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The symptoms of migraine are usually severe headaches that often, but not always, affect one side of the head.  It is often felt as pressure behind the eyes, and may be accompanied by nausea, sickness or diarrhoea, and a feeling of exhaustion. Some people also experience visual disturbances - flashing lights or black spots - that start before the headache.  During a migraine, many sufferers cannot tolerate light, sound or physical exertion and seek relief by lying down in a quiet dark room.

Attacks can last for up to 72 hours and can be debilitating.

Migraine affects around 6 per cent of men and 18 per cent of women.

In women who suffer from migraine, hormone changes may also be involved. In some women, migraine occur a few days before, during, and immediately after a period. About 70% of women who have migraine can relate their migraine headaches to their menstrual period.

Some people find that their migraines are triggered by something, such as stress, or certain foods or drinks.  Unfortunately, avoiding triggers may not prevent migraine, as they are often caused by a combination of factors.

How Acupuncture Can Help With Migraine?

In Chinese medicine the balance of Yin and Yang energies within the body are very important. 

Yang energy provides us with warmth and the energy to be active, while Yin is important in keeping us calm and relaxed and enabling us to rest.  Yin acts as an anchor to Yang.

Migraines are generally the result of an imbalance in the Yin and Yang of the body.  The Yin can become depleted and this causes an excess of Yang, which rises up to the head causing the unpleasant symptoms of migraine.

Acupuncture can help by inducing a feeling of calm and relaxation and reducing stress: subduing the Yang and boosting the Yin.

Depending on the reason for the imbalance of Yin and Yang, advice may be given, such as reducing the intake of alcohol, caffeine and cigarette smoking, eating a balanced diet, eating regularly and exercising more (or in some cases, less!)

Acupuncture works by stimulating points to smooth the course of the energy along the channels or meridians and balance the Yin and Yang energies.  Often it can make a huge difference to the patient's quality of life.

Normally treatment will be once a week, unless the migraines are particularly debilitating, in which case more frequent treatment may be necessary until the severity and frequency of the migraines decrease.