Rose-Neil Acupuncture treat many people for this often-debilitating condition and offer you this outline explaining how it works, the evidence for acupuncture and comparing it to conventional medicine should you be considering acupuncture to treat your headaches and migraines.
Book in with us for a treatment for your headaches or if you wish to discuss your symptoms further.
NICE Guidelines on Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare standards in the UK, providing guidance to the NHS on the use of treatments for various conditions. In relation to acupuncture and headaches, NICE has provided clear recommendations:
- Tension-type Headaches: often triggered by stress or muscle tension and commonly treated with acupuncture. NICE recommends acupuncture as an option for chronic tension headaches, due to its ability to relax muscles, reduce stress and based on evidence that acupuncture can reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches when compared to other treatment options.
- Migraines: Migraines can be more difficult to treat with standard medication due to their complex neurological and vascular causes. NICE supports acupuncture as a treatment for those suffering from frequent migraines, noting that it can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, particularly when other treatments, such as medication, have been ineffective or are unsuitable due to side effects. It advises up to 10 sessions over a 5–8-week period for best results.
How Acupuncture Works for Headaches and Migraines
Acupuncture’s effectiveness for headaches and migraines is believed to be rooted in several mechanisms that help alleviate pain and reduce the frequency of attacks:
- Pain Relief through Endorphin Release: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals help reduce the perception of pain in both headaches and migraines without the side effects often associated with pain medications.
- Regulation of Blood Flow: Acupuncture can promote improved blood flow to the brain and affected areas, helping to relieve the vascular changes that often occur during migraines.
- Nervous System Regulation: Headaches, particularly migraines, are often linked to overactivity in the nervous system. Acupuncture can help regulate this overactivity, calming the pathways that trigger headache pain.
- Reduction in Muscle Tension: Acupuncture can relieve muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, areas commonly associated with tension headaches. By relaxing these muscles, acupuncture reduces both the frequency and intensity of tension-type headaches.
- Stress and Anxiety Management: Stress is a significant trigger for both headaches and migraines. Acupuncture sessions can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and promote relaxation, reducing the likelihood of stress-induced headaches.
Research and Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for Migraines
We are very much evidence-based acupuncturists here at Rose-Neil Clinic and provide balanced advice based on the research available. For headaches and migraines this is actually very good.
Over 80 NHS publications since 2005 have recommended acupuncture both for tension headaches and migraine, many noting it has more effect on both intensity and frequency than many other forms of treatment, is at least as effective as medication for prevention, is considerably more effective than placebo and has very low side effects.
The NICE guidelines also draw on a substantial body of evidence showing that acupuncture is both effective and cost-efficient when compared to other treatments for chronic headaches. Moreover, the American Migraine Foundation and the respected Cochrane Network both recognize acupuncture as a valid treatment option for headaches and migraines, giving credibility to its benefits in clinical practice.
Acupuncture vs. Conventional Treatments: What’s the Difference?
While medications remain a common solution for headaches and migraines, acupuncture offers several advantages:
- Fewer Side Effects: Medications, particularly for migraines, can cause side effects ranging from drowsiness to dependency. Acupuncture offers a natural alternative with minimal risk when performed by a qualified practitioner.
- Long-Term Relief: Rather than just masking symptoms, acupuncture addresses underlying imbalances that contribute to headaches and migraines, leading to more sustainable relief.
- Holistic Approach: Acupuncture works on multiple levels, treating not just the headache itself but also the root cause and associated factors like stress, tension, and anxiety. This holistic approach can improve overall quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture is gaining recognition as an effective and natural treatment for headaches and migraines, supported by both scientific research and NICE guidelines. For individuals seeking relief from chronic pain without the side effects of medications, acupuncture offers a safe, holistic alternative.
If you’re tired of managing recurring headaches or migraines with conventional treatments alone, acupuncture could be a valuable addition to your care plan. Consult with your GP, us here at Rose-Neil Clinic, or a licensed practitioner to see if it’s the right choice for you.
