Headaches are a common medical condition that can affect those of all ages around the world. Headaches are categorized into two main types: primary headaches and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches can be caused by overactivity, changes in chemical activity, and problems with muscles, nerves, or blood vessels. Examples of primary headaches are tension headaches (TTH), cluster headaches, migraines, and chronic headaches (which 45 million Americans suffer from each year).
Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are a symptom of an underlying condition (such as brain tumors). This condition creates a secondary headache by stimulating pain-sensitive nerves within the head.
According to ‘The Global Burden of Headache: A Documentation of Headache Prevalence and Disability Worldwide,’ “Primary headache is pandemic, with a world-wide incidence of 46%”[1]. And that “A percentage of patients with primary headache develop chronic daily headache (>15 days per month)”[2]. This data clearly shows the need for a treatment plan that can address the causes of the headaches without adding to the pharmacopeia of prescriptions already being prescribed. This is where acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can come into play.
In 1979, The World Health Organization showcased how acupuncture can be used in the treatment of pain. Acupuncture can assist in the treatment of headaches thru several mechanisms. It can decrease inflammation, relax bound muscles, increase blood flow, and balance neurotransmitters. Appropriately chosen points will release endorphins and will also result in immune system stimulation. It will allow the body to fight headaches and helping the patients to relax and make improvements to their daily life.
Chinese herbal medicine combined with acupuncture has also been proven to cause significant positive results in those suffering from chronic headaches. It can address not only the symptoms but the root cause of the headaches, enhancing the quality of life.
A licensed acupuncturist will begin the session with a full interview, completing a health history, and determining the frequency and history of your headaches. They will then create an individualized treatment plan, establishing the course of the treatments and how to determine success. The treatment plan may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, diet, or lifestyle changes.
Headaches can be extremely debilitating and can drastically affect the way a person lives their daily life. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offers a solution and can decrease the number of headaches that a patient has. The brain needs a continuous flow of blood and oxygen to ensure that it remains healthy. Acupuncture will assist with this, which in turn can resolve the symptoms.
To better understand how our clinic can assist with the treatment of headaches, call to schedule your consultation.
[1] Stovner L, Hagen, K, Jensen, R, et al. The Global Burden of Headache: A Documentation of Headache Prevalence and Disability Worldwide, Cephalalgia. March 2007;27 (3): 193-210
[2] Stovner L, Hagen, K, Jensen, R, et al. The Global Burden of Headache: A Documentation of Headache Prevalence and Disability Worldwide, Cephalalgia. March 2007;27 (3): 193-210
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