There are many different types of headaches, each with their own distinct qualities. While the statistics we are discussing here revolve around migraine headaches, the principles of treatment and results are the same for general headaches, tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches.
During the course of a year approximately 90% of the population will experience at least one headache. Headaches are generally caused by one of two things: decrease in the blood supply to the brain and muscles, or tension of the muscles in the head, neck or shoulders. Common symptoms of a headache include feelings of tightness or pressure, throbbing, pain in the eyes or neck, and sometimes dizziness.
Migraine headaches, on the other hand, affect a much smaller percentage of the population, but the attacks are extremely debilitating. Approximately 17% of the population will experience a migraine at some point in their life. The World Health Organization estimated that worldwide over 303 million people suffer from migraines, 20 million attacks daily. In America, slightly fewer than 30 million people suffer from migraines; most are between 15 and 55 years old.
Migraines are severe headaches that are often one sided and accompanied by other symptoms. Migraine headaches are classified as common and classical. A common migraine develops slowly, and can last from a few hours to a few days. Symptoms are generally worsened by noise and movement, and include nausea and occasional vomiting. Classical migraines begin with an aura which may include visual disturbances, speech problems, nausea, sensitivity to light and weakness.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat headaches and migraines. Many studies have been done to determine if acupuncture is effective in treating and preventing headaches. Some of these studies are highlighted below.
1. Medical Acupuncture published a case study in 2003 demonstrating the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of cluster headaches. The results indicated that acupuncture can reduce the frequency and severity of cluster headaches and in many cases resolve them completely. Those participating in the study also noticed they were able to decrease or discontinue the use of their current medications.
2. The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine published an article on clinical observation of 50 patients suffering with headaches. The patients were treated with scalp acupuncture for a series of treatments, and then followed up with for six months. 98% of the patients noted they were no longer experiencing headaches, or only experienced mild headaches after the treatments were concluded.
3. A 1994 study done in Denmark demonstrated that acupuncture is as effective for treating migraine headaches as Metoprolol (a common migraine medication). Acupuncture was also noted to not cause any negative side effects.
4. German researchers have studied the efficacy of acupuncture in the prevention of migraines. Patients were split into two groups, one received traditional acupuncture, the other received sham acupuncture using non-acupuncture points. Patients kept headache logs for one year. The results showed a “statistically significant therapeutic effect and marked decrease in migraine attacks” for all patients receiving traditional acupuncture. The sham acupuncture group did not achieve positive results.
Headaches and Migraines interfere with daily activities and can even lead to depression. If you suffer from chronic headaches, call Axis Natural Medicine for additional information on how we can help you become pain free!