Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines can make it difficult for you to complete your daily routines with ease. Finding relief becomes a top priority, and is possible through the care of Dr. Shangyou Zhong, at Sunyo Acupuncture Center in San Juan Capistrano and Santa Monica, California. Schedule a visit today to explore treatment options in more detail. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today. 

What is the difference between headaches and migraines?

Many people believe that a migraine is simply a very intense headache, but in reality, it is a collection of neurological symptoms, one of which is head pain. Migraines are often accompanied by other unusual sensations, including the following:

• Neck stiffness
• Seeing bright spots or flashes of light
• Sensation of weakness or numbness in the face or in one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking
• Vision loss
• Sensation of pins and needles
• Sensitivity to sound, light, or even touch

There are several types of headaches. They all share the symptom of significant head pain, but the location and exact experience of that pain can differ between various headache types. 

Is acupuncture an effective treatment option for headaches and migraines?

Many people who experience headaches and migraines search for effective treatment options for years without finding the right fit. Medication can be helpful in some cases, but it carries a risk of side effects. Some medications also bring a high risk of addiction, which can lead to a whole new set of problems. 

Acupuncture offers a pain relief solution that does not rely on any form of drug therapy. The Western approach toward acupuncture holds that it works by triggering the neural pathways that transmit pain signals to your brain. The traditional Eastern belief is that acupuncture works to release blocked or trapped energy along one or more of the body’s 12 meridians.  

Why choose acupuncture and holistic medicine to treat headaches and migraines?

There have always been people who prefer to rely on traditional medicine techniques to address current health and wellness issues. Some feel strongly that the wisdom of hundreds of generations has a great deal to offer. Others assert that modern Western medicine relies too heavily on masking pain and other symptoms without addressing the root cause of pain and dysfunction. 

Not everyone is a good candidate for drug therapy, and a growing number of people want to avoid any risk of becoming dependent on medications for pain relief. Acupuncture offers the chance to try a different approach, one that carries a very low risk of side effects. 

In addition to acupuncture, Sunyo Acupuncture Center offers other therapeutic options, including Chinese herbal medicine, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling, all of which can help improve headaches and migraines. To get started, schedule a one-on-one consultation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.