Acupuncture Can Help Headache and Migraine Pain

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffers from tension headaches or migraines, you probably know that over-the-counter medicine and rest doesn’t always do the trick. This is why some people are turning to acupuncture to help relieve their headache pain. Learn how acupuncture works and what you might expect during an appointment.

What is Acupuncture?  

Acupuncture began with the ancient Chinese who believed the human body has thousands of pressure points connected by pathways that are responsible for a person’s health and well-being. By penetrating the skin with thin needles at these pressure points, acupuncture can help release hormones that trigger a healing response. 

There are four main types of acupuncture:

• Full body acupuncture: This standard acupuncture practice stimulates points in different parts of the body to release blockages and activate innate healing reserves.
• Auricular acupuncture: A form of acupuncture applied exclusively to points of the outer ear to treat various conditions including chronic pain.
• Electroacupuncture: Pulses of weak electrical current are sent through acupuncture needles into acupuncture points on the skin.
• Community acupuncture: Offered in a group setting, recipients are fully clothed, sitting in chairs, while the practitioner inserts needles into exposed areas of the body.  

How Acupuncture Can Help Headaches   

The National Institutes of Health found acupuncture to be helpful in providing relief for tension and migraine headaches, along with a multitude of other conditions. 

To help treat headaches, an acupuncturist will place needles in various pressure points, including those on your head and neck. The needles release endorphins and other hormones, stimulating the circulatory system—a part of what helps weaken headache pain.

Headache patients are encouraged to have six to eight weekly acupuncture sessions. The acupuncturist might also suggest dietary changes to help relieve headache symptoms.

What to Expect at an Acupuncture Appointment

Your first acupuncture appointment can be nerve wracking. However, knowing what to expect can help you relax and get the most out of the experience.

• Normally the appointment begins with learning about your health history and discussing your goals for your acupuncture session.
• Then the acupuncture will begin. Sometimes a low intensity electric current will also be used in addition to the small needles. Many people do not feel the acupuncture needles. Others feel sensations of mild pressure, heat or pricking, all of which usually dissipate quickly. Most report feeling either relaxed or energized after acupuncture.
• If you are nervous about acupuncture, share your concerns with your practitioner. They can offer advice to help you feel calmer and more relaxed.
• Afterward your acupuncturist can offer recommendations and advice to support the acupuncture in helping with your pain.

How to Start Your Acupuncture Journey 

If you think acupuncture may be right for you, Holistic Therapies at Lancaster General Health offers services at six outpatient locations. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 717-544-3555.