Can Acupuncture Help Control and Prevent Migraine?

A migraine is a headache. It is often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and increased sensitivity to light. Some common migraine triggers include stress, changes in sleep patterns, dehydration, changes in the weather, and exposure to certain smells and sounds. Though migraine does not pose health threats in most cases, they can interfere with affected people’s day-to-day life.

A migraine attack can last anywhere from 4-72 hours. Migraine pain can be pulsating, debilitating, pounding, perforating, or throbbing. It usually affects one side of the head but can sometimes occur on both sides. Migraine pain can start as mild but become moderate to severe if left untreated.

Migraine is a common neurological condition. It affects around 40 million Americans. People with migraine can miss several workdays a year due to migraine attacks. Debilitating headaches can affect a person’s productivity and ability to concentrate and focus. Many people with migraines avoid social events to prevent flare-ups. Several studies have linked social isolation to poor quality of life.

Acupuncture Mama is the leading acupuncture clinic in Santa Rosa. Our team of professionals provides a wide range of holistic wellness services. To learn more about our services, contact our Santa Rosa team by calling (707) 303-7200.

Causes

Researchers do not know the exact cause of migraine. Many healthcare experts believe that changes in a person’s brain that lead to abnormal brain activity can increase their risk of migraine. The neurological condition tends to run in families. Gender is also a risk factor. Migraine is more prevalent in women than men.

Symptoms

Migraine attacks often progress through four stages – prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome.  Some common symptoms that people with migraine experience during these stages include:

➢    Prodrome – constipation, neck stiffness, food cravings, mood swings, frequent yawning, and fluid retention

➢    Aura – difficulty speaking, temporary vision loss, and weakness or numbness on one side of the body

➢    Attack – Throbbing pain which usually starts on one side of the head and then spreads to the other side, increased sensitivity to light, smell, or touch, nausea, and vomiting

➢    Post-drome – Many people feel drained or confused, while some individuals may feel light and elated after an attack.

How Can Acupuncture for Migraine Help?

Acupuncture for migraine in Santa Rosa can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. It stimulates endocrine glands to release feel-good hormones such as endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin. These hormones promote well-being and reduce pain.

Acupuncture can release migraine trigger points or knots. Inflammation in your head can irritate brain nerves, trigger a migraine attack, or worsen the symptoms you experience during an attack. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, allowing your nerves to relax.

Stress is a common migraine trigger. Acupuncture can help manage stress by increasing the production of endorphins and other feel-good hormones and decreasing the production of stress hormones such as cortisol, norepinephrine, and growth hormone.

Acupuncture Mama is one of the most trusted acupuncture clinics in Santa Rosa. We use acupuncture to treat everything – from minor illnesses to major, debilitating health problems. To make an appointment, call (707) 303-7200.

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