Acupuncture for Headaches & Migraines
An occasional headache is one thing. Recurring headaches or migraines that affect your work, sleep, plans and quality of life are something entirely different.
When you find yourself planning your days around the possibility of another headache or migraine, it may be time to explore additional options.
Acupuncture is a well-studied complementary approach for the prevention and management of certain types of headaches and migraines. Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, headache patterns, triggers and overall health, with the goal of reducing the frequency and intensity of episodes and helping them have less impact on your everyday life.
How acupuncture can help
Not all headaches are the same, which is why treatment shouldn’t be either. Your acupuncture treatment is tailored to the location, frequency, intensity, triggers and characteristics of your headaches or migraines. Pressure across the forehead, pain that begins at the base of the skull and a one-sided migraine with visual symptoms are different presentations and are assessed accordingly.
Acupuncture has been widely studied for tension-type headaches and migraine prevention, making this one of the more established areas of acupuncture research. Treatment may also address tension through the neck, shoulders and jaw, particularly when these areas appear to be contributing to your headache pattern.
We also look beyond the headache itself. Sleep, stress, hormonal changes, screen time, posture, digestion and other factors may influence how often headaches occur and how intensely they are experienced.
By looking at the complete pattern rather than focusing only on where it hurts, we can develop an individualized treatment plan designed around your headaches, your triggers and your overall health.
What your treatment plan may look like
Progress with recurring headaches and migraines is best measured over time. Rather than focusing on a single headache-free day, we track changes in frequency, intensity, duration and how much your symptoms interfere with everyday life.
-
Comprehensive first visit
Your first appointment includes a detailed assessment of your headache or migraine pattern, potential triggers, lifestyle and overall health, along with an AcuGraph assessment. Your first acupuncture treatment is provided during the same visit.
-
Active treatment
Treatment typically begins with regular sessions while we monitor how your symptoms respond. Depending on your presentation, treatment may also address tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw that could be contributing to your headache pattern.
-
Ongoing care
As headaches become less frequent or easier to manage, appointments can gradually be spaced further apart. Some patients choose periodic treatments for ongoing support or return when they notice their headache pattern beginning to change.
Your questions, answered
Should I track my headaches before coming in?
If you can, yes. Dates, duration, intensity, where the pain sits and anything that preceded it all help me see the pattern faster. A rough list on your phone is plenty.
Can I keep taking my migraine medication?
Many people receiving acupuncture also take medications. Please provide an accurate list of your medications and supplements during your initial consultation. Acupuncture should complement, not replace, appropriate medical care or prescribed treatment.
Will needles go near my head?
Sometimes, and they are extremely fine. I will explain what I am doing before I do it, and I adapt treatment whenever necessary to respect your comfort level. If you would rather I worked elsewhere, say so.
How many treatments will I need?
There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone. It depends on how frequent and how long-standing your headaches are. We will discuss your plan together and reassess your progress as we go.
Ready to get started?
You don’t have to wait until something is interfering with your everyday life to make your health a priority.
Whether you’re looking for support with pain, stress, sleep, women’s health, headaches, digestion or simply want to feel your best, your care begins with understanding you—your health, your concerns and your goals.
Together, we’ll create an individualized treatment plan designed to support your health and well-being at every stage.
Ready to take the next step? Book your first appointment today.