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Acupuncture is a healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine by inserting very thin needles, through the skin, and into specific points on the body. Research and the medical community's views on the role of acupuncture are mixed. However, some evidence has shown that acupuncture is effective for headaches in people with chronic headaches.
1. The role of acupuncture in treating headaches and migraines
The principle of acupuncture is said to seek to restore the flow of positive energy throughout the body. At the same time, acupuncture also helps to remove the negative energy that is causing the body pain. From the point of view of modern medicine, acupuncture works by stimulating various systems of the body, which can trigger a cascade of healing responses.
The position where acupuncture needles are inserted into the pressure points is different, performed by an acupuncturist, depending on the patient's symptoms. Usually, these needle points are close to nerves in the body. The action of the needle will stimulate local nerve fibers to secrete various endogenous hormones, such as endorphins, which help reduce pain and make it more pleasant to deal with stress. At the same time, the stimulation of the immune and circulatory systems through the effects of acupuncture is also the basis for acupuncture to reduce chronic headaches in general.
2. Possible risks when performing acupuncture for headaches
Acupuncture itself has very few risks if performed by a licensed and experienced physician. However, sometimes patients may experience bruising, fatigue and soreness after the procedure, especially after the first time.
Besides, if acupuncture is performed with substandard or hygienic tools or equipment, it can cause very serious health risks. In particular, the acupuncture needles used are regulated and only used once.
Furthermore, acupuncture alone is unlikely to be sufficient to treat chronic headache conditions. Migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches that interfere with the patient's daily life should be considered for resolution with analgesics in combination with acupuncture therapy.
Châm cứu chữa đau đầu cần được thực hiện bởi bác sĩ giàu kinh nghiệm
3. General Guidelines for Acupuncture for Headaches
Before performing acupuncture, the patient hardly needs any special preparation. However, if this is the first time, the patient should actively learn about this therapy or consult a doctor about how acupuncture for headache treatment will be conducted. Talk to your doctor about your concerns or discomfort so you can feel calm at the start of the procedure.
A clinical study of acupuncture for headaches recommended twice-weekly treatment for two weeks, followed by one treatment per week for eight weeks, and maintenance treatment every other week thereafter. Some people will feel a pin prick during acupuncture treatment while others will feel nothing at all.
4. Other Alternative Treatments for Headaches
If you are interested in supplementing or supporting holistic pharmacological headache treatments, there are options beyond acupuncture.
Essential oils and exercise can help the body fight headaches. Lavender oil has been researched and found to be an effective and safe treatment for acute headaches. In addition, studies show that maintaining an aerobic exercise regimen can be a helpful option for dealing with chronic headaches. The principle of exercise can improve circulation, reduce stress and increase lung capacity. As a result, migraine sufferers are often encouraged to adopt an aerobic exercise routine as a way to combat the cause of these unpleasant symptoms.
Ngoài châm cứu chữa đau đầu, người bệnh có thể sử dụng phương pháp khác
5. When to see a specialist?
Acupuncture is not a complete substitute for the foundation of modern medicine. Furthermore, some headaches require immediate medical attention and people should not attempt to self-treat them with acupuncture. Accordingly, it is necessary to go to the emergency room immediately if you have both headaches and vision loss, dizziness or nausea.
Besides, if the headache occurs after a blow to the head, the headache gets worse, and the headache is unusually severe all could indicate that the person needs immediate medical attention. Sometimes headaches can be caused by underlying factors, such as spiked blood pressure or an allergic reaction, which needs a clear diagnosis and urgent appropriate treatment from the start.
In summary, in the treatment of headaches, the effectiveness of acupuncture can be achieved with the right practice method and compliance with the regulations and performed by the right doctor. However, acupuncture for headaches should not be abused in all situations. Accordingly, it is necessary to be alert to early recognition of an emergency headache with a dangerous cause in order to receive the right treatment from the beginning, to ensure the safety of the patient, and to limit the risks in the long run.
Traditional Medicine Unit - Vinmec International General Hospital was established based on the quintessence and inheritance of two traditional and modern medicine backgrounds in examination and treatment, with the aim of bringing the best options. choose the best for the customer. This is the bridge between traditional medicine and modern medicine. With traditional and natural medicinal methods, along with non-medicinal treatments such as nourishment, acupuncture, massage, acupressure, electro-acupuncture. The unit is also an appropriate address for customers to improve health, prevent and treat chronic diseases of the era.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - healthline.com
