Acupuncture for Neck Pain

 ACUPUNCTURE FOR MIGRAINES

If you experience migraines, you'll know they're much more than just a headache. They can cause severe pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound and make it difficult to work, care for your family or simply get on with everyday life.

Whether your migraines happen occasionally or have become a regular problem, they can be exhausting and unpredictable.

At LB Acupuncture, I'll take the time to understand your migraine symptoms, medical history and overall health. This helps me build a clearer picture of what may be contributing to your migraines and how best to approach your treatment.

What are migraines?

Migraines are a neurological condition that can cause moderate to severe headaches, often affecting one side of the head.

Common symptoms may include:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Visual disturbances, sometimes known as aura
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

For some people, migraines occur only occasionally, while others experience them much more frequently.

What can trigger migraines?

Migraine triggers vary considerably from person to person and may include:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Poor sleep
• Skipping meals
• Dehydration
• Certain foods or drinks
• Changes in the weather
• Tension in the neck and shoulders

Keeping track of when your migraines occur can sometimes help you identify patterns or possible triggers.

What's the difference between a headache and a migraine?

Although migraines are sometimes described as bad headaches, they're actually a neurological condition.

A tension headache often causes a steady ache or feeling of pressure around the head. A migraine may cause more intense, throbbing pain and can also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, visual disturbances or dizziness.

During a migraine, some people find they need to rest in a quiet, dark room until their symptoms begin to settle.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view migraines?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraines are not viewed in exactly the same way for everyone. Two people may experience similar migraine symptoms but have different underlying patterns from a TCM perspective.

These may include patterns such as:

• Liver Yang Rising
• Liver Qi Stagnation
• Liver Blood Deficiency
• Phlegm or Dampness
• Blood Stasis
• Kidney Deficiency

During your consultation, I'll consider your migraine symptoms alongside other aspects of your health, including your sleep, digestion, energy levels and medical history. I'll also check your pulse and look at your tongue as part of your Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment.

Can acupuncture help migraines?

Many people choose acupuncture as part of their approach to managing migraines. Research suggests that acupuncture may help reduce migraine frequency for some people. Results vary from person to person, and acupuncture isn't a replacement for medical assessment or treatment where this is needed.

During your consultation, we'll discuss your migraines in detail, including how often they occur, possible triggers and how they're affecting your everyday life.

What happens during your first appointment?

Your first appointment will usually last up to 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time for a detailed consultation before treatment begins.

We'll discuss:

• Your migraine history
• How often your migraines occur
• What your migraines feel like
• Any known triggers
• Your sleep and stress levels
• Your general health and medical history
• Any medication or treatment you're currently receiving

Following your consultation, if appropriate, you'll receive your first acupuncture treatment. The needles used are very fine, and most people feel very little as they're inserted. Some people notice a mild aching, tingling or heavy sensation, while many find the treatment relaxing.

How many treatments will I need?

Everyone responds differently to acupuncture, so there's no predetermined number of treatments.

The number of sessions will depend on factors such as how frequently you experience migraines, how long you've had them and how you respond to treatment.

We'll review your progress together and discuss the most appropriate approach as your treatment progresses.

Lisa's Advice

If you experience migraines, keeping a simple migraine diary can be really useful. Make a note of when your migraines occur, how long they last and anything that may have contributed, such as your sleep, stress levels, food, drink or hormonal changes. Over time, you may begin to notice patterns that weren't obvious before.

Bringing this information to your appointment can also help us build a clearer picture of your symptoms.

If you experience a sudden, extremely severe headache unlike anything you've experienced before, a headache following a significant head injury, or a headache accompanied by confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking or unusual changes to your vision, seek urgent medical attention.

Why choose LB Acupuncture?

I understand how disruptive and frustrating migraines can be, particularly when they affect your work, family life or plans.

At LB Acupuncture, you'll have time to discuss your symptoms in a calm and welcoming environment where you can feel listened to and supported. I'll explain your treatment and answer any questions you may have along the way.

My clinic is located in Melbourne, Derbyshire, and welcomes patients from Derby, Castle Donington, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote, Burton upon Trent and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and most people experience very little discomfort. Some people notice a mild aching, tingling or heavy sensation, while many find the treatment relaxing.

Can I continue taking my prescribed migraine medication?

Yes. Please continue taking any prescribed medication unless your doctor or healthcare professional advises you otherwise. Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medical care.

Is acupuncture suitable if I've had migraines for a long time?

People seek acupuncture at different stages of their migraine journey, including those who have experienced migraines for many years. During your consultation, we'll discuss your symptoms and medical history to determine whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you.

Book an Appointment

If migraines are affecting your everyday life and you'd like to find out whether acupuncture may be suitable for you, please feel free to get in touch.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have or discuss your symptoms before booking an appointment.