How does acupuncture help headaches?

In traditional Chinese medicine, headaches are considered to be symptomatic of poor circulation of Yin and Yang Ki. But what does this mean?

Poor circulation happens when the Yin and Yang Ki become unhealthy or blocked. This causes the Ki (energy) to also become stagnant resulting in headaches. Yin Ki normally sinks, whilst Yang Ki rises. However, if the Yang remains upwards and the Yin stays down, then symptoms such as pain in the head area, heavy-headedness, hot flushing and cold extremities can occur. This is where Japanese acupuncture comes in as a tool for re-establishing circulation in the body.

Not all headaches are the same.

Figuring out what type of headache a patient has is the first step in developing a treatment plan.

For instance, some headaches only take place at night- according to Chinese medicine, this is due to a yin weakness.

Some headaches only seem to occur on one side of the head- this is usually related to the liver organ and gall bladder meridian. Pain follows the gall bladder meridian up to the sides of the head and remains stuck, causing considerable distress.

Other headaches are dull and persistent causing brain fog and pain in the forehead- this type of headache is intimately linked with digestion.

Sounds complicated? Finding the root cause of pain can stop it from reoccurring in the future. Whilst popping a panadol might ease discomfort for a few hours, Japanese acupuncture can help you stay well in the long term.

The research

There is currently significant research validating the use of Japanese acupuncture and Chinese medicine for the treatment of headaches and migraines.

In a Cochrane study of 22 trials, involving 4985 people, the results favoured the use of acupuncture over both the control group and those taking conventional medicine. In three of the trials participants in the acupuncture group reported positive results from treatment 6 months later and fewer side effects compared to their conventional medicine counterparts.

https://www.cochrane.org/CD001218/SYMPT_acupuncture-preventing-migraine-attacks