acupunctureTo understand how acupuncture can help relieve headaches and migraines, you must have a general understanding of how acupuncture works.  Overall, acupuncture helps to relieve symptoms and signs of many health problems.  It can also uncover the underlying root cause or causes of those symptoms.

 

The Basics:  Understanding Qi

Qi energy flows through your body by using channels, known as Meridians.  Your body’s Qi flows through these Meridians as an invisible current, energizing, nourishing and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland.

When Qi is balanced and flowing freely, the body’s natural self-healing abilities are activated, enabling internal stability and harmony to occur.  Stress of daily life can affect the quality and flow of Qi.  This best way to understand this is to use an analogy of a watering hose nourishing a plant.  If the watering hose is blocked or crimped, the plant will not receive the nourishment it needs and it will not longer thrive and grow.

If your body’s Qi is blocked your body will be missing what it needs to be energized and nourished and in the end be unable to thrive and grow.  Over time, your body will become weakened and unbalanced making it even more susceptible to pain, disease, stress, anxiety and poor health.

Now that you have a base understanding of acupuncture, let’s dive in deeper into how acupuncture relates to headaches…

Headaches:  What are they and how are they defined…

There are two categories of headaches – Primary Headaches and Secondary Headaches.

Primary Headache:  This is a clinical condition and not a symptom of another disorder.  Headaches in this category include:

  • tension headaches
  • migraines
  • cluster headaches

Secondary Headache:  This type of pain is caused by other medical conditions like sinus issues, allergies, dental problems, head injury or brain tumors.

When Is Acupuncture Used?

Acupuncture is most often used as an effective treatment of primary headaches caused by stress, tension and migraines.

What is Acupuncture Treatment for Headaches Like?

There are several acupuncture points located around the body to treat headaches.  Some of those areas where the very thin needles are inserted are located along your arms, legs, shoulders and even your big toe.

Your acupuncturist will insert needles in these various areas of your body.  Depending on your pain and the type of pain you are experiencing, you acupuncturist will place needles of different sizes in the acupuncture points just listed to start unblocking the flow of Qi.  Depending on your needs, the needles will stay in place from 5 to 30 minutes per session.

Although many people associate needles with pain, acupuncture needles are very different.  Believe it or not, you will begin to feel relaxed and many people often fall asleep when experiencing acupuncture treatment.

Remember, acupuncture is safe, natural, drug-free and effective. It is the perfect way to get well and stay healthy!

Dr. Marie PerkinsAbout Dr. Marie Perkins
Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.

Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993.

Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004.

Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.

“Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!,” Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.

East West Healing Solutions is located at:

34876 US Highway 19 N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Phone: 727-216-3972
Fax: 727-216-3982

Email: drmarie@eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3

Web: eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3