Acupuncture Treatment for Migraines in London
Migraines are a type of neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, severe, and often debilitating headaches. These headaches, experienced regularly by thousands of people in the UK, typically present as throbbing or pulsating pain and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and dizziness—all of which can significantly impact daily quality of life.
While acupuncture alone may not be able to address all the causes of migraines, such as genetic factors or neurological abnormalities, it may be used as a complementary treatment alongside other therapies to offer individuals relief from the pain and discomfort that so many people experience from this condition.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Migraines?
Acupuncture may help to foster the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Endorphins can help block pain signals in the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to a reduction in pain perception from migraines.
Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals such as serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and pain perception—influencing the body’s response to painful stimuli.
Stress Reduction
There is a well-established connection between stress and migraines. Stress is recognised as one of the most common triggers for migraine headaches, and many individuals report experiencing migraines during or after periods of heightened stress.
As acupuncture has been shown to have stress-reducing effects, it may be a useful counterpart to other stress relieving tactics to reduce the chance of stress becoming a trigger for migraines and preventing the onset of frequent migraine episodes.
Reduced Muscle Tightness
Acupuncture may help relax the muscles and reduce tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, which can contribute to migraines or exacerbate pain when one occurs. Muscle relaxation can help improve blood flow and reduce trigger points associated with migraine headaches.
Addressing muscle tightness through migraine acupuncture and other relaxation techniques may help alleviate tension and reduce the likelihood of triggering or making a migraine worse.
A Complementary Treatment for Migraines
Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments for migraines. It can be integrated into a holistic treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and medication, among other interventions.
Individuals who prefer non-pharmacological approaches or who may have concerns about the potential side effects of certain drugs for migraine relief may find migraine acupuncture to be a viable option for managing symptoms.
Acupuncture for Migraines in London
Acubody offers a wide range of treatments and activities, from neuromuscular therapy to Qi Gong, that can all be included in a treatment program tailored to individual needs.
Our experienced team always considers an individual’s overall health and condition before developing a holistic approach to pain management, which often includes integration of manual therapy with acupuncture.
If you are interested in learning more about how we offer acupuncture for migraines in London, or other relaxation and well-being practices at our centre, we’d love to hear from you.