Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches: A Drug-Free Solution for adults and teenagers:

Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches: A Drug-Free Solution for adults and teenagers:

by | Mar 10, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

In my 24 years of experience, I have treated over 8,000 cases of migraines and headaches. I have seen firsthand the limitations of Western medicine when it comes to pain management. Medications can work, but not in every case.

I’ve treated patients who took daily migraine-prevention medication, yet they still suffered from debilitating headaches. Their lives were ruled by migraines—when they were feeling well, they could enjoy time at the beach with their kids, go to work, or ride a bike. But when the migraine hit, they were confined to a dark room, in bed, with no noise, unable to function.

Some of my patients experienced such severe pain that they considered ending their lives. One of them, who suffered from cluster headaches, even attempted suicide. Thankfully, he was found in time. According to the World Health Organization, cluster headaches affect 1 in 1,000 adults, and they are often described as one of the most painful conditions known. After undergoing acupuncture treatments, his cluster headache episodes decreased by 50%, and he has been stable for the past four years—able to live his life again.

Understanding Headaches & Migraines

A headache is defined as pain in the head, occurring above the eyes, behind the ears, in the back of the head, or in the upper neck.

The three main types of primary headaches include:
✅ Migraine headaches
✅ Tension headaches
✅ Cluster headaches

Did you know that 90% of adults experience tension headaches at some point in their lives? In my clinic, headaches and migraines are among the top three conditions I treat with acupuncture. Studies show that 28 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from migraines.

Because of my medical background, I continuously stay updated on scientific research related to acupuncture and headache relief.

Scientific Evidence: Acupuncture vs. Migraine Medications

A study published in the medical journal Headache and reported by Daily Mail UK found that acupuncture is more effective than medication in treating migraines.

Researchers at the Woman’s Headache Center in Turin, Italy, conducted a randomized controlled trial with 160 patients:

📌 80 women received acupuncture treatments once a week for two months, then once a month for four months.
📌 80 women took the migraine drug flunarizine daily for two months, then 20 times per month for four months.

Results:
✅ Both groups experienced fewer headaches.
✅ The acupuncture group had fewer migraines (2.3 attacks vs. 2.9 in the medication group).
✅ Patients who had acupuncture needed less medication and had lower pain intensity.

📖 Read the full study abstract: PubMed – Acupuncture for Migraines

Side Effects of Migraine Medications

While medications like Flunarizine can help some patients, they come with a long list of side effects, including:

🚨 Drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite
🚨 Depression, breathing difficulty, chest pain, tremors, balance issues, trouble speaking/swallowing

👉 Would you be interested in a treatment that is just as effective—without these side effects?

Acupuncture: A Safe & Effective Option for Pregnant Women with Migraines

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive often need to stop or switch their migraine medications to protect their baby. However, finding a safe and effective alternative isn’t always easy.

So how do they cope with months of severe headaches without relying on pharmaceuticals?

For many, acupuncture has been a game-changer. Patients frequently come to me through referrals from physicians and others who have experienced firsthand the relief that acupuncture can provide.

Trusted by Physicians & Neurologists

With 16 years at Manitoba Clinic and two years at the Acupuncture College of Manitoba (as Prairie Acupuncture Clinic), I have built strong professional relationships with physicians who trust my expertise in managing chronic headaches. Over the past decade, I’ve received an increasing number of referrals from neurologists seeking acupuncture as a complementary treatment for patients who have not responded to conventional therapies.

👩‍⚕️ Neurologists at hospitals, including the Pediatric Neurology Department at HSC, regularly refer teenage patients suffering from migraines and tension headaches. Many of these young patients struggle with debilitating pain that disrupts their education, social life, and physical activities.

In many cases, their headaches stem from muscle knots and trigger points—especially in the suboccipital muscles and shoulders. One of the most common culprits, the Upper Trapezius trigger points, creates a pain pattern that extends from the upper neck, over the ear, into the temple, and behind the eye. These trigger points can be activated by:

✅ Poor posture while using phones, tablets, or computers
✅ Hunching over while sitting, driving, or working
✅ Carrying heavy shoulder bags or backpacks
✅ Stress-induced muscle tension

Among teenagers, excessive screen time and improper ergonomics significantly contribute to these issues. Acupuncture provides targeted relief by relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation, helping these young patients regain their quality of life.

💡 A Collaborative Approach to Care

My goal is not to replace or contradict a physician’s treatment plan—I will never adjust a patient’s medications. My role is to provide pain management and support through acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), working alongside pediatric neurologists and other healthcare providers.

By keeping referring physicians updated on their patients’ progress, I ensure that we take a collaborative approach to care. This is especially important for children and teens, who often miss school, lose social connections, and are unable to participate in physical activities due to chronic headaches.

Acupuncture helps them return to their daily lives—safely and effectively.

Why Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture effectively addresses these trigger points, relaxing the affected muscles, improving circulation, and reducing pressure on the brain and spinal cord. This can be especially beneficial for conditions like Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and other headache disorders.

Physicians often send me the most complex cases—patients who have exhausted every other treatment option without success. These individuals arrive feeling hopeless, but acupuncture gives them a new path to pain relief and a better quality of life.

Real Results: What My Patients Experience

📌 Over 70% of my patients with headaches or migraines report significant improvement.
📌 49% remain pain-free for a year or longer with just one maintenance session per month.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic headaches and is tired of the side effects of medications, acupuncture may be the solution. Every case is unique and requires individualized treatment.

📞 Book an appointment today : 204-788-5715.