The cause of migraine headaches still mystifies health care specialists around the world and the condition often goes undiagnosed. Even so, Migraine Canada reports that approximately 2.7 million Canadians are known to suffer from these debilitating headaches.
Migraines are the third most common medical condition in the world. A diagnosis of chronic migraines means the person suffers at least eight migraine attacks a month. The headache is generally so severe, the person loses time from work and is totally debilitated, spending their time isolated and in bed. The episode can last from just a few hours to several days.
Migraine Canada conducted a survey of 250 people who suffered from chronic migraines and found that nearly half of them were on disability, unable to work at all. They had all sought medical help for the neurological condition with more than 89 percent of them saying they received either no relief or only mild relief from their pain.
The World Health Organization and Migraines
The World Health Organization (WHO) found that “a severe migraine attack is as disabling as being quadriplegic, psychotic, or in a terminal stage of cancer.” WHO notes that “[a migraine] is caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain that leads to release of pain-producing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head.”
Not much more is known about the causes of migraines. What is known is that the migraine attack is associated with other neurological symptoms such as extreme sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and more.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for Migraine Relief
To date, there is no known medical cure for migraines. Treatment is designed to provide as much pain relief as possible. Since modern medical treatment methods have not proven effective, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involving acupuncture for migraine relief has proven helpful.
TCM is based on the ancient philosophy of keeping the constant flow of energy, called “qi” (pronounced “chee”), balanced as it travels along pathways in the body.
When a pathway gets blocked, it is as though a dam has been built. This can lead to pain and illness in general.
TCM includes herbal formula, tuina massage, and cupping as well as acupuncture. For acupuncture, the acupuncturist has the patient lay comfortably on a treatment bed. Then, very thin needles, often along with heat and pressure, will be applied to specific points of the body. The process releases the blockage and restores the natural flow of energy throughout the system.
Modern research confirms that acupuncture has positive effects on the body’s systems, including the nervous system, and helps relieve pain.
Here are five reasons why migraine sufferers may find relief from pain with acupuncture treatment.
1) Acupuncture is known to reduce pain in general and specifically pain from migraines. The National Institute of Health (NIH) notes that a large number of studies have shown that acupuncture “works particularly well on chronic pain…It often reduces the incidence and severity of tension headaches and may prevent migraines.” When coupled with tuina massage or cupping, there is often long-lasting relief.
2) Acupuncture reduces inflammation. Most professionals agree that headaches, including migraines, are often associated with inflammation somewhere in the body. Acupuncture stimulates the release of vascular hormones and other immune-mediating agents that are known to decrease inflammation.
3) Acupuncture is known to reduce serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone that is necessary for the normal activity of the brain and nerve cells in general. Higher than normal levels of serotonin may trigger a migraine. Acupuncture, used as preventive medicine, helps balance serotonin levels so, on a long-term basis, the likelihood of developing a migraine may be reduced.
4) Acupuncture can relieve the symptoms that accompany migraines. Studies show that acupuncture can relieve nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and other symptoms that are associated with migraines. When these symptoms are lessened or alleviated, the pain from the migraine is lessened, or at least the discomfort is not as severe.
5) Acupuncture improves blood circulation. Any pain, including the severe pain of a migraine, is often due to decreased blood flow, which in turn decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches the body’s tissues, which then results in pain. Acupuncture can improve the circulation and oxygen level in the blood, which reverses the pain-causing process and reduces or alleviates migraine pain.
Acupuncture in Kelowna Can Help Relieve Your Migraine Pain
To learn more about how we can help you get relief from your migraine pain, Contact us at Acupuncture in Kelowna to schedule a free consultation.
