terms of Chinese medical theory, acupuncture is based on the idea that there are pathways, or channels, that flow throughout the body. Within these channels flows a substance called qi (chee), which can be thought of as a vital energy that is essential to all life. Migraines result when the qi gets blocked or unbalanced in the pathways that traverse the head. Acupuncture restores balance and clears these pathways in order to relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a migraine.
Not only is acupuncture an excellent choice for drug-free management of migraines, but there are many other benefits as well. Patients can receive simultaneous treatment for a variety of other ailments such as stress management, digestive disorders, and insomnia, just to name a few. Many patients will notice that other less significant symptoms will simply disappear through the course of their treatment. In this regard, acupuncture is truly a holistic approach to health that brings balance and harmony to the entire body.
Ashley Miller holds a master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. She is certified by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to practice acupuncture. She is the owner of Magnolia Acupuncture Clinic at 434 N. Columbia St, Suite L in Covington and can be reached at 985-590-5172. www.covingtonacupuncture.com
