Using Acupuncture for Headache and Migraine Management
Migraines and recurring headaches can be incredibly disruptive. They can make it difficult to concentrate at work, spend time with family or friends, exercise or simply get through an ordinary day. For some people, the unpredictability of the next headache is almost as frustrating as the symptoms themselves.
I remember experiencing migraines as a teenager, spending hours lying in a darkened room, hoping the medication I'd taken would help. That experience gave me an early appreciation of just how debilitating a migraine can be.
I'm Michael Warren, a registered acupuncturist with over 15 years of clinical experience. At Coburg Chinese Medicine, I offer individual consultations for people considering acupuncture for migraine and recurring headaches.
My clinic is at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg, welcoming people from Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Fawkner and surrounding northern Melbourne suburbs. I also regularly see people travelling from further across Melbourne for migraine appointments.
My approach is to understand your headache history, what you've already tried and how your symptoms are affecting your life, then discuss whether acupuncture may have an appropriate role in your care.
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Understanding migraines and different types of headache
Migraines and headaches aren't all the same, and understanding the type you're experiencing is important when considering care.
Migraine is a neurological condition that can involve recurring attacks of moderate to severe headache, often with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes visual or sensory disturbances known as aura. Migraine can also occur without a prominent headache.
Tension-type headaches commonly involve pressing or tightening pain, often on both sides of the head. Some people also notice tenderness around the head or neck, although the condition isn't simply caused by tight muscles.
Other headaches may be associated with neck complaints, frequent use of headache medication or another medical condition. Cluster headache is a separate headache disorder requiring its own assessment and management.
If your headaches are new, changing, becoming more frequent or haven't been assessed, it's important to discuss them with your GP.
My approach to migraine and headache consultations
When you come to see me, we'll talk about the headaches you're experiencing, how often they occur, how long they last and any patterns you've noticed.
I'll ask about associated symptoms, previous investigations, medications and any healthcare you're already receiving. I'm also interested in how headaches affect your work, sleep, exercise and everyday activities.
I'll also ask whether your headaches occur alongside neck or shoulder discomfort, muscular tightness or changes in posture. These symptoms can occur together, although the relationship isn't always straightforward. Neck pain or stiffness may sometimes be part of a migraine itself rather than a separate muscular problem.
Where appropriate, I'll examine the neck and shoulder region and consider how those symptoms relate to your broader headache history.
My approach may involve acupuncture alongside other Chinese medicine techniques, including cupping. I often use cupping in conjunction with acupuncture when someone is experiencing muscular tightness or discomfort around the neck and shoulders, where I consider it appropriate.
Any approaches I think may be useful will be discussed with you, so we can decide together what makes sense for your circumstances and develop a plan you're comfortable with.
Sometimes a headache diary can also help clarify frequency and patterns. Depending on your circumstances, further medical assessment may be appropriate.
As the sole practitioner at Coburg Chinese Medicine, you'll see me throughout your care. There are no compulsory treatment packages, and we'll review whether further appointments make sense rather than assuming a particular course is necessary.
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Acupuncture for migraine prevention
People often enquire about acupuncture because they're interested in managing recurring migraine attacks or exploring an additional option alongside their existing healthcare.
Acupuncture has been investigated as a preventive approach for episodic migraine. This is different from claiming that acupuncture can immediately stop a migraine attack.
Research suggests acupuncture may reduce migraine frequency for some people, although individual responses vary and differences compared with sham acupuncture have generally been relatively small.
During your consultation, we can discuss the evidence alongside any preventive medication or other management approaches you're already using. Acupuncture isn't a substitute for appropriate diagnosis or prescribed migraine care.
Acupuncture for tension-type headaches
Acupuncture has also been studied for the prevention of frequent tension-type headaches.
Systematic reviews have reported reductions in headache frequency in some comparisons, although findings vary and further research is needed.
Headaches and neck or shoulder discomfort can occur together. Some people notice muscular tenderness, stiffness or increased tension during periods of prolonged desk work, physical strain or stress. Others experience neck discomfort as part of a migraine episode.
I'll consider these symptoms alongside your headache history, movement and other relevant factors when discussing appropriate care.
You can read more about my approach to these complaints on my Neck and Shoulder Pain page.
Headaches, stress, sleep and everyday habits
Some people notice that their headaches are more frequent during stressful periods, after disrupted sleep or when their usual routine changes.
Migraine triggers and contributing factors vary between individuals. Sleep changes, missed meals, dehydration, hormonal changes or stress may be relevant for some people, but there isn't necessarily one identifiable trigger.
Stress can influence muscle tension and the experience of pain, while recurring headaches can themselves become a source of considerable stress.
Understanding these relationships doesn't mean headaches are simply caused by lifestyle or stress. It helps us discuss relevant practical considerations alongside your existing medical care.
Depending on your circumstances, we might talk about sleep routines, regular meals, physical activity or other strategies worth discussing with your GP.
Acupuncture alongside your existing migraine healthcare
Many people considering acupuncture are already seeing a GP or neurologist, taking medication or following another headache-management plan.
I'll take your existing healthcare into account and discuss how acupuncture might fit alongside it. With your consent, I'm also happy to communicate with your other practitioners where useful.
If you're using medication frequently to manage headaches, it's worth discussing that with your doctor, as some medicines can contribute to medication-overuse headache.
You can read more about my clinical approach on the Managing Pain & Injury page.
Migraine and headache acupuncture in Coburg, Brunswick and Melbourne
Coburg Chinese Medicine is an independently operated clinic at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058.
I welcome people from Brunswick, Brunswick West, Coburg North, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South, Preston, Thornbury, Fawkner, Glenroy, Reservoir and surrounding northern Melbourne suburbs.
I also see people travelling from elsewhere in Melbourne for individual migraine and headache consultations.
As a single-practitioner clinic, I aim to keep consultation fees accessible. You can check current fees and opening hours on my Fees & Opening Hours page.
Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture help with migraines?
Research suggests acupuncture may reduce the frequency of episodic migraine attacks for some people. This evidence relates mainly to prevention rather than stopping an attack that's already underway. Results vary, and we can discuss how acupuncture may fit alongside your other healthcare.
Can acupuncture help with tension-type headaches?
Acupuncture has been investigated for frequent tension-type headaches, with some evidence of reduced headache frequency. Whether it's an appropriate option depends on your symptoms, medical history and other care.
What happens at my first appointment?
We'll discuss your headache history, associated symptoms, previous investigations, medications and other healthcare. I'll explain my assessment and any approaches I think may be appropriate, so we can make an informed decision together.
Can I continue taking migraine medication?
You should continue prescribed medication as directed by your treating clinician unless they advise otherwise. Please let me know about the medicines you're taking so we can consider any relevant precautions.
How many appointments will I need?
There's no fixed number suitable for everyone. We'll discuss your circumstances and review whether further appointments are appropriate. There are no compulsory treatment packages.
When should a headache be medically assessed?
New, worsening or changing headaches deserve appropriate medical assessment, particularly when they're interfering with everyday activities or requiring frequent medication.
A sudden, extremely severe headache, or a headache accompanied by new weakness, confusion, significant visual changes, fever with neck stiffness or other serious symptoms, requires emergency medical assessment.
Acupuncture shouldn't delay appropriate investigation or urgent care.
Research and clinical evidence
Two Cochrane systematic reviews published in 2016 examined acupuncture for preventing episodic migraine and for frequent tension-type headaches.
The migraine review included 22 trials involving 4,985 participants. It reported reductions in headache frequency in some comparisons, with smaller differences between acupuncture and sham acupuncture than between acupuncture and usual care.
The tension-type headache review included 12 trials involving 2,349 participants and reported evidence that acupuncture may be an option for reducing recurrent headache frequency.
These findings concern particular headache presentations and preventive care. They don't establish that acupuncture works for everyone or for all headache disorders.
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends considering acupuncture for preventing chronic tension-type headache. Its guidance also includes acupuncture as an option for migraine prevention in certain circumstances when specified preventive medicines are ineffective, unsuitable or not tolerated.
I'll consider the evidence alongside your diagnosis, medical history and other healthcare when discussing whether acupuncture may be appropriate.
Book an acupuncture consultation for migraine or headache in Melbourne
If migraines or recurring headaches are affecting your life and you'd like to explore acupuncture as part of your healthcare, you're welcome to arrange an appointment at Coburg Chinese Medicine.
I'll take the time to understand what you're experiencing, what you've already tried and what matters to you, then explain my approach so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Book an Acupuncture Consultation