Headaches are extremely common and while everyone experiences them on occasion, statistics show that one out of six people suffer from chronic headaches.
Acupuncture can effectively relieve headaches, as well as treat their underlying causes. In fact, headaches are one of the most common conditions seen in acupuncture clinics today.
Acupuncture treatment can offer powerful relief without the side effects that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause. Headaches that are effectively treated with acupuncture include migraines, tension headaches, headaches occurring around the menstrual cycle (PMS), sinus headaches and stress-related headaches.
Many variables are reviewed in order to properly diagnose and successfully treat headaches. Each individual is treated differently depending on their unique symptoms. Some of the factors that will determine what acupuncture points and other treatment techniques are used include: what triggers the headaches; frequency and intensity of the headaches; the quality of the pain; the time of day that they occur; what helps the headaches and what makes them worse. Headaches are often classified by their location as well and although this is only a broad guideline it can be useful in determining which meridians and patterns are the root causes of the headaches.
If you suffer from chronic headaches incorporate the following practices.
- Diet – Eat regular meals at regular times to avoid your blood sugar from falling too quickly.
Avoid foods and drinks that are known to trigger headache attacks including processed meats, aged cheese, alcohol, and foods and beverages that contain aspartame.
- Sleep – Maintain a regular sleeping schedule, including weekends and vacations.
- Stress – Stress is one of the most common headache and migraine triggers.
Implement stress reduction techniques into your daily life.
- Exercise – Exercise stimulates the body to release endorphins, which are brain chemicals that improve mood and relieve stress, which are known headache triggers.
- Headache Diary – Keep a diary of when your headaches occur, along with any triggers, and share the information with your health-care provider.
If headaches persist, call us and schedule an appointment. Let’s explore how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may be able to help your headaches and pain.
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Author – Jim Burnis is a local Gold Canyon Acupuncturist – www.acualt.com 480-671-5178, contact Jim Burnis.