Migraine Headaches and Oriental Medicine
by Dr. Dennis Kinnane, OMD LAc,RPh 

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a tremendous role to play in the relief of symptoms associated with headaches of all sorts but most definitely with migraine. Not only can acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine relieve symptoms, but because of the nature of the diagnosis and treatment of disease within the ancient Chinese system, I have seen actual cures take place wherein the patient, with regular treatment over a period of time experiences fewer and less severe headaches to the point where they are essentially gone. 

The reason for this as I mentioned is that the diagnostics of Chinese medicine allow the practitioner to actually ascertain the underlying systemic condition or “disharmony” which is at the root of the recurring cycle of headaches and by intervening to both alleviate the immediate symptoms, (i.e. the headaches), and at the same time treat the underlying cause, the patient will usually experience significant immediate relief followed by gradual significant reduction in the frequency, severity and duration of the headaches. Along with this improvement, most of the time the patient will experience positive “side effects” such as improved energy, lessened tension and anxiety, improved digestion, improved sleep, weight loss, and even very likely improvement of other nagging problems such as PMS, irritability, relief of neck and shoulder pain, improved flexibility and range of motion, relief from dizziness and/or hypertension…to name a few. 

This happens because in the ancient Chinese system of medicine they recognize that health is maintained by the complex but understandable interaction and cooperation between the major internal organs, liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs and heart and the external body. So any “external” problem such as pain in the head is most often a manifestation of disharmony in the internal organs. This is exactly how “stress” felt internally acts to create “external” headache pain. 

Also, the Chinese tell us that dis-ease does not afflict the strong body. The well rested and well nourished person has many fewer problems than those who are fatigued and poorly nourished. That is why diet, sleep, relationships, work and exercise, or as we call them “lifestyle issues”, are critical facets that need to be evaluated along with the symptoms of pain to determine the underlying cause. 

I repeat, by addressing this underlying or “root” problem within the individual experiencing migraines, it is very possible to rid the patient of their headaches permanently. 

Tired of taking more and more potentially toxic medications for migraines in a never ending merry-go-round of pain and side effects? Try acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and lose your migraines and regain new health!