Migraines & Acupuncture
One of the wonderful things about acupuncture is how it helps us find the root cause of what’s really going on. When it comes to migraines, that means not just easing the pain, but understanding why they happen in the first place. Every little detail gives us a clue — where the pain sits in your head, whether it feels better when you lie down or stay upright, if it comes with nausea or tension, or shows up around your menstrual cycle. By looking at the full picture — your symptoms, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing — we can start to see what your body’s trying to tell us.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraines can stem from a few different patterns. For many people, they’re linked to the Liver system, which is all about keeping energy and emotions flowing smoothly. When that flow gets stuck — often from stress, frustration, or hormonal changes — it can cause pressure to build and rise to the head. But migraines can also come from too much heat in the body (think throbbing, intense pain) or blood deficiency, where there’s not enough nourishment reaching the head, leading to a dull, lingering ache. Each pattern needs a slightly different approach — and that’s where acupuncture shines.
By gently guiding your body’s energy (Qi) back into balance, acupuncture helps ease tension, calm the nervous system, regulate hormones, and improve blood flow to the head. Over time, this can reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraines — and often, clients notice better sleep, steadier moods, and more overall energy, too.
A few ways to support yourself between treatments:
Keep moving: Gentle movement like yoga, walking, or stretching helps your Qi stay free-flowing.
Eat regularly: Skipping meals can deplete your energy and trigger headaches.
Stay cool and calm: Stress and overheating both make things worse — cooling foods and moments of stillness help.
Hydrate and rest: Simple, but essential for keeping your system balanced.
Track your patterns: Noting when migraines appear can reveal what your body’s responding to.
Acupuncture helps bring your body — and your head — back into flow. Because true balance isn’t just about being pain-free; it’s about feeling clear, calm, and fully yourself again.