Acupuncture for Migraines

Identify triggers, make changes and reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks.

More than just a bad headache...

We understand how debilitating chronic migraines can be, and you know it’s more than just a “bad headache” when there is: 

  • Pulsating and throbbing pain 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Light and sound sensitivity 
  • Fatigue

While the cause is unknown, it is possible to identify possible contributing triggers including: 

  • Dehydration 
  • Bright lights 
  • Severe heat 
  • Excess stress 
  • Changes in sleep patterns 
  • Certain foods 
  • Hormonal fluctuations

By identifying triggers and making changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks. 

HOW WE CAN HELP

Acupuncture for Migraine Relief in Toronto and the GTA

Scientific evidence shows that the insertion of needles into designated acupuncture points speeds the conduction of electromagnetic signals within the body. These signals may increase the flow of endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals, as well as immune system cells, which aid healing.

It would appear that Acupuncture resolves acute pain by affecting several pain pathways and healing responses at the same time: 

  • Raises endorphin levels (the body’s natural painkillers) and diminishes the nervous system’s pain response
  • Decreases inflammation and swelling
  • Increasing oxygen levels in tissues
  • Relaxes muscles and stops spasms
  • Increases blood circulation and blood flow to the local area, enhancing healing

All these actions not only help to alleviate pain, but also promote a deep sense of relaxation. This reduction in stress and anxiety is especially beneficial in managing chronic migraines.

Acupuncture therapy can provide immediate relief for acute or chronic pain. Most people experience instant relief during the acupuncture session, surpassing the speed and side effects of pain medication. 

Although the results can be sometimes fast and remarkable, it’s not a one-time treatment.

After the initial session, pain may return, requiring multiple treatments to fully stimulate the body’s immune system and self-healing power for complete pain disappearance.

Typically, weekly acupuncture sessions are recommended, which are then reduced to monthly and to an as-needed basis.

Ready to Get Started?

Click to book your acupuncture session for migraine relief

Have questions? Arrange for a No-cost 10-minute Discovery Call and speak directly with Eileen to learn more.

Nutrition for Migraine Support in Toronto and the GTA

There are many potential root causes of migraines that are related to diet and lifestyle. These include nutrient deficiencies, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalances and inflammation.

We will help you to: 

  • Identify and avoid potential food triggers. 
  • Address nutrient deficiencies
  • Balance hormones 
  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.
  • Reduce stress and improve sleep

We will provide you with: 

  • A written summary of your health plan 
  • Meal ideas and recipes 
  • Mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve sleep 
  • A list of recommended natural supplements including vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies.

Tracking and understanding your migraine episodes is the first step.  Being able to recognize the signs of an episode can help us identify the triggers, contributing factors and even the underlying cause. A migraine episode can  have four stages; prodrome, aura, attack and post dome. 

  1. Prodrome is the first stage, you may notice subtle symptoms such as constipation, frequent urination, mood changes, fluid retention and frequent yawning.

  2. Aura, the second stage, includes temporary symptoms of the nervous system, such as pins and needles in the arms, seeing flashes of light, weakness and numbness in the side of the face and body.

  3. The third stage, the attack, is the migraine itself, which involves painful throbbing of the head, nausea and vomiting. This can last anywhere from 4-72 hours.

  4. Post-drome is the after effects which often leaves you feeling depleted and unfocused. Not everyone who suffers from migraines goes through all these four stages.

We recommend starting a migraine journal. A migraine journal will track not only migraine episodes but also food, water, sleep and stress levels. It may also be beneficial to track your menstrual cycle, if applicable.

We will use the information from your migraine journal to develop a strategy that is unique to your specific needs. It is not uncommon for a person suffering from migraines to also struggle with digestive upset, allergies and sleep issues. Many of these issues are related and can all be addressed through dietary and lifestyle changes.

Our goal is not just to help you with migraines but rather to create an easy-to-follow health plan that will  improve your overall well-being. 

Nutrition Consulting

Click to book your nutrition session for migraine relief

Have questions? Book a Free 10-minute Discovery Call with Kirsten or Eileen and get your questions answered!

Your Questions Answered

1How do I start treating my migraines holistically?
The first step to any holistic approach is to identify the possible cause. The issue with migraines is there are many contributing factors and identifying them can be difficult.

We recommend starting with acupuncture treatments as this is easy to begin and doesn’t require any major dietary changes. Then we suggest starting a journal to track your migraine episodes, your food and water, sleep, and stress levels. This will help you identify triggers. You may already be doing this under the guidance of your doctor (if so, great.) Then we will start looking into dietary changes and recommend any vitamin, mineral or herbal remedies if needed.

You may want to continue using OTC or prescribed pain medication to manage symptoms as you are making other changes.
2Can acupuncture really help with migraines? Is this scientifically proven?
Yes, acupuncture treatments have been shown to be effective in migraine prevention. It is a common use of acupuncture in China and all over the world.

Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine - Linde, K - 2016 | Cochrane Library
3Can herbs really help with migraines?
Yes, many herbs have been shown as an effective in acute and preventative treatments for migraines particularly when coupled with other dietary and lifestyle changes.

Herbal medicine and migraine - ResearchGate
4Can I take herbs for migraines if I take OTC or prescription medication for migraines or other reasons.
There are some contraindications for herbal remedies which is why the focus of our practice is acupuncture and nutrition through dietary changes.

It’s important to consult your doctor before starting any new herbal medicine or supplement. It’s also important to inform your natural health practitioner of any medication you are taking whether it is OTC, prescription, daily or just as needed.
5Can nutrient deficiencies really contribute to migraines?
Yes, there have been several vitamin and mineral deficiencies associated with migraines. If you think nutrient deficiencies are contributing to your migraine frequency and severity, we can help you address these deficiencies. While supplements can be a temporary solution our focus is on sustainable dietary changes.

Vitamin D in migraine headache: a comprehensive review on literature | Neurological Sciences (springer.com)

Why all migraine patients should be treated with magnesium - PubMed (nih.gov)

B vitamins and their combination could reduce migraine headaches: A randomized double-blind controlled trial - PMC (nih.gov)
6Can certain foods trigger migraines?
Yes, dietary factors have been shown to contribute to migraines. There are many different possible dietary factors that we can help you to identify. One strategy may be through a food journal where you track what you are eating and make note of when a migraine occurs. You do not need to track your calories or amount of food consumed.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Migraine Triggers and Treatment: A Systematic Literature Review - PMC (nih.gov)
7Are my migraines related to my period?
60% of people with migraines who also get a period find that episodes occur during the time of their menstrual cycle. Period migraines are caused by a fluctuation in estrogen and can occur 2 days two days before your period and 3 days after it begins. It’s usually felt on one side of the head and in the forehead area. If your migraines occur on or around your period, then we can help you balance hormones through acupuncture and nutrition. Acupuncture has been shown to help balance hormones. If you have other period related symptoms see PMS page for more details.

A Literature Review of Women's Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies - PMC (nih.gov)