Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches: Safe, Drug-Free Relief for Adults and Teens

Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches: Safe, Drug-Free Relief for Adults and Teens

by | Mar 10, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Over 24 Years Treating Migraines & Headaches

With more than 24 years of experience and over 8,000 cases treated, I’ve seen firsthand both the limitations of conventional medicine and the remarkable benefits of acupuncture for chronic headache and migraine relief.

While medications can help some patients, they don’t always work—and in many cases, side effects cause additional suffering. I’ve treated patients who relied on daily migraine-prevention drugs, yet still endured debilitating headaches that disrupted their work, family time, and daily life.

For many, migraines meant being forced into a dark room, unable to function, missing out on time with loved ones. Some even reached a breaking point—one cluster headache patient I treated attempted suicide due to the unbearable pain. After acupuncture treatments, his cluster headaches decreased by 50%, and for the past four years he has remained stable and able to enjoy life again.

Understanding Headaches & Migraines

A headache is defined as pain in the head, usually 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? Migraines alone affect 28 million people in the U.S. Studies and my clinical experience confirm that acupuncture provides safe and lasting relief.

Scientific Evidence: Acupuncture vs. Medications

Research continues to show acupuncture’s effectiveness in headache treatment.

One randomized controlled trial at the Women’s Headache Center in Turin, Italy (published in Headache journal, reported by Daily Mail UK), compared acupuncture with the migraine drug Flunarizine.

  • 80 women received acupuncture weekly for 2 months, then monthly for 4 months.
  • 80 women took Flunarizine daily for 2 months, then 20 times per month for 4 months.

Results:

  • Both groups had fewer headaches.
  • Acupuncture patients had fewer attacks overall (2.3 vs. 2.9).
  • The acupuncture group required less medication and reported lower pain intensity.

📖 Read the PubMed abstract: Acupuncture for Migraines

The Problem With Migraine Medications

While drugs like Flunarizine may offer relief, they often come with side effects such as:

🚨 Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, weight gain, constipation
🚨 Depression, tremors, balance problems, difficulty speaking/swallowing
🚨 Breathing issues and chest pain

👉 Wouldn’t you prefer a treatment proven to reduce migraines—without these risks?

Acupuncture: Safe for Pregnancy & Women’s Health

For women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, migraine medications may not be safe. Acupuncture provides a drug-free, natural alternative. Many patients are referred to me by physicians who recognize acupuncture as an effective, safe option during these sensitive stages of life.

Trusted by Physicians & Neurologists

Over 16 years at Manitoba Clinic and 2 years at the Acupuncture College of Manitoba, I’ve built strong collaborations with doctors and neurologists who regularly refer patients.

  • 👩‍⚕️ Pediatric neurologists at HSC often send me teenagers with chronic migraines and tension headaches.
  • Many suffer from trigger points in the neck and shoulders, especially the upper trapezius muscle, which creates pain radiating to the temples and eyes.

Common Triggers in Teens & Adults

  • Poor posture while using phones, tablets, or computers
  • Long hours sitting, driving, or hunching over desks
  • Heavy backpacks or shoulder bags
  • Stress and muscle tension

Excessive screen time and poor ergonomics make teenagers especially vulnerable. Acupuncture helps by releasing these trigger points, relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation.

A Collaborative Approach to Pain Management

My role is not to replace physicians, but to work alongside them. I never adjust medications—I provide complementary care and keep doctors updated on patient progress. This collaboration ensures the safest, most effective treatment, especially for children and complex headache cases.

Why Acupuncture Works for Headaches

Acupuncture’s benefits include:

  • ✅ Relaxing muscle knots and trigger points
  • ✅ Improving circulation and oxygen flow
  • ✅ Reducing inflammation and nerve irritation
  • ✅ Releasing endorphins and balancing neurotransmitters

That’s why physicians often send me their most difficult cases—patients who have tried everything else without success. Time and again, acupuncture provides relief, restores hope, and improves 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.