Headaches and Acupuncture: Types, Triggers and Treatment
Tension headaches vs migraines, how TCM views headache patterns, what research says about acupuncture, and emergency warning signs.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
Reviewed byTabasom (Tabi) Mirshahi, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.
Headaches and Acupuncture: Types, Triggers and Treatment
Tension headaches feel like a band of pressure, while migraines are usually throbbing, one-sided and often come with nausea or light sensitivity. Cochrane reviews suggest acupuncture may reduce how often both types occur for some people. It's usually given as a course of weekly sessions alongside your doctor's care. Some headaches are medical emergencies.
Tension headaches vs migraines
| Tension-type headache | Migraine | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Pressing, band-like, both sides | Throbbing, often one side |
| Intensity | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| Other symptoms | Tight neck and shoulders | Nausea, light and sound sensitivity, sometimes aura |
| Common triggers | Stress, posture, poor sleep | Hormones, sleep changes, certain foods, stress |
How does TCM view headaches?
TCM classifies headaches by location and character to identify the pattern:
- Temples and sides: linked to the Gallbladder channel, often with stress.
- Forehead: linked to the Stomach channel and digestion.
- Back of the head and neck: linked to the Bladder channel, and to wind and cold.
- Throbbing, with irritability: often described as rising Liver yang.
- Dull, with tiredness: often linked to deficiency.
Points are chosen for your pattern, on the head, neck, hands and feet.
What does research say?
Cochrane systematic reviews have concluded that acupuncture may reduce the frequency of migraine and of tension-type headaches for some people, and that it compares reasonably with some preventive options. Acupuncture doesn't make headaches go away for good. It's typically offered as a course to reduce how often headaches happen.
What does a course look like?
Research courses often involve weekly sessions over several weeks. A practitioner reviews headache frequency with you along the way. Keeping a simple headache diary helps you both see the trend. See How Many Acupuncture Sessions Will You Need?
What else helps?
- Neck and shoulder tension work: TuiNa & DDS Acupressure Massage is bookable now. See Neck and Shoulder Tension from Desk Work.
- Relaxation: Reiki with gentle massage or Relaxation Massage.
- Regular sleep, meals and water, and noting your triggers.
- Your doctor's plan, including any medication. Don't stop medication without talking to them.
Emergency and warning signs
Call 911 for a sudden, severe "worst ever" headache; headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, trouble speaking or vision loss; or headache with fever and a stiff neck.
See a doctor for new headaches after age 50, headaches that are changing or getting worse, headaches after a head injury, or headaches that wake you from sleep. More on our headaches and migraines page.
Acupuncture at Flourish
Acupuncture is performed by a registered acupuncturist and is currently on the waitlist. TuiNa & DDS and relaxation services are bookable at our Yaletown clinic, easy to reach from South Granville and Fairview.
Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture stop a migraine in progress?
It's mainly studied for reducing how often migraines happen, not for stopping an attack.
How many sessions for headaches?
Often weekly over several weeks, reviewed with a headache diary.
Should I stop my medication?
No. Keep following your doctor's advice.
Can neck massage help headaches?
Many people with tension headaches find neck and shoulder work relaxing.
Can I book acupuncture now?
It's on a waitlist; TuiNa & DDS is bookable.
Sources
- Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- NHS — Headaches (nhs.uk)
- NHS — Migraine (nhs.uk)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
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