According to the Center for Disease Control ,15.3% of people over the age of 18 years old in the United States report having a migraine within the previous 3 months. They are considered one of the main reasons for disability worldwide. Migraines are a neurological disease with symptoms which include: debilitating throbbing headaches, nausea, visual effects like aura, sensitivity to light and/or sound, and vomiting (Mayo Clinic). Some people have episodic headaches which means they experience them less than 15 days a month. Chronic sufferers unfortunately experience more than 15 days of headaches a month.
This condition can be isolating and often misunderstood by others largely due to the fact that outwardly the person with the migraine appears healthy and the symptoms are not visible to others. The triggers that cause migraines vary from person to person and it can be hard to pinpoint what they might be. (For more detailed information on common triggers, follow this link to the American Migraine Foundation.)
From a Chinese medical perspective migraine disorders usually involve treatment of the Liver and Spleen meridians. When the Liver Yang is overactive, or the Liver Yin is to deficient to subdue the Yang, it rises to the head, obstructing and interfering with the sensory orifices. This is what causes the sensitivity of light and sound as well as the visual aura and pain in the head. The Liver Yang also overacts on the Stomach and Spleen, causing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Treatment focuses on reducing the Liver Yang, nourishing the Liver Yin, and supporting the function of the Spleen and Stomach. In addition, lifestyle recommendations can be made to the client to help identify triggers and support the prevention of attacks.
There is no cure for migraines but acupuncture is an effective help to reduce the number of episodes and improve the quality of life for the individual.
This condition can be isolating and often misunderstood by others largely due to the fact that outwardly the person with the migraine appears healthy and the symptoms are not visible to others. The triggers that cause migraines vary from person to person and it can be hard to pinpoint what they might be. (For more detailed information on common triggers, follow this link to the American Migraine Foundation.)
From a Chinese medical perspective migraine disorders usually involve treatment of the Liver and Spleen meridians. When the Liver Yang is overactive, or the Liver Yin is to deficient to subdue the Yang, it rises to the head, obstructing and interfering with the sensory orifices. This is what causes the sensitivity of light and sound as well as the visual aura and pain in the head. The Liver Yang also overacts on the Stomach and Spleen, causing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Treatment focuses on reducing the Liver Yang, nourishing the Liver Yin, and supporting the function of the Spleen and Stomach. In addition, lifestyle recommendations can be made to the client to help identify triggers and support the prevention of attacks.
There is no cure for migraines but acupuncture is an effective help to reduce the number of episodes and improve the quality of life for the individual.
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