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.
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.