In addition to traditional acupuncture, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) has shown promise in migraine management by targeting muscle tension, potentially decreasing headache frequency and severity.
From a Western medicine perspective, the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating migraines is multifaceted. Acupuncture influences various physiological processes, promoting better blood flow and circulation. This improved circulation helps alleviate the vascular changes associated with migraines. Moreover, acupuncture stimulates nerves, prompting the release of neurotransmitters, such as endorphins and serotonin. These substances play a crucial role in pain modulation and mood regulation, contributing to relief from migraine symptoms.
Furthermore, the nerve stimulation initiated by acupuncture may help modulate the hyperactivity of the nervous system often associated with migraines. By triggering the transmission of signals to the brain, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes and reducing pain, working as an analgesic (Xu et al.,2018).
Consistency in attending these sessions is crucial for optimal results. While some individuals might experience relief after a few sessions, a full course of treatment is usually recommended to maximize the benefits of acupuncture, IMS, and nerve stimulation for managing migraines. I typically recommend starting with eight weekly treatments.
Please feel free to reach out for further information or to schedule your personalized acupuncture treatments.
References
Xu, J., Zhang, F. Q., Pei, J., & Ji, J. (2018). Acupuncture for migraine without aura: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of integrative medicine, 16(5), 312-321.
Zhang, X. T., Li, X. Y., Zhao, C., Hu, Y. Y., Lin, Y. Y., Chen, H. Q., … & Tian, G. H. (2019). An overview of systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials on acupuncture treating migraine. Pain Research and Management, 2019.