Acupuncture for Headaches

acupuncture for headaches portland or

Headaches in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the perspective of illness is completely different when compared to conventional medicine. In TCM, headaches appear when there is a blockage of energy in the meridians connecting the head with other organs in the body. Not all headaches are considered the same.  Thus depending on the symptoms, some of them may be caused by a stagnant liver qi. Another cause could be hyperactivity of the liver yang, etc. An experienced acupuncturist that uses acupuncture for headaches will be able to make the right diagnosis.   They will have the patient explains how his headache feels.  And then distinguish between pulsating pain, pinching sensations, along with other symptoms.

The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Headaches

Acupuncture has been tried and tested scientifically to work for reducing pain.  In many cases, it eliminated pain completely.  It works in a myriad of different health conditions including headaches.   In 2012,  a study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.  It concluded that acupuncture helps to relieve headaches.  But it also had a lasting effect in which the participants showed a continued improvement in  symptoms over time.

The study involved 500 participants. Some participants were treated with acupuncture and others with a placebo (which also involved the insertion of needles). After one month of treatment, all people stated that their pain had diminished significantly. However, only those people treated with acupuncture reported that the intensity, frequency, and duration of their headaches also improved on the months that followed. This is in line with what previous studies have shown in regards to the benefits of acupuncture to solve migraines, headaches, and pain in general.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Headaches

Acupuncturists use a holistic approach to health which take into account your whole being and organism. When you are suffering a headache, it isn’t only your head or nerve endings that aren’t functioning correctly. The whole system is unbalanced which is manifested in your body as a migraine or a headache. The most important benefit of acupuncture for headaches is that it doesn’t only treat your headache, it also treats your body’s energetic flow which promotes and preserves good overall health. Patients will feel how their mood improve and they will start to feel more relaxed in general. If you have another disease, it may also improve, especially if the energy flow to that specific organ also returns to normal after the treatment. Here is a list of health benefits you may experience when undergoing an acupuncture treatment:

  • Pain relief (headaches, migraines)
  • Superior emotional and mental health (relaxed mind)
  • Balanced Metabolism and hormonal balance
  • Better circulation and digestion

Why acupuncture for headaches is successful

Headaches are an extremely common and uncomfortable condition affecting more than 45 million people in the U.S. alone. Chronic headaches greatly impair a person’s quality of life. They can cause tension in their interpersonal relationships, inability to work, etc. While they can be treated with medication, once this medication is withdrawn, they return again. Acupuncture provides an efficient and long-lasting alternative to the treatment of headaches. In fact, it has been so successful that a large percentage of conventional doctors recommend it for the above mentioned condition.

What to Expect in the Treatment?

It is common that in the first few days of treatment your symptoms may worsen a little. This is known as the curative crisis, which is a good sign. Sometimes this crisis may not even present itself depending on your constitution. A person will most likely than not feel very relaxed after an acupuncture session. A little pain may or may not be felt while the needles are being inserted and minimal or no side effects should occur. Acupuncture is a very effective method of treatment and bears little risk when compared to taking medication, which can cause unwanted side effects.

Acupuncture for Headaches at RiverWest Acupuncture

RiverWest Acupuncture is a reputable clinic in Portland that has helped many people improve their health over the years. Acupuncturists at RiverWest Acupuncture have plenty of experience on treating headaches and migraines successfully. It is important to note that acupuncture can also work to prevent illnesses, which is a very good reason to use it. Please feel free to contact us and/or book an appointment if you need help with acupuncture for headaches in Portland or surrounding areas.


To submit an inquiry to one of our professionals, email us at contact@riverwestacupuncture.com.
Have a question about acupuncture or some of our other services? Send us your question and we’ll get back to you shortly with a reply!


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