Does acupuncture work for migraines?
If you are looking for long-term prevention of migraines, acupuncture is the key. If you are only looking for a quick fix to your headache, then acupuncture will not provide that to you.
Acupuncture can be effective when managing acute to moderate migraine attacks. Through gentle manipulation of needles, the "avon reflex" dialates the small vessels around the needle area and increases blood flow in the tissues. An increase in circulation in Asian medicine practice is good for chronic pain and migraine prevention. Points to treat headaches are found all around the body.
However, for a more instant relief of migraine pain, caffeine and pain killers are often the two that help the most. Some over the counter pain killers that work well are Excedrin (which has caffeine in the dosage) and Advil Migraine. If those don’t work, the best thing to do is to put yourself in a dark room with no noise and try to sleep the headache off.
Preface: Yes, I have heard that acupuncture is an alternative solution. If you decide to go this way, have a physician trained in this procedure do it. If something goes wrong, you are then at the right place for emergencies. Otherwise: 1. A cold ice pack on the back of the neck, resting your head on it also, at onset of migraine. Also, have an ice pack that you can move around on your head, until you find the source. Sometimes pain if referred from another area. If you have vomiting, there is nothing you can do to keep medicine down. The ice pack with steady persistence is a great help. 2. You did not mention if you get auras (i.e. flashing lights, colors, hyper-acoutism — painful hearing, photosensitivity, etc.) preceding the migraine. That is a perfect time to take medication and ice. You have a warning of what is to come. 3. Ask your physician about a med that will relax you so you can fall asleep. Sleep can really help. 4. Muscle spasms, food allergies, lack of eating at regular i
