There is nothing fun about a migraine. The trigger for every person is different; stress, particular food or drinks, exercise or hormonal changes can all be the catalyst to bring on an episode.
In a recent Cochrane database systematic review, 22 trials (almost 5000 participants) were analysed to conclude whether acupuncture was indeed effective for treatment/routine care or if it was no different to placebo or drug therapy (Linde et al. 2016).
The review of the evidence concluded that ‘adding acupuncture to symptomatic treatment of attacks reduces the frequency of headaches’ (Linde et al. 2016). It also added that there was an effect over sham (placebo) and also may be at least as effective as treatment with prophylactic drugs (Linde et al. 2016).
Another study from 2015 also concluded acupuncture to be ‘safe, long lasting and cost-effective’ for migraine preventative treatment (Da Silva 2015).
Here are some tips that may help in the early stages before you get in to see an acupuncturist:
- Epsom salt bath to help reduce tension
- Peppermint or Lavender essential oil on your temples
- Keep hydrated
- Stretching and moving
If you would like to see one of our practitioners or make an appointment please call us on 5531 6461.
References:
Da Silva AN. Acupuncture for migraine prevention. Headache. 2015 Mar;55(3):470-3.
Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Vertosick EA, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016(6):Cd001218
