Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique; it is based on the principle that all pain and disorder in the body is caused by blocked or imbalanced Qi (life energy). The goal of acupuncture is to relieve pain and re-establish health by restoring the body to its natural, balanced state.
For headaches, acupuncture prompts the release of endorphins, which are produced by the body and act as painkillers. Acupuncture may also help to increase serotonin levels (studies show that chronic headache sufferers often have low levels of serotonin). Serotonin helps to improve mood while blocking pain signals before they can reach the brain.
Acupuncture is painless, drug-free, and has no side effects.
Headaches and Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is used to normalize the musculoskeletal system in order to ease tension and stress on the soft tissues and joints of the spine. Physical therapy for headaches may include any of the following techniques:
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Massage
• Hot and Cold Therapies
• Traction
• Electrotherapy
• Ultrasound
• Low Level Laser Therapy
Chiropractic Care for Headaches
When misalignments in the neck (cervical spine) irritate the nerves of the spine that travel to and from the brain, headaches are often the result. This misalignment may also cause some headache sufferers to become more susceptible to chemical imbalances in the brain that cause headache. Chiropractic works to remove pressure against inflamed nerves and relieve pain by realigning the vertebrae of the spine.
