Headaches are the main reason that people are unable to stabilize themselves. In this fast moving world we forget to take care of ourselves. We are so busy with materialistic things that we stress ourselves and then we suffer from unbearable headaches. And when we reach the peak of the headache we are taking the overdose of painkillers which are harmful for us. We don’t even realize how harmful it would be to our organs, especially to our liver.
Headaches are mainly of two types the first one is migraine and the other one is occipital headache.
The main reasons for migraine are:
Stress
Anxiety
Hormones
Not enough or too much sleep
Caffeine
Smoking
Medications
Certain light, smell and noises
Weather
Specific food and drinks
And the main reasons for occipital headaches are:
Some injuries in back of the head
Injury to neck
Muscle spasm
Arthirtis of cervical spine
Now the question is can we get relief from these headaches? The answer is yes!!!
But how?
Acupuncture!!
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicinal component where thin needles are being inserted into the body. It is believed that they inserted the needles in a certain part of the body to improve the flow of blocked or stagnant. This will restore the flow of qi and improve health.
How Acupuncture helps in migraines and occipital headaches?
Pressure points in the suboccipital muscles that can cause headaches and neck pain which can extend towards the eye and forehead. These pressure points are mainly activated by poor posture or muscle overload. By using acupuncture or what we call dry needling to release these pressure points, one can lessen the symptoms of occipital neuralgia if it is due to muscle tightness pressing on the affected nerve.
The needles are being inserted into specific points in the suboccipital region to stimulate the muscles and nerves. This helps in relaxing the muscles and improving blood flow, which in turn reduces pain and improves the range of motion in the neck and head.
Acupuncture is believed to help with migraines and occipital headaches through several mechanisms:
Pain Modulation: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. This can help reduce the intensity of migraine and occipital headache pain.
Muscle Relaxation: Acupuncture may help relax tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, which are common contributors to occipital headaches. By promoting muscle relaxation, acupuncture can alleviate tension and reduce headache frequency and severity.
Improved Blood Circulation: Acupuncture has been shown to enhance blood circulation. Improved blood flow can help alleviate migraines by ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrients reach the brain, reducing the likelihood of headache triggers.
“While acupuncture may provide symptomatic relief for some individuals with arthritis, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It’s essential to consult with a qualified acupuncturist and integrate acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs”.