Authors’ conclusions: The available results suggest that acupuncture is effective for treating frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches, but further trials – particularly comparing acupuncture with other treatment options – are needed.
Will acupuncture help tension headaches?
Acupuncture, one of the most important components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used to relieve tension-type headache [3, 8].
How many sessions of acupuncture do you need for tension headaches?
Practitioners typically claim that a short course of treatment, such as 12 sessions over a 3-month period, can have a long-term impact on the frequency and intensity of headache episodes.
How long does it take for acupuncture to work for headaches?
The acupuncture groups reported minor improvements in their headache frequency, 5 to 8 weeks after beginning treatment. By weeks 13 to 16, all acupuncture groups reported significant improvements compared to the fake acupuncture recipients.
How do you get rid of tension headaches fast?
Tips to Get Rid of a Headache
- Try a Cold Pack.
- Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress.
- Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head.
- Dim the Lights.
- Try Not to Chew.
- Hydrate.
- Get Some Caffeine.
- Practice Relaxation.
Where do you massage for a tension headache?
Massage Therapy to Ease Headaches and Tension
Using very firm pressure and a tiny circular motion, gradually move your fingers up along your hairline until they meet in the middle of your forehead, massaging your entire forehead and scalp as you inch along.
Where do acupuncture needles go for headaches?
Thin, sterile needles will be inserted into the skin at particular points to prevent or treat a migraine. Depending on the style of acupuncture and the training of the practitioner, the needles may be placed in the arms, legs, back or sometimes the head or face.
Does insurance pay for acupuncture?
Health Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture
Most private health insurance plans have covered acupuncture for years now. And in 2020, government-run insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid followed suit, adding acupuncture coverage to their list of benefits.
What are the side effects of acupuncture?
Possible Negative Acupuncture Side Effects
- Worse Symptoms. Although most people feel better after having acupuncture done, some do feel worse before they get better. …
- Fatigue. …
- Soreness. …
- Bruising. …
- Muscle Twitching. …
- Lightheadedness. …
- Emotional Release.
What is the acupuncture point on top of head?
Acupuncture Points Head
Location: At the top of the head, directly above the apex of the ears on the midline of the head. Uses: The Baihui (GV 20) pressure point is traditionally used as a treatment for headache, vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and nasal obstruction.
Is acupuncture good for anxiety and stress?
“Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural feel-good hormones and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol,” says Mathew Kulas, MA, RAc, an acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health System. Studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, with fewer side effects than medications.
How often should you get acupuncture for headaches?
Treatment takes about an hour, and patients are advised to undergo at least six sessions, usually once a week. The acupuncturist may also suggest dietary changes. For example: Caffeine can exacerbate migraine, and some acupuncturists believe it disrupts the flow of the body.
Does acupuncture work for stress?
Acupuncture points can help energy flow smoothly, and alleviate stress and anxiety altogether. It works to ease stress by releasing endorphins, which are natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain.
Why do I get constant tension headaches?
Many chronic tension headaches develop for no apparent reason. Working long hours bent over a computer may trigger them. Some people get tension headaches if they drink too much caffeine or alcohol, if they don’t drink enough water or if they go for a long time between meals and become tired and hungry.
What is the best muscle relaxer for tension headache?
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is an example of a muscle relaxant used to treat tension headaches.
What drink is good for tension headaches?
Keep reading to see 12 of the best drinks for headaches and migraine attacks.
- Decaffeinated coffee. While too much caffeine may trigger migraine attacks in some people, it can be challenging to give up your daily cup of coffee. …
- Green tea. …
- Feverfew tea. …
- Peppermint tea. …
- Ginger tea. …
- Green smoothies. …
- Water. …
- Fruit-infused water.