Migraines are much more than mere maladies; they can be disabling. For a lot of us in Cambridge, migraine attacks can mean excruciating pain, the inability to tolerate light and noise, nausea and hours (sometimes days) of disruption to everyday life. Medication is commonly the first response, but an increasing number of people are seeking natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. Acupuncture is one of the more popular choices being brought to the forefront as a possible alternative. We have indeed found that acupuncture can be part of the solution to managing symptoms for many migraine sufferers at Grandview Physiotherapy.

Understanding Migraines

Migraines involve the nervous system and blood vessels in the brain. The triggers can be numerous — stress, hormonal fluctuations, diet, poor sleep, and sometimes the weather, among others. Whereas tension headache isn’t, it is something that may require long-term treatment, as opposed to just a one-time relief from its symptoms.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of skinny, sterile needles into specific points on the body. They believe these affect the flow of energy (Qi) and help the body heal itself. From a current medical standpoint, acupuncture is believed to prompt the release of endorphins while also enhancing circulation and combating inflammation — all potential pathways to easing migraines.

How Acupuncture May Help with Migraines

Pain Relief: There’s evidence that acupuncture can at least reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. By stimulating specific pressure points, acupuncture can soothe overactive nerve membranes and release natural pain-killing compounds in the body.

Stress Reduction: Stress is one of the most well-reported and maybe not-surprising migraine triggers out there. Acupuncture can help induce relaxation, balance the nervous system and suppress stress hormones — all of which can prevent migraines before they start.

Improved Sleep: Prolonged, poor-quality, and irregular sleep generally exacerbates migraines. Acupuncture has a positive effect on the quality of sleep, a common trigger for migraines.

Fewer Side Effects than Medication: Medications work for many people, but can produce unsavoury side effects such as grogginess, upset stomach, or rebound headaches. Acupuncture, of course, is a natural treatment that carries minimal risk (when performed by a licensed professional).

What Cambridge Patients Should Expect

If you are thinking about trying acupuncture for migraines, here is what usually happens when you go to your first appointment at Grandview Physio:

Evaluation: Your provider will review your history of migraines, including your medical and physical exam, lifestyle habits, and triggers.

Treatment: Hair-thin, sterile needles are lightly inserted into specified points. Most patients will experience minimal discomfort.

Time: Treatments are typically 30–45 minutes long, and you may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

Follow-up: Typically, a few weeks are required for improvement, but long-term care may involve more frequent visits.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture is not a cure for migraines, but it has also proven to be a practical component in an overall treatment plan. For Cambridge sufferers from nature, non-poisonous relief for them may help to lessen the number of times that they get attacks and improve their overall quality of life.

Grandview Physiotherapy: A Space Built for Your Wellbeing

Our registered acupuncturists are skilled in treating you to your comfort level. Whether chronic migraines have plagued you or you are trying to find adjunctive care with other therapies, we’re here to help.

Take the Next Step

If migraines are causing your days to be disrupted, don’t wait. Please schedule a consultation with Grandview Physiotherapy in Cambridge and let us show you how acupuncture can provide long-term relief.