What Are The Causes Of Headaches & Migraines?

Several pieces of research have been done to discover the causes of headaches and migraines. However, no concrete answer has been found. According to some researchers, hormonal factors might be involved in the cause of headaches and, or migraines.

It has been suggested that the way the body and the brain respond to pain is affected by hormonal change and nerve signalling affecting blood vessels.

These effects may make the blood vessels in the brain enlarge. Consequently, the levels of blood flow and oxygen rise and can trigger the release of prostaglandin compounds. This compound regulates pain and inflammation in our bodies. Therefore, more release of prostaglandins may lead to more pain.

What Are The Common Triggers Of Headaches Or Migraines?

The following are common triggers that lead to headaches or migraines, according to research:

Lack of sleep - not getting enough sleep can accumulate pressure in the brain, resulting in migraines.

Stress can lead to hormonal and chemical changes, which cause headache disorders.

High blood pressure - can cause headaches by making it harder for the brain to function.

Too much tension - can also accumulate pressure in the brain, which can cause headache disorder.

Food allergies - Some people have headaches after eating certain foods.

Food additives - for example, monosodium glutamate(MSG), which is used to enhance flavour in many foods and can cause headache attacks.

Alcohol - drinking alcohol can cause migraine or headache

Pregnancy - it is no secret that pregnant women are more prone to migraine attacks.

Sleeping - too much in a very hot or cold place can lead to fatigue and headaches.

Infections - Infections can lead to headaches by damaging the nerves of the skull.

Coffee - drinking caffeine can boost your blood pressure and cause a headache

Preservatives and artificial flavouring - can lead to allergies which can cause migraine.

Weather changes - weather changes can be the cause of migraine attacks. It is said that changes in humidity and heavy clouds can tamper with the pressure in your body, resulting in migraines.

Hormonal imbalance - hormone imbalance can cause migraine in some women, especially during that time of the month.

Low blood sugar - low blood sugar can lead to headaches, also called hypoglycemia.

Medication side effects - taking some medications for depression, for example, tranquillizers, sleeping pills, and painkillers, can increase the tension and the risks of headaches.

How Does Acupuncture Help Headaches Or Migraines?

Chinese use Acupuncture as a traditional medicine to cure many health problems like; relieving headaches, migraines, and other body pains. Acupuncture's long-time tradition provides relief even to the most challenging cases by utilizing needle stimulation of critical points on the skin.

The treatment works by changing the energy flow in the body to ensure balance and harmony. Acupuncturists say this procedure produces other effects, such as:

Muscles relaxing - which releases endorphins and lessens pain
Improving blood circulation - which enhances the quality of the blood and reduces allergy
Releasing endorphins - so your pain will be eased, and endorphins will reduce your stress levels.

Trustworthy studies have found that acupuncture achieves a positive result when treating pain and headaches. Acupuncture for migraine and headaches has some benefits, including:

Prevention of headache: according to one of the growing research bodies, acupuncture treatment considerably reduces the migraine headache crisis to a great extent, including reducing the frequency of headaches.
Fewer side effects: migraine medication may cause many unpleasant side effects. However, acupuncture treatment has fewer side effects.
Cost-saving: this treatment method can help patients recovering from an operation or those prone to migraines; the cost of Acupuncture compared to other means of treatment will be much lower.

How Does Acupuncture Work For Headaches And Migraines?

The following is a common area which acupuncture can work in helping someone who suffers from headaches or migraines, according to research:

Prevention of headaches; - undergoing this procedure early will help prevent the onset of migraines.
Reduce stiffness around neck muscles; - this can help prevent neck problems.
Muscle relaxation;- Acupuncture can help relax tense muscles and cause headaches.
Increase energy; - Acupuncture can boost the energy levels of people suffering from low energy levels, which result in headaches.
Help with sleeping patterns; - Acupuncture can help restore sleeping patterns to normal, which will relieve you from heavy migraine attacks.
Lower blood pressure; - a benefit because, during a migraine attack, high blood pressure is one of the symptoms.
Reduces stress levels; - Acupuncture will help relieve muscular tension caused by stress which can result in headaches.
Trigger endorphins release;- Acupuncture can help the body release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can ease migraine pain and help reduce stress.
Reduce inflammation;- Acupuncture can remove inflammation or swelling from blood vessels, improving blood circulation and reducing headaches.
Balance hormone levels;- Acupuncture helps balance the level of hormones which will improve hormonal imbalances like PMS, high estrogen, and menopause.
Acupuncture is a holistic method that considers the entire body instead of just the organ or part of the body it deals with.

How Often To Get Acupuncture For Headaches Or Migraines?

Acupuncture can be done occasionally or frequently, depending on the condition. Acupuncture is said to be effective if you undergo it at least once per month.

The question of how often someone should get Acupuncture for their headaches or migraines will depend upon the severity of their headache or migraine problem.

At first, acupuncture is advised to be Performed once per week for three weeks. After that, you can schedule an appointment every two weeks for another three weeks. At this point, you will already feel results and less pain after each visit.

In private clinics, some people are limited in how many treatments they can undergo given specific ailments. However, one can enjoy the benefits without limitations.

So, Is Acupuncture Effective For Headaches And Migraines?

Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries and has undeniably proven to be an effective remedy for several health problems, including headaches and migraines.

Acupuncture is also an excellent alternative treatment because it does not have any side effects compared to some medications. Studies show that Acupuncture effectively treats headaches, migraine attacks and prevention.

People who have gone through this procedure say that they have experienced less pain and fewer headaches and migraines after each session of the said treatment.

If you have any further doubts or questions regarding this subject or another treatment, contact one of our experienced Acupuncturists or Registered Massage Therapists here at West End Wellness Clinic. You can either give us a call or make an appointment.

Disclaimer: Please remember this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider or someone with the correct qualifications before starting any new exercise or treatment program.