Page 51 - The-Complete-Guide-to-Migraine-Headaches_Neat

The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 52 of 87

20. Treating Migraine Headaches with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of pain relief based on the use of needles to stimulate

the nervous system. Acupuncture can be a preventive therapy in migraine

treatment.

Acupuncture must be limited to the arms and legs and never performed on the
neck and head region.

The treatment involves inserting needles at several pressure points so that the

blood flow in this region increases. The acupuncturist adjusts the needles
manually or by electrical stimulation. This helps in preventing migraine

headaches and is most effective when done in the sitting position.

Be sure to undergo this treatment at the hands of a qualified acupuncturist, to
avoid mishaps. Ensure that the needles used for the procedure are hygienic.

Puncturing at the wrong points can cause a lung collapse that can be fatal for the

patient. Unhygienic needles can cause infections and, in severe cases, lead to

hepatitis.

Acupuncture stimulates the hypothalamus and helps control the nerves that
cause the sensation of pain. It is intended to restore the balance of energy in an
individual’s body, so that he gets a reprieve from migraine headaches.

Another explanation for the efficacy of acupuncture is that the treatment releases

opioids that have a palliative effect.

Researchers are conducting several studies to try to confirm the effectiveness of

acupressure in pain relief.

Practitioners believe that it can form an effective part of a person’s migraine
headache treatment by improving the flow of blood and proper stimulation of his
nervous system.

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 52.