I used to suffer from debilitating hormonal migraines. Every month at the start of my cycle, I would get hit with migraines that were so painful I would get nauseous. I’d crawl home from work to get into bed and turn all the lights off. I felt hopeless for years until I tried acupuncture.
You may wonder how acupuncture and migraines relate to each other. I was skeptical if treatment would make a difference until I tried it for myself. When you suffer from chronic headaches, you will try anything.
So, how do tiny needles make such a huge difference in how your body handles impending headaches? Below are four things about acupuncture benefits and how this treatment can help with your migraine headaches!
1. What are Migraines?
Migraines are described as throbbing, painful headaches. Some people experience symptoms of a migraine days before the actual headache hits them. Everyone has different experiences, but most suffer from nausea and sensitivity to light.
Some migraines last for several days, wreaking havoc on your life. They impair your ability to work and cripple your social life.
Aura migraines are common and can impact your vision. This is a scary feeling as much of what you experience is out of your control.
There are prescriptions a doctor may prescribe for you to take at the onset of symptoms. If you are looking for an alternative treatment or you want an addition to medication, acupuncture is worth trying!
2. Acupuncture and Migraines
Acupuncture is divided into meridians. Your body is covered in a multitude of pressure points. Each meridian is connected to a specific part of your body. Your acupuncturist will use these meridians as a guide for acupuncture points.
Thin, sterile needles are placed into the points. These points address your migraine headaches and any corresponding symptoms.
One of the benefits of acupuncture is you can receive treatment for several issues in one visit.
Each person will experience different relief of symptoms. Personally, my migraines went away after one month of acupuncture treatment.
It’s important to stay consistent with your appointments. If you know certain seasons or life events tend to trigger migraines, you can schedule your treatment around said events. This helps stave off migraines before they land and ruin your day!
3. What to Expect
If you have never had an acupuncture treatment, your first appointment can be intimidating. But, it doesn’t need to be!
Your first appointment consists of an in-depth health history and evaluation. This is the time to be completely transparent with your acupuncturist so they can best help you.
After your health history discussion, your acupuncturist may conduct a simple physical examination. They will ask you about any specific areas of concern.
Finally, you will receive treatment based on your body’s needs. You can relax and rest for the duration of your treatment. There’s nothing quite like an acupuncture nap!
4. Consistency is Key
Once your appointment is over, it’s important to hydrate and rest. Depending on your reason for acupuncture, you may have a few sessions a week at first.
Just like with any treatment, you want to stay consistent in your acupuncture routine. This helps keep symptoms and pain at bay.
After you are feeling better, you can move to a maintenance schedule or as needed. For many, this may be once or twice a month depending on their illness or symptoms.
Schedule Your Appointment
Stop suffering from migraine headaches. Now that you know acupuncture and migraines make a treatable combination, it’s time to schedule your first appointment!
Acupuncture Works, LLC is your premier acupuncture office in Lynchburg. Deborah Farley has over 3,000 hours of classroom learning in Eastern and Western medicine.
Acupuncture Works, LLC specializes in allergies and tick-borne diseases. They enjoy helping patients feel their best and recover from ailments that impede their lifestyle.
If you’re ready to start feeling your best, book your appointment today!
