Migraines & headaches

Headaches and migraines are a common reason for people to seek treatment.

A UK study found the migraine incidence rate to be 3.69 cases per 1,000 people and to be approximately 2.5 times higher in women than men

Migraines are characterised by a moderate to severe headache of unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity, and aggravation by activity. Sufferers may also experience auras, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea and vomiting.

Migraines are believed to originate as an electrical phenomenon in the cerebrum that subsequently affects blood vessels, biochemistry and causes inflammation.

How acupuncture can help in the treatment of migraine:

Pain relief: Acupuncture stimulates nerves causing the release of endorphins and other chemicals in addition to changing the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord

Reducing inflammation

Reducing the electrical wave in the brain associated with migraine and other substances implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine

Modulating intracranial and extracranial blood flow

Alter serotonin levels in the brain that is thought to be linked to the initiation of migraines

For more information about how acupuncture works in controlled trials please visit
www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org or view the migraine and headache fact sheet at www.acupuncture.org.uk.

appointments

Contact Natalie to arrange a consultation or book an appointment.

  • Migraines: I have suffered from migraines for about 7 years. They come on suddenly and I just have to go to bed for 2 days when it happens. I was desperate for something to help and my friend suggested acupuncture as she had been to Natalie before. After a few weeks the migraines were less frequent and less severe. Now I haven't had a migraine for about a year.

    Tom

  • Facial enhancement acupuncture: I came to Natalie for facial acupuncture as I had read great good things about it. I wanted to do something about the lines around my eyes and above my top lip but I didn't want to resort to surgery. The lines on my face have definitely improved and I am really pleased with the results. My friends keep telling me that I look really healthy!

    Carol

  • Anxiety: Before I came to Natalie for acupuncture, I suffered with anxiety the whole of my adult life. It affected every part of my life, even to the point where I had to stop driving because of it. After a few sessions, I noticed I felt much less anxious and stressed...now I hardly notice it at all. It has changed my life.

    Jessica

  • Fertility: I am convinced that coming to Natalie for acupuncture helped us conceive. We had had 3 failed IVF cycles and then I started coming to Natalie for acupuncture and reflexology before my 4th attempt and that was the one that worked! It helped enormously with my stress levels during pregnancy too.

    Sarah