Acupuncture for Migraine Headaches
A migraine is a specific type of headache that can cause severe pain. Sufferers typically report a pulsing or pounding pain, often in one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells are common symptoms.
Acupuncture Relief
Food cravings, mood swings, and other physical or psychological symptoms can occur during the prodrome period, typically one or two days before a migraine begins. An hour or so before the headache, some people experience what is known as an aura, which is a period of perceptual disturbances such as blind spots, flashes of light, or tingling in the extremities. The aura typically lasts for 20 to 60 minutes. Once the headache sets in, it can last for days, leading the sufferer to seek relief by lying down in a dark, quiet place. In the aftermath of a migraine, during the postdrome period, many people report feeling drained and washed out.
Acupuncture relief from migraines
Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture treatment can help relieve migraine headaches without introducing harsh chemicals into the body. It can also enhance the effectiveness of standard Western therapies. In fact, over the course of a three-month study, migraine sufferers who received both acupuncture and traditional treatments were 25% less likely to require the attention of a physician than those receiving traditional treatments alone.
What should I do before my appointment?
Before your first visit, write down the following information:
1) Any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing, even if they seem unrelated to your migraines
2) Key personal information, including major stressors and/or any recent life changes
3) A list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking
To find out how we can bring you relief from your migraines, give us a call at 310-927-2792 to schedule an appointment at any of our Los Angeles locations.
Acupuncture for Stress – Calming the Mind
Although stress itself may be unavoidable, it is possible to dramatically lessen the impact of stress on our lives and our personal health. A key feature of the Eastern approach to wellness is its renowned ability to deflect and counter stress that might otherwise lead to illness, insomnia, anxiety, or an inability to productively focus on tasks.
At Thumos Health Center we help patients break the grip of stress on the body and mind, allowing you to experience better sleep, less anxiety, and better overall focus. Our array of time-tested acupuncture and herbal remedies have helped countless generations cope with the stresses of daily life.
Depression
A variety of recent studies have shown that acupuncture can be a valuable tool in treating depression. In fact one study pitted acupuncture against Prozac, one of the most popular antidepressant drugs on the market today, and found that acupuncture was just as effective. These results have encouraged many Western practitioners to embrace the treatment as a viable option.
One of the major advantages that acupuncture offers is the lack of side effects. Many people go through a “yo-yo” series of drug therapies, often for years, staying on medication until they feel better, quitting due to the side effects, and then going back on medication when the depression returns. With no side effects, acupuncture provides a safe and reliable alternative.
Herbal preparations can also help ease depression. One of the most popular is St. John’s wort, which has been used around the world for centuries. Of course, herbal remedies, like Western medications, can interact with other drugs in various ways. It is important not to mix remedies without the approval of your physician.
We work with Western doctors and psychologists to create a complete and fully integrated approach to depression treatment. In many cases, a holistic treatment plan that combines both Eastern and Western practices is the best solution.
Anxiety
Acupuncture’s remarkable ability to ease stress and clear the mind makes it an excellent remedy for anxiety. Unlike traditional Western treatments, which require patients to attack the anxiety a little bit at a time or go through a period of testing and tweaking medication dosages, acupuncture also provides immediate relief. A single session can provide an instant calming effect, while multiple treatments continue and enhance the benefits.
One of the most challenging aspects of treating anxiety is the fact that people with anxiety tend to develop a fear of fear itself. You might worry about having a panic attack, and become increasingly anxious about having one in an unsafe or unfamiliar place. Acupuncture helps to rebalance the brain’s chemicals, dramatically reducing the biochemical response to this fear and helping you put this fear into perspective.
Herbal remedies can also play a role in treating anxiety. For centuries, Eastern medicine has recognized the power of herbs to calm and relax the body and mind. We will work with your Western physician to develop an integrative plan that embraces a variety of treatments to help you overcome your anxiety.
Located in Pacific Palisades, with satellite clinics in Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, and Beverly Hills, Thumos Health Center offers patients exceptional personalized care. If you are ready to take the first steps toward a more integrative approach to your health care, we invite you to phone (323) 372-5150 to schedule an appointment at any of our Los Angeles locations. Our highly knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have.