Natural Pain Relief for Headaches and Migraines

Seattle, Tacoma & Bellevue Clinics

Though separate conditions, both headaches and migraines can be effectively and efficiently treated by acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

What is the difference between a migraine and a tension headache? Migraines tend to be more severe and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise and may be preceded by visual auras or auditory sounds. Both, however, can be debilitating, and both can be treated by acupuncture.

Acupuncture for Migraines

For migraines, acupuncture treatments are able to block pain, reduce satellite symptoms (such as those listed above), and bring the body back into balance. Oftentimes migraines are seemingly uncontrollable and random, and acupuncture is able to prevent attacks when other methods of treatment cannot. Patients can come in both during acute episodes (if possible) or when they are asymptomatic, and can receive treatments in conjunction with other therapies such as preventative medication. Our practitioners will use acupuncture to help reduce frequency and severity of migraines, but will also work with the patient to figure out potential triggers. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations can be huge in helping patients minimize episodes.

Tension headaches may also be greatly reduce by using acupuncture. Patients experiencing this type of headache do not have the visual disturbances or nausea associated with migraines, however the aching, throbbing, or sharpness around the head may still be severe. Tension headaches are often caused by stress, with simultaneously tight muscles around the head, neck, and back. Acupuncture is a great option for this common condition as it can prevent pain, release tight muscles, and reduce stress, all in one sitting.

Chinese Medicine can help with the following types of migraines and headaches:

  • Migraines caused by hormonal, environmental, dietary, or emotional triggers
  • Migraines with unknown etiologies
  • Episodic or Chronic Tension Headaches
  • Cluster Headaches
  • Headaches of unknown etiologies

Natural pain management with acupuncture in Seattle, Tacoma & Bellevue:

I was suffering from excruciating headaches and was prescribed these huge pills by a Neurologist. When I read the “side effects” of those meds, I decided not to take those prescribed meds and instead opted for a non-invasive alternative treatment. Fortunately, I discovered Julie Booker. She did both acupuncture and massage at that time and after several treatments with her, she helped get rid of my headaches completely.
Julie Booker is an outstanding acupuncturist whose care, attention, skill, and professionalism made my time with her both comfortable and productive. I began seeing Julie on the recommendation of my OB/GYN in the third trimester of my pregnancy to treat my migraine headaches. I have had migraines since I was a child and have always treated them with medication, which I chose to quit during my pregnancy. When my migraines became increasingly frequent and severe in my third trimester, I began seeing Julie, whose treatments began to lessen the frequency of my migraines almost immediately and resolved them completely within a few weeks. I am now 7 weeks post-partum and still haven't had a migraine since early in my third trimester, which is by far the longest I have ever gone without one. Julie also helped to induce me when I was 39 weeks pregnant with a very large baby (on the advice of my OB/GYN), and I went into labor 6 days early, just one day after my induction treatment. I wholeheartedly recommend Julie to anyone seeking acupuncture treatment for any condition, but especially for migraine treatment and prenatal care.
I have been a client of Julie Booker's for the past 8 years. She has dramatically contributed to my healing after serious injury, as well as healing chronic pain caused by stress, like neck pain and headaches.I trust her with my healing because of her mastery of the art and the science of Acupuncture. She has a warm, welcoming bedside manner that helps me relax and know that she is listening to everything that I say. With her broad knowledge of Eastern and Western medicine she reduces my pain and restores my energy. I always leave feeling stronger and with increased energy.
I was suffering from excruciating headaches and was prescribed these huge pills by a Neurologist. When I read the “side effects” of those meds, I decided not to take those prescribed meds and instead opted for a non-invasive alternative treatment. Fortunately, I discovered Julie Booker. She did both acupuncture and massage at that time and after several treatments with her, she helped get rid of my headaches completely. So now, every time I have pain issues with my neck or elbows or sciatica pain on my legs, I go to Julie for acupuncture treatments. With every treatment, Julie helps me relax and release all my stress and anxiety with her acupuncture and maintains my energy balance with acupuncture. I highly recommend Julie Booker for acupuncture treatment.
I went to Stephanie for acupuncture treatment when I was experiencing migraine headaches. The treatment I received was very professional, they accepted my insurance plan, and I was amazed that the pain I was experiencing was dramatically reduced over several acupuncture treatments. I highly recommend Acupuncture Northwest & Associates.
We're 30 weeks into the pregnancy now and counting (weeks and blessings). It's all been fairly smooth sailing so far except for the fatigue. I hear you've been seeing my buddy Shari. Sounds like you've really done the trick for her headaches. You're just a little miracle worker!