Acupuncture for Migraines

What does Acupuncture feel like?

Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for about 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During this migraine treatment, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from migraines and headaches. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall wellbeing.

What will happen on my first visit to the Acupuncture Clinic?

Your first consultation will take place at our Bournemouth based clinic which is an easy distance from Poole and Christchurch. It may take slightly longer than the subsequent sessions because the acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective migraine treatment.

You will be asked about your migraine symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. This will allow our trained acupuncturist to discover how the energies are flowing in your body. The acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quantity, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health.

Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your migraines, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate migraine acupuncture treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting to rectify your migraines and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

There are around 500 recognised acupuncture points on the body, of which around 100 are commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, these areas may not be close to your head, where the problem is experienced. For example, although you suffer from migraines & headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.

The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with moxa, a smoldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body’s energy to flow smoothly. Other methods of stimulating acupuncture points include using laser and electro-acupuncture.

How often will I need to come to the Acupuncture clinic for Migraine treatment?

Your first consultation may take slightly longer than the subsequent migraine treatment sessions because the acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.

In traditional acupuncture each person is considered unique and therefore the number of migraine treatments required depends on the individual. Some changes are usually felt after three to five treatments. Normally you are recommended to visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week at first. Sometimes the effects of acupuncture treatment are dramatic and only one or two treatments are needed. However a few may need treatment over several months.

Electro-acupuncture

At our Bournemouth Acupuncture clinic we also offer electro-acupuncture migraine treatment which is different from conventional Acupuncture. By this method, small clips are attached to the needles and then connected to a machine that produces tiny electrical pulses. A combination of high and low frequencies can produce a long-lasting effect on pain and inflammation.

If you are suffering with migraines and looking for acupuncture treatments to reduce your symptoms, complete the form below or get in touch.