Many people experience migraines, and acupuncture is commonly used as part of their overall care.
Migraines cause recurring, often severe headaches that may come with nausea, light sensitivity or visual changes.
Migraine is one of the most common neurological conditions in the country.
Source: Deloitte Access Economics, 2018
Hormonal factors contribute to the higher prevalence in women.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020
It often affects work, concentration and day-to-day functioning.
Source: Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019
The Acupuncture Evidence Project reports evidence for acupuncture across several headache types, including migraine and tension-type headaches. These findings come from a range of clinical trials and reviews.
Research has also explored how acupuncture may influence pain pathways, stress responses and muscle tension, which are all factors that can play a role in migraine for some people.
Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause recurrent episodes of moderate to severe head pain. Many people describe throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head, along with symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. These episodes can impact work, sleep and daily activities.
Migraine involves changes in how the brain processes sensory information. Some people experience warning signs before an episode, known as an aura. These may include visual changes, tingling sensations or difficulty concentrating. Attacks may last from several hours to multiple days.
Migraine affects millions of Australians and is a leading cause of lost productivity. It appears most often in adults under 50, but children and older adults can also experience it. Research shows a higher prevalence in women, often linked to hormonal patterns.
Migraines can interrupt work, driving, childcare and social plans. Many people feel the need to rest in a dark, quiet room. When attacks occur frequently, they may reduce quality of life and lead to stress or sleep issues.
Medical care for migraine may include medications designed to address symptoms or prevent frequent episodes. Doctors may also suggest keeping a headache diary, adjusting lifestyle triggers, and exploring supportive therapies.
People often look for complementary approaches, including acupuncture, to use alongside their usual care.
Acupuncture is commonly used for different types of headaches, including migraine. Sessions may help support the body’s natural processes by encouraging relaxation and easing muscle tension. Many people find this calming during periods of heightened stress or sensory overload.
Some individuals also explore Chinese medicine or herbal medicine as part of a broader approach to their wellbeing.
In Chinese medicine, migraine may relate to patterns such as Liver Qi constraint, internal wind, or imbalances between the body’s functional systems. These patterns are assessed through tongue and pulse findings and by looking at triggers like stress, diet or fatigue.
A treatment plan may focus on calming the nervous system, supporting circulation and easing tension in the neck and shoulders. Approaches vary based on each person’s presentation.
You can read more about the wider system of care on my page about Chinese medicine.
The Acupuncture Evidence Project (2017) reviewed research on acupuncture for headache conditions, including migraine. It reported evidence for acupuncture as a treatment used in clinical practice, based on multiple randomised trials.
A 2016 Cochrane review on acupuncture for migraine prevention found acupuncture was associated with improvements in headache frequency compared with usual care alone. AHPRA rules require me to state that results vary and not all studies focus on every migraine type.
Other research has looked at acupuncture’s potential influence on neurological and pain-modulation pathways, which may be relevant to migraine and tension-related symptoms.
During your consultation, we’ll go through your symptoms, medical history and any patterns you’ve noticed. If acupuncture is suitable, I’ll place fine, single-use needles at points chosen for your presentation.
In some cases, cupping or electroacupuncture may be included. We may also discuss herbs when appropriate. Each session focuses on gentle needling and understanding your individual triggers and patterns.
Depending on your presentation, your treatment plan may include:
Not all of these are used in every session. The approach is based on what seems most suitable for your symptoms.
Many people benefit from keeping a diary to track triggers such as sleep changes, hormonal shifts, bright lights or particular foods. Gentle stretching for the upper back and neck may help reduce tension between episodes.
Some people find regular mealtimes, hydration and steady sleep routines helpful. Quiet breathing exercises or time away from screens can also reduce sensory overload during busy days.
If you’d like to explore acupuncture as part of your care, you’re welcome to get in touch with my Hervey Bay clinic.
Or call the clinic on 07 4317 4349 if you’d prefer to speak to someone.
The clinic is located in the arcade between the 50’s Diner and the Thai Diamond Restaurant on the Esplanade in Scarness.