We have had very good results treating both Migraines and stubborn, persistent headaches.  We have created a headache checklist that covers key questions about type and severity, and any associated triggers for episodes. Among the modalities we use are select motor points to address muscle and other tissues related to the onset of an episode, as well as cupping, gua sha, and acupressure to the affected area(s). 

As a background -- Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder (Headache Classification Subcommittee, 2004) that is ranked 19 by the World Health Organization among all diseases worldwide causing disability. There are many types of Migraines in that they can be caused by one or a combination of factors, such as diet, stress, genetics and menstruation.

Western treatment of migraine generally involves medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or a combination of pain relievers. There are also prescriptions for Migraine that can be taken to either prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms.  Such medicines do help.  The problem with medications is that patients build up a tolerance and may subsequently suffer even stronger symptoms.

Several studies have shown the efficacy of acupuncture (Melchart et al., 2006; Romoli et al, 2006; Tukmachi, 2001; Xiuying, 1999) and cupping (Xiuying, 1999) for the treatment of migraine. One study (which is one of the largest to date) showed patients that received acupuncture, experienced fewer migraine episodes, a decreased absenteeism from work and suffered no side effects compared to patients who were treated with drug therapy (Liguori et al., 2000). In that study, acupuncture was also found to be more cost-effective if used to treat headaches alone instead of drugs (Liguori et al., 2000).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraine is characterized as "Pian Tuo Tong" meaning "one sided headache" or "Tuo Tong" meaning "head pain" (Flaws Sionneau, 2005).

The head is considered to be the meeting point of the six Yang channels and is transverses by the DuMai (governing vessel), influenced by the Liver channel and the Qi and Blood of the Zang Fu.  Therefore, any disruption to this flow will manifest as head pain.  For my readers who enjoy a little TCM lesson, I can tell you that the main disease theory of migraine in TCM all involve the Liver, the Liver-Gallbladder collateral and the flow of Qi and Blood circulation. In TCM, the pathogenesis of migraine can be of an external or internal nature. The external factors involve the invasion of pathogens such as wind-cold, wind-heat, wind-damp or toxic heat. Internal factors are further divided into an excessive or deficient type. Internal excessive factors involve the stagnation of Liver Qi, hyperactivity of Liver Yang, flaring up of Liver fire, Blood stasis obstructing the channels and accumulation of Damp Phlegm. In addition, internal deficiency can be due to Qi deficiency, Blood deficiency and Kidney deficiency.

 

Because Migraine is much more than a simple headache, we ask that patients continue acupuncture treatment for a minimum of 6 weeks.  Usually, symptoms will decrease steadily in severity and duration, and often patients report added benefits such as improved sleep, concentration and memory.  Chinese herbal preparations in the form of raw herbs or pills may also be prescribed to improve recovery.

Other types of Headache can also be very debilitating:

The common triggers of headaches are stress, changes in weather, low blood sugar, allergies, medications, tight musculature, and insomnia.  Studies seem to indicate that certain people are more prone to get headaches, due to some weakness in the immune system or an overactive life style.

Treatment for headaches in allopathic medicine is usually limited to aspirin and other pain-relieving drugs, and there are also prescription medications for more severe headaches, like migraines, that will often ease the intensity of the pain.  However, these drugs are not as effective if taken once the headache has already begun, and most sufferers of severe headaches report that they must take medication early, when “prodromal” symptoms appear or no relief is given.  Prodromal signs include sensitivity to light or noise, as well as visual disturbances such as blurred vision or seeing “auras.” 

Chinese medicine has a long and proved medical tradition of treating many types of headache along with any associated pathologies (digestive problems, sinus congestion, muscle tension).  First, headache pain must be diagnosed correctly in order to know hot to treat.  For example, a sinus headache normally presents with much facial pain, and pain upon waking in the morning, and is often accompanied by a sinus infection or some trigger such as exposure to allergens.  In order to treat sinus pain and congestion, acupuncture points that will drain the sinuses and also strengthen the Lung are chosen, and herbs may also be prescribed to do the same.  Certain dietary changes may also be suggested to lessen the production of mucous, such as the elimination of dairy products. 

Did you know that tension headaches are the most common type of headache?  Tension headaches are brought on by stress, whereby the muscles of the neck and upper back seize up and impede blood circulation to the upper neck and head.  Treating tension headaches must address muscle tension, and knowing which muscle(s) to release is vitally important in providing lasting relief.  Palpation of the neck and muscle region is the first step to assess the areas of greatest tension, along with diagnosis through questioning, pulse and tongue.  Treatment includes a combination of massage and acupuncture to free up the neck,  as this will help release cervical musculature and can even help heal the deeper tissues surrounding cervical vertebrae.  Acupuncture to the neck opens up the flow of  qi and blood towards the head, and allows the body to carry more nutrients, oxygen, blood and qi upwards. Needling of the neck may sound scary, but keep in mind that needles are inserted only into muscles, and this is what will help to release tension.  And, needling into tense muscles can actually feel very relieving, as this stuck, stagnant area can now “breathe again.”  Finally, endorphins and enkaphalins (pain relieving opiates produced in the brain) are released with acupuncture needling, which help reduce pain quickly, naturally and effectively.  Herbs may also be prescribed to reinforce treatment.  Again, the aim of treatment is to nourish muscles, release stagnation in the vessels and strengthen any underlying deficiencies. 

Chinese medicine may not work for everyone who suffers from headache, but it is definitely worth trying.  Headache pain is one of the most difficult to treat both allopathically and holistically, yet with proper diagnosis and an understanding of the causative factors, headaches can be successfully treated to either diminish their intensity and duration, and also can help decrease their frequency.