Not all headaches are the same

Headaches are something most of us experience at some point, but for some, they become a regular part of life, or even a chronic issue. Whether it’s a simple headache or a more debilitating migraine, frequent headaches can severely impact daily activities. The question is, why do some people experience them regularly, while others don’t? And more importantly, what can be done about it?

The impact of chronic headaches

Chronic headaches are the most common reason people seek acupuncture treatment at 8Branches Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine. On one hand, this is promising because acupuncture and herbal remedies are highly effective in treating headaches. On the other, it means many people have been suffering for a long time before finding relief. Acupuncture is often seen as a "last resort" when other treatments have failed to offer lasting relief.

What causes headaches?

In traditional Chinese medicine, the causes of headaches are varied and personalised –there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. To understand the root cause of your headache, your practitioner will ask specific questions. It’s not just about determining whether you have a migraine or tension headache; it’s more about pinpointing where the pain occurs. Is it around your temples, above your ears, or across your forehead? Does it get better with rest or activity? How long does it last, and what does it feel like – sharp, dull, throbbing, or moving? These are all important clues in identifying the cause and formulating the right treatment plan.

Contributing factors

1. Constitutional factors: If headaches began before age 12, your practitioner may consider the general health of your parents during conception and your mother’s health during pregnancy. This helps guide acupuncture points and herbal treatment.

2. Emotional triggers: Stress is an obvious trigger, but emotions like worry, fear, anger, grief, and even self-worth issues can also cause headaches. The type of emotional stress you’re experiencing can determine which acupuncture points or herbs are needed.

3. Dietary factors: Certain foods can trigger headaches, such as food sensitivities, or even eating too late at night, or too quickly. Overeating hot, cold, or damp foods can also play a role. Each person’s triggers are different, and dietary habits are carefully considered in your treatment plan.

4. Lifestyle factors: A demanding work schedule without enough rest, poor sleep habits, and even previous trauma (like an accident or fall) can contribute to headaches. Sometimes a minor incident that was never linked to your headaches could actually be the root cause.

5. Hormonal factors: For women, hormonal changes can have a significant impact, especially after childbirth or with frequent pregnancies. These hormonal shifts, including blood loss and changes in hormone levels, are carefully considered when creating a treatment plan.

   
   

A holistic approach to treatment

In Chinese medicine, it’s common for headaches to be caused by a combination of factors. This holistic approach looks at the whole person, not just the symptoms. Acupuncture and herbal remedies work to address all aspects of your health, helping to restore balance and alleviate the pain caused by chronic headaches.

Additional resources

For more information, the British Acupuncture Council has produced a video on acupuncture for migraines, which you can watch here: Acupuncture and Migraine.

Additionally, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends up to 10 acupuncture sessions for unresolved chronic tension headaches. You can read more about this recommendation on their website: NICE HeadacheManagement.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need advice – I'm always happy to help!