Acupuncture for migraines, and tension headaches

Acupuncture is generally very successful reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks, leading to a reduction in medication use and an improvement in quality of life. A recent Cochrane review of 22 randomised control trials involving acupuncture as a treatment for migraine, concluded that the trial results provided consistent evidence that acupuncture is beneficial for the treatment and routine care of acute migraine attacks, and is at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, preventative drug treatment, and has fewer adverse effects. It recommended that acupuncture should be routinely offered to patients.

Guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that people suffering from chronic tension-type headaches or migraines should be offered acupuncture as a treatment option.

Acupuncture treatment is directed at deactivating sensitive trigger points and areas of tension in muscles in the head, shoulders and neck and calming the overactivated nervous system. Treatment normally consists of up to ten sessions and may include lifestyle and dietary suggestions to help you manage your condition. Follow up sessions at extended intervals are recommended to keep headaches and migraine disorders in remission.

“I have been receiving acupuncture for migraines from Norma Rodgers for a number of years now. I can not stress enough the relief I feel when I have had acupuncture whilst suffering from the migraine. “