PAIN MANAGEMENT
Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines
Acupuncture is mainly used to reduce how often headaches and migraines happen, rather than to stop one that has already started. This is one of the better-researched uses of acupuncture.
What the research shows
Cochrane reviews found that a course of acupuncture can reduce the frequency of episodic migraine about as well as some preventive medications, with fewer side effects, and can reduce how often tension-type headaches occur (Linde et al., 2016). Results vary from person to person.
Keeping a headache diary
Before your first visit, note when headaches start, how long they last, how severe they are and what might have triggered them. It helps us plan treatment and see whether it is working.
How treatment works at Healify
- Your first visit (60 minutes) includes a full health history, a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment and your first treatment.
- Frank explains what he thinks is contributing to your symptoms, what acupuncture can and can’t realistically do, and a suggested plan.
- Many people start with a short course of about 4–6 sessions. We review progress together, and if you aren’t seeing meaningful change we discuss whether to continue or whether another provider would help more.
When a headache needs urgent care
Seek emergency care for a sudden, severe “worst ever” headache, or a headache with weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, vision loss, fever and stiff neck, or after a head injury. See your doctor if your headache pattern changes or headaches start after age 50.
Common questions
Can I keep taking my migraine medication?
Yes. Don’t stop or change medication without talking to your doctor. Acupuncture can be used alongside it.
How many sessions are usually needed?
Studies of migraine prevention typically used a course of several weekly sessions. We review progress using your headache diary.
References
- Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(6):CD001218. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3
- Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(4):CD007587. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007587.pub2