Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines in Hackney, London
A Cochrane review found that a course of at least six acupuncture sessions can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. In fact, acupuncture was shown to be at least as effective as some preventative migraine medications, but with fewer side effects. PubMed+1
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In addition to reducing the number of migraine days, acupuncture may help lower pain severity and decrease reliance on acute medication. Cochrane Library It may also provide longer-term benefits: some studies report sustained reductions in migraine frequency for weeks or months after treatment ends. Please click below for the full study
How can acupuncture help headaches and migraines
Acupuncture can be a highly effective and safe way to manage both headaches and migraines by working on multiple levels, physically, neurologically, and energetically.
According to the British Acupuncture Council, research shows that acupuncture is a well-supported option for treating both tension-type headaches and migraines. BAcC
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), headache and migraine pain often arise when the flow of qi (energy) is disrupted or blocked. By placing very fine needles at carefully chosen acupuncture points, the treatment helps restore balance and promote the smooth flow of energy, which reduces discomfort and prevents further attacks.
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From a modern medical standpoint, acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, encouraging the release of the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals — such as endorphins — and helping to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a role in migraine. The Migraine Trust+1
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Importantly, acupuncture is also considered cost-effective under UK guidelines. NICE (the UK’s health authority) recommends a course of up to 10 weekly sessions over 5–8 weeks for tension-type headaches and migraines when traditional medications are unsuitable or ineffective. medical-acupuncture.co.uk+1
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At Clark James Acupuncture in Hackney, I use a 5 Element Integrated Acupuncture approach, drawing on Five Element theory, TCM, and channel theory to create a personalised treatment.
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If you would like to try acupuncture for your headaches or migraines, book a session today at Clark James Acupuncture in Dalston, Hackney.
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