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According to the Migraine Trust, the migraine headache is the third most common disease on the planet and affects 1 in 7 people.
Migraines affect roughly 2% of the global population and women are three times as likely to suffer from migraines as men. However, there is a large body of evidence that suggest that acupuncture is effective in treating this painful condition.
Acupuncture is a therapy involving the insertion of long thin needles into the skin at specific points to balance the bodies energies. This practice originated in China many years ago and is still in practice in various countries throughout the world.
Seven Reasons Acupuncture is an Effective Treatment for a Migraine
- It provides pain relief – acupuncture stimulates the nervous system which can potentially adjust the body’s biochemistry. Endorphins and neurohumoral factors are released which can lead to great reduction in the pain experienced.
- It reduces inflammation –– more research has shown how much inflammation is associated with migraine headaches. Acupuncture has demonstrated great anti-inflammatory action that can help ameliorate this aspect of migraines.
- It minimizes the extent of cortical spreading depression –– this is a wave of electricity in the brain associated with migraine headaches.
- It reduces the levels of plasma in calcitonin substance P and gene-related peptide – Sounds complex, I know! But these are natural bio-chemicals that transmit the feelings of pain experienced in the migraine.
- It modulates blood flow within and outside of the skull –– The changes in the flow of blood may not start the headaches but they can make them worse.
- It improves serotonin levels in the brain – serotonin is a brain chemical that both contribute to the onset and helps to relieve migraine headaches. Acupuncture has a balancing effect on is chemical.
- It encourages local microcirculation – this is important for the reduction of swelling that can accompany migraines and contribute to pain.
A systematic Cochrane review suggests that acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraines –– Medical research has concluded that acupuncture as a preventative treatment may reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. The studies reported that acupuncture demonstrated results every bit on par with conventional prophylactic drugs.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture for migraine –– Patients who find neither propranolol nor topiramate effective have been advised to try 10 sessions of acupuncture for effective relief.
Please contact Vicky Newman for more information on this matter.