A huge portion of the population, males and females alike suffer from quite painful, very uncomfortable and sometimes even debilitating headaches which are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, and smell. This particular type of headache is called “migraine”. These throbbing headaches usually occur on only one side of the head, although the pain can shift from one side of the head to the other, or can occur on both sides at the same time. A migraine typically lasts 4 to 24 hours but in some cases can last up to 3 days.
The Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI) recognises 12-15% of our population suffer from migraine. Tension-type headache is the term used for infrequent and frequent episodic, as well as chronic, tension-type headaches. Tension-type headaches are characterized by pain that is typically mild or moderate in intensity, bilateral, and pressing or tightening in quality, but does not worsen with physical activity. These occur in up to around 80% of the adult population.
MODERN TREATMENT FOR HEADACHES & MIGRAINE
Most people know how difficult it is to cope with a “normal” headache and for those who suffer from “full blown” migraines life can be a struggle. Western medicine treatment usually includes long-term medication in order to prevent a migraine from occurring or to stop a migraine once it begins. For most migraine sufferers there is no recognizable pattern to the onset - it can start anywhere, at any time.
Migraine is a condition very particular to the individual and therefore the treatment must reflect this. TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL TREATMENT
The use of acupuncture for treating chronic pain of the head and face has been studied extensively. For tension headache, migraine and other kinds of headache due to a variety of causes, The TCM treatment is aimed at resolving the underlying problems that may be the trigger or the contributing factor to the migraine occurrence. It is essentially tackling the problem at the root, not just addressing the symptoms. TCM treats migraines/headaches by relieving the pain and tension, therefore relaxing the body and the muscles so that the energy (Qì) and Blood (Xuè) can flow freely.
In treating this, acupupuncture:
· Reduces/eliminates Pain
· Harmonizes blood circulation in the body – benefitting not only the head