Acupuncture works to restore positive energy flow throughout the human body, but it also claims to remove any negative energy causing pain and illness. From the point of view of modern medicine, acupuncture tends to stimulate various areas of the body and may trigger a healing response.

Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine, using fine needles inserted into pressure points around the body. The research and opinions on the practice are mixed in the medical community. Some studies believe the practice is a sham, while others believe there is some evidence of the positive influence of acupuncture on the human body. In most cases, the medical community agrees that acupuncture may be used to treat chronic and acute pain in combination with other treatments. It has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1979. 

Acupuncture divides the body into pressure points and zones used during treatment. The needles are inserted into different points, depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing. They’re usually near nerves in your body, as the treatment stimulates these areas to release endorphins. That triggers a healing response from your body, with the immune and circulatory systems being used to relieve you of tension headaches and migraines.

Acupuncture Risks for Headaches

Acupuncture carries little risk when a licensed practitioner does it. You may sometimes experience fatigue, bruising and soreness after an acupuncture appointment, especially if that was your first time getting one. Acupuncture performed with dirty or substandard equipment may become a severe health risk, so the needles must be sterilised at all costs.

You need to make sure you have done your homework before you start booking your first appointment, so you can leave it feeling well. Watch the practitioner, and make sure the needles are sterile and new. Ask questions of your acupuncturist and explanations about what they’re doing. A good one will walk you through the steps in the procedure, explaining and making it a safer experience overall.

Acupuncture alone may not be sufficient to stop chronic headaches, but it does help a great deal. Migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches may be unpleasant experiences in your daily life, so during flare-ups, you may still need to use pain medication.

General Guidelines for Acupuncture

There is no special preparation to be had before you go to an acupuncture treatment, but if this is your first time, you may want to ask a few questions. Your practitioner will give you some advice on the number of treatments you can expect and how often you need to get them if you want to experience relief from your problem.

Clinical studies showed that cluster headaches could be relieved with a recommended treatment twice weekly for two weeks, followed by a single treatment once a week for eight weeks, and then maintenance treatments once every other week.

Some people will not feel the tiny needle pricks when they are poked with the acupuncture needles, while others tend to feel them and may feel uncomfortable. Talk to your practitioner when you visit and discuss any discomfort you may have.

When to See a Doctor

Acupuncture can’t replace traditional medicine but works well as a supplementary practice. Some headaches may need immediate medical help and should be treated with nothing but acupuncture. Speak to your doctor immediately if you’re feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experiencing loss of vision. 

Headaches resulting from a blow to the head that keeps getting worse, unusually severe headaches and so forth needs immediate emergency attention.

©The Acupuncturists Ltd