MIGRAINES & ACUPUNCTURE

Migraines can have many contributing factors, and there is not always one obvious cause. From a Western medicine perspective, migraines are thought to involve changes in the brain and nervous system, including altered activity in pain-processing pathways and the trigeminal nerve system. Genetics, hormones, stress, sleep, diet, dehydration, and sensory stimuli can all influence migraine frequency and severity.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MIGRAINES

I look at migraines through both a Western biomedical perspective and a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.

From a Western medicine standpoint, common migraine triggers and contributing factors can include:

  • Hormonal fluctuations, including changes around menstruation and perimenopause

  • Stress and changes in stress levels

  • Poor or irregular sleep

  • Dehydration or skipped meals

  • Alcohol and certain foods or food additives

  • Caffeine changes or withdrawal

  • Bright or flickering lights and strong smells

  • Changes in weather or barometric pressure

  • Neck and jaw tension

  • Physical exertion or changes in activity

  • Certain medications or overuse of headache medications

These factors don't affect everyone in the same way. Often, migraines result from multiple factors coming together rather than a single trigger.

THE CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE

Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches migraines differently. Rather than assuming every migraine has the same cause, TCM looks for the individual's underlying pattern.

Common patterns associated with migraines include Liver Yang Rising, Liver Qi Stagnation, Blood Deficiency, Blood Stasis, Phlegm-Dampness, and Kidney Deficiency. These patterns can overlap, and the presentation can change over time.

For example, someone may have an underlying deficiency that makes them more susceptible to migraines, while stress or hormonal changes create a secondary pattern such as Qi stagnation or rising Yang.

I consider your headache pattern alongside your sleep, digestion, energy, menstrual and hormonal history, stress, constitution, triggers, and other symptoms to develop an individualized treatment approach.

TREATING THE WHOLE PERSON

Acupuncture treatment is not based solely on where your head hurts. Points may be selected on the head and neck as well as elsewhere on the body according to your individual presentation and TCM pattern.

Treatment may focus on regulating Qi, moving blood, reducing tension, calming excess patterns, supporting deficiency, and addressing the underlying imbalance identified through traditional diagnosis.

When appropriate, I may also incorporate electrical stimulation, cupping, guasha, manual therapy, and Chinese herbal medicine.

The goal is to look beyond the migraine itself and understand the larger picture of what may be contributing to your symptoms, while supporting your body's ability to regulate, recover, and function more effectively.