Migraines are debilitating and prescription drugs often result in rebound headaches and over the counter drugs do not always stop the pain, leaving many searching for alternative remedies to treat these often chronic headaches. If you are looking for alternative care, know that acupuncture can help! And if you’re in Oakland or the Bay Area, Jenny Crissman has got you covered! Let’s discuss some more about both.
Acupuncture as a Treatment Option for Migraines
Acupuncture – the TCM practice of inserting very thin needles into different parts of the body – has been used successfully for a broad range of health issues for centuries. It has great reviews and positive evidence for effectiveness in migraine treatment as well.
The Evidence
Several research studies have shown acupuncture’s safety and effectiveness for migraines in reducing both the duration and frequency of migraines. Evidence shows that it’s equally or more effective than conventional drug therapy.
A systematic review of twenty-two clinical trials on the usefulness of acupuncture for migraines found that acupuncture doesn’t just help provide short-term relief but also reduces the frequency of their occurrence, providing long-term relief with effects similar to those of traditional preventive medicines. According to the analysis, 59% of the participants who received acupuncture experienced a 50% or more drop in the frequency of their migraines, with effects lasting over six months.
The Science
Researchers are still investigating how acupuncture really works to relieve migraines (or pain in general). But they believe that the needles inserted into the body – on pressure points – help activate neural pathways responsible for regulating/turning off pain signals. There’s also evidence that acupuncture helps stimulate the circulatory system, which, in part, is involved in lessening headaches and triggers the release of various pain-associated hormones, including endorphins.
Endorphins are released as a result of acupuncture and are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals with effects similar to opioids. Various research studies have confirmed that endorphins relieve pain faster than morphine, one of the most commonly used analgesics.
Acupuncture also helps reduce stress and inflammation, enhance immune response, regulate hormones, and relax tightened neck muscles, all of which contribute to relieving migraines.
Start Your Migraine Acupuncture Journey in Oakland with Jenny Crissman
Think acupuncture may be the right treatment for you? Get in touch with Jenny Crissman – an integrative care specialist, acupuncturist, and TCM expert who uses a holistic approach to treatment. With 20 years of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture and a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, she uses proven therapies to restore the balance and flow of energy (qi) in the body, along with giving dietary recommendations for better and lasting results. Jenny Crissman has a proven track record of successfully treating a wide range of health conditions with acupuncture, including digestive and women’s health issues, sleeplessness, allergies, mood, and autoimmune disorders, skin problems, and pain,, including migraines Call: 510-595-0700 now to book an acupuncture session for migraines with her.