Acupuncture for Migraines
by Dillon Patterson Article PublisherA migraine is a type of throbbing
headache that can also cause sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. Some
people also experience auras or visual disturbances where they see flashes of
light.
Migraines differ from headaches in
that the pain is more intense and usually concentrated on one side of the head.
A migraine can last for days and be physically debilitating, often interfering
with one’s ability to function.
Learn what causes migraines, common
triggers which exacerbate symptoms and how acupuncture for migraines can be
extremely effective. Relieve migraine pain naturally so you can live life to
the fullest.
What causes migraines?
There has been much research into
migraines and the exact cause is yet to be defined. However, it is thought that
hormonal changes and nerve signalling affect blood vessels in the brain and how
the body responds to pain.
When blood vessels in the brain
dilate (become wider), more blood and oxygen flow to the brain which can
release a compound called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for
regulating pain levels and inflammation in the body; elevated prostaglandins
can increase pain.
Estrogen controls the chemicals in
your brain that regulate pain sensation. Some women may experience migraines
near the time of their period due to a drop in estrogen levels.
Research does suggest that certain
triggers such as stress or sleep deprivation can bring on the onset of a
migraine attack.
Common migraine triggers
. Stress is a common trigger for migraines
as it can alter the way the brain functions, including the output of hormones
and chemical messengers. When you get stressed, your body produces more
serotonin (the stress hormone) to enable the body to respond to stress
accordingly. Serotonin constricts blood vessels; so, when serotonin levels
change, migraines can occur.
. Certain foods like cured meats (deli meats, sausages,
bacon, ham) aged cheeses (blue cheese, parmesan), salty and pickled foods, and
chocolate can trigger the onset of a migraine as they contain substances such
as nitrates, additives, preservatives and tyramine. Foods high in sodium (salt)
can increase blood pressure and constrict blood vessels which may activate a
migraine.
. Lack of sleep or a change in
sleeping patterns
has been linked to migraines. When your body is not well rested, it can affect
hormone production and your pain threshold is also reduced.
. Caffeine has shown to trigger
migraines
in two ways: either by drinking coffee/ caffeinated drinks or from the
withdrawal of drinking caffeine (i.e., when you stop drinking coffee). Caffeine
can cause dehydration, reduce magnesium levels (a mineral needed for
neuromuscular activity) and increase blood pressure; all of which are linked to
migraines.
. Alcohol contains the chemicals
histamine and ethanol, both of which have been known to trigger migraines.
Histamine creates inflammation in body and ethanol is a diuretic (making you
urinate more often) which affects blood pressure levels.
. Changes in weather can also bring on a
migraine. Pressure changes due to storms, “heavy” grey days and high humidity
have been linked to chemical changes in the brain which can irritate nerves and
increase inflammation.
How does acupuncture help migraines?
Acupuncture is very effective in
treating migraines as it stimulates nerves and pressure points in the body to
relieve symptoms. An acupuncturist will insert thin, tiny needles along the
pressure points to bring the body back into balance.
Acupuncture helps to:
. Reduce tightness in the neck by placing the needles along
trigger points where muscles are constricted.
. Stimulate the release of endorphins which
reduce pain and create feelings of wellbeing.
. Promote healthy blood
circulation by downregulating inflammation and modulating the chemicals in
the brain that control the constriction and dilation of blood vessels. When
blood vessels constrict (narrow), migraine symptoms are alleviated.
. Reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation
by regulating hormone levels. The hormones cortisol, serotonin, noradrenaline
and dopamine are involved in how the body responds to stress; when these
hormones are balanced, your body will adapt to stress more efficiently. An
imbalance in serotonin levels in the brain is linked to the onset of migraines.
. Improve immune function which helps regulate
inflammation and the production of prostaglandins (pain-promoting hormones).
How often should you get acupuncture
for migraines?
Using acupuncture for the treatment
of migraines can be very beneficial. The number of acupuncture sessions you’ll
require depends on your personal constitution, medical history, the severity
and occurrence of your migraines and how quickly your body responds to the
acupuncture treatment. We recommend coming in once to twice per week for four
to six weeks as a starting point depending on your individual condition.
Relieve migraines with acupuncture
Migraines can be triggered by many
factors such as stress, lack of sleep, too much caffeine or an imbalance in
hormone levels. Acupuncture has proven effective in treating migraine symptoms
and restoring balance to the body by reducing pain, inflammation and neck
muscle tightness. It also helps to promote relaxation and regulate serotonin
levels in the brain. If you want to manage your migraines naturally, speak to
our experienced acupuncturists today.
Acupuncture
Edmonton
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Created on Jul 5th 2022 10:17. Viewed 266 times.