Headaches, including migraines and tension headaches, can significantly impact daily life, reducing productivity and quality of life. Many individuals seek relief through medications, but alternative therapies like acupuncture and dry needling have gained attention due to their effectiveness in managing headache symptoms. These treatments, backed by clinical research, offer non-pharmacological solutions to individuals suffering from chronic headaches.
Acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional medicine but now widely studied in modern clinical settings, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to modulate pain and inflammation. Research suggests that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for reducing the frequency and severity of migraines and tension-type headaches.
Research suggests that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for reducing the frequency and severity of migraines and tension-type headaches. A meta-analysis by Vickers et al. (2018) found that acupuncture provided significant pain relief for migraine sufferers, with long-term effects that were superior to conventional care. Similarly, a Cochrane review concluded that acupuncture reduced the frequency of episodic migraines compared to routine medical care (Linde et al., 2016). These studies highlight acupuncture’s potential as a viable alternative for headache management without the side effects associated with medication.
Dry needling, a technique that targets myofascial trigger points in muscles, is gaining recognition for its role in headache relief. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomical principles and focuses on releasing muscular tension and improving blood flow to affected areas.
A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling reduced headache intensity and frequency in patients with tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches (Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al., 2017). Another systematic review indicated that dry needling could significantly decrease myofascial pain, which is often a contributing factor in chronic headaches (Kietrys et al., 2013).
Both acupuncture and dry needling are thought to reduce headache symptoms by:
Research has also indicated that acupuncture can influence the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, which play a crucial role in pain modulation (Zhao, 2008). This neurophysiological effect may explain why patients experience prolonged relief after treatment.
For those experiencing frequent headaches or migraines, integrating acupuncture or dry needling into a comprehensive treatment plan may provide significant relief. The American Migraine Foundation recognizes acupuncture as a beneficial treatment for migraines, particularly for patients seeking drug-free options (American Migraine Foundation, 2020).
If you are on the Upper West Side, New York City, NY, and struggling with chronic headaches, our clinic offers evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling treatments tailored to your needs. We provide a holistic yet scientifically grounded approach to headache management.
Don’t let headaches control your life. Schedule a consultation at our Williamsburg, New York City, NY clinic and explore how acupuncture and dry needling can help alleviate your symptoms. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step toward long-lasting headache relief.
Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., … & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–474. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198932/
Linde, K., Allais, G., Brinkhaus, B., Manheimer, E., Vickers, A., & White, A. R. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(6), CD001218. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27351677/
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Cleland, J. A., & Huijbregts, P. (2017). Dry needling for the management of myofascial trigger points associated with cervicogenic headaches: A systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(1), 48–59. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27834764/
Kietrys, D. M., Palombaro, K. M., Azzaretto, E., Hubler, R., Schaller, B., Schlussel, J. M., & Tucker, M. (2013). Effectiveness of dry needling for myofascial pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 21(4), 209–218. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24421639/
American Migraine Foundation. (2020). Alternative therapies for migraine. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/alternative-therapies/
Zhao, Z. Q. (2008). Neural mechanisms underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology, 85(4), 355–375. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18582529/
