Natural Treatment Options for Migraines

June is National Migraine Awareness Month - -

One of the first things I recommend to patients suffering from migraines, is to keep a migraine diary for several months to help identify triggers.   Track what you eat, when you eat,  exercise, stress levels, sleep, and symptoms.  Often, common food culprits such as chocolate and food additives are triggering imbalances which then lead to painful symptoms.  Hormonal fluctuations, weather, and stress are also common sources. 

To correct imbalances, acupuncture can be very effective.  


One of the largest studies looking at migraine prevention through acupuncture was published in the March 2006 edition of The Lancet Neurology. In this study, patients who had two to six migraine headaches per month were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

 •Traditional acupuncture.

•Sham (fake) acupuncture. In sham acupuncture, needles are inserted into areas of the skin at which no traditional acupuncture points exist.

•Preventive migraine medications (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or seizure medications).

Patients in the acupuncture groups received 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment in 6 weeks. Those who took medicines continued them throughout the length of the study. The primary outcome was the difference in migraine days between 4 weeks before the study and 23 to 26 weeks after the study began. Forty-seven percent of participants in the traditional acupuncture group experienced a reduction of migraine days by 50 percent or more.

In addition to acupuncture, there are traditional chinese herbal remedies that may also help.  It is important to work with a practitioner such as Debi that is well versed in not only acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition but she may also recommend certain testing to find the root cause of your migraines.  

Men’s Health and Chinese Medicine

Did you know that men are 24% less likely than women to visit a doctor for routine care? 

With June being “National Men’s Health Month”, now is a great time for men to take charge of your health.  Yes, it may be uncomfortable to discuss prostrate, erectile dysfunction, or infertility issues, however it's in your best interest to face these issues head on.  They impact your overall health and affect importnt aspects of your life - your sex life, relationships, and physical and emotional health.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you achieve your best health.

The following are men’s conditions that can be aided through acupuncture: 

·         Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, causing pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. Prostatitis has unknown causes, and therefore, can be difficult to treat. Symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, pain in the pelvic area and lower back, and a frequent need to urinate. Studies have shown that herbal therapies and acupuncture are effective in relieving chronic bacterial prostatitis.

·         Prostate cancer affects roughly 1 in 6 men in the United States. It is suggested that all men over age 50 get yearly screenings, as the disease responds well to treatment when caught early. Symptoms can include lower back or hip pain, blood in the urine or semen, and urinary problems. TCM and acupuncture can relieve the side effects and boost the health of men with prostate cancer.

·         Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostrate compresses the urethra. It is a very common concern and affects about 50% of men over 60. Symptoms may include difficulty starting to urinate, slowness of the urinary system, frequent urination, and the need to urinate in the middle of the night. Common treatments include medication, self-care techniques, and surgery. Acupuncture supports overall urinary system health and can help restore and rebalance.

·         Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition that occurs in most men at some point in their lives; however, ongoing problems may indicate a more serious issue. Causes of ED include diabetes, clogged blood vessels, and heart disease, as well as medications, anxiety, depression, and stress. Treatments include medications, medical devices, and surgery. The benefit of acupuncture is that it can boost a man’s sexual stamina.

·         Infertility usually occurs in men because of poor quality or movement or a low concentration of sperm. Acupuncture has been shown in conjunction with Western medicine to improve sperm quality and production and increase the chance of success. Acupuncture and TCM also may help both the man and woman handle the emotional stress when having difficulty conceiving.

·         Male depression can manifest itself through feelings of irritability, frustration, fatigue, loss of interest in work and social life, and sleep disturbances. Stress and anxiety can be reduced and the mind and body calmed through acupuncture.

·         Male menopause (MM) , also known as androgen decline, includes symptoms such as mood changes, depression, sexual problems, and fatigue. Herbal therapy and acupuncture can help men as they age and alleviate signs of MM.

What can you expect during your treatment?

Your practitioner will note your health history and perform an exam to determine the cause of your health concerns. A treatment plan will be designed for you to restore your body to its natural balance.

Fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific points of the body during treatment to restore the balance of energy. In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may include nutritional and herbal remedies in your treatment plan.

To learn more about natural treatment therapies, including Chinese medicine call 804.288.3927.