Headaches and migraines can range from a dull band of tension to throbbing, one-sided pain with nausea and sensitivity to light. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the headache sits and how it feels point to different imbalances, so two people with the same diagnosis may need quite different treatment. Finding your pattern helps us address what is triggering the headaches.
Most people with headaches or migraines fit mainly into one of these patterns. Which one sounds most like you?
Headache and Migraines: Throbbing or pounding pain at the temples, sides of the head or behind the eyes, triggered by stress or anger.
Headache and Migraines: Tight, pressing or band-like pain, often spreading from the neck and shoulders, worse with stress and tension.
Headache and Migraines: Dull, heavy headache, often at the forehead, as if the head is wrapped up, worse after rich food or in damp weather.
Headache and Migraines: Dull, empty ache, often at the top of the head, worse when tired, after exertion or at the end of a period.
Headache and Migraines: Sharp, stabbing, fixed headache in one spot, long-standing or following a head injury, often worse at night.
Not sure which one fits? That’s normal – many people have a mix. At your first consultation we look at your tongue, take your pulse and ask detailed questions to confirm your pattern.
Your treatment plan follows your pattern – the same condition can need quite different treatment.
Calming acupuncture to settle the Liver and bring energy down from the head, often with herbs to clear heat. Many patients notice migraines becoming less frequent or less intense over the first few weeks.
Acupuncture to move Liver Qi and release neck and shoulder tension, often with cupping on the upper back. Many patients feel lighter and more relaxed after sessions, with headaches spacing out over time.
Acupuncture to strengthen digestion and transform phlegm and damp, with herbs and simple diet changes. Many patients notice a clearer head and better energy as digestion improves.
Gentle tonifying acupuncture with moxibustion to build Qi and Blood, supported by a nourishing herbal prescription. Energy usually improves first, followed by fewer and milder headaches.
Acupuncture, sometimes with electro-acupuncture, to move Blood and unblock the channels of the head, often with herbs to improve circulation. Long-standing headaches tend to ease gradually over several weeks.
For headaches and migraines, many patients notice fewer or milder attacks within the first 2–3 weeks, with more stable results around 2 months.
Most patients start to notice a change within the first two to three weeks of regular treatment.
Improvements become more consistent. If treatment stops as soon as you feel better, the body hasn’t settled yet and symptoms can slip back to where they started.
Continuing a little longer after you improve lets the new balance hold. Stopping at this point, symptoms are much less likely to return.
We space sessions out and finish. You won’t need to rely on treatment forever.
Every case is different: some conditions are stable within 1–2 months, longer-standing ones can take up to around 6 months. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at your first consultation.
I had acupuncture and cupping with Emma, and she truly worked wonders on my back and neck. I came in barely able to turn my head, and now I feel so much better relaxed, pain-free, and mobile again. I’d had a bad experience elsewhere before, but Emma completely turned things around. Highly recommend!
I am very satisfied with the herbal remedies for perimenopause. I don't have hot flashes after the medication. And electric acupuncture soothes my plantar fascists on both feet. The capsules for bowel movement are working very well.
The staff specially Yao meng did an excellent job. In addition she is very kind and explain to the patients what to expect. Thank you very much.
I highly recommend Acupro. They are very professional and take the time to tailor your treatment for you.
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