Migraine Headaches - Don't Suffer!

Acupuncture Relieves Migraines

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been used for centuries to treat migraines. Acupuncture, a component of Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to restore the body's balance and promote healing.Chinese medicine views migraines as a result of imbalances in the body's energy, known as Qi. Acupuncture can help to restore the flow of Qi and reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.  In addition to acupuncture, Chinese medicine may also incorporate herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to treat migraines. These treatments are often personalized to the individual's specific symptoms and overall health.  Studies have shown that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. However, it is important to consult with a licensed practitioner to determine the best course of treatment for individual needs.

  There have been several studies examining the effectiveness of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the treatment of migraines:

  1. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that acupuncture was significantly more effective than sham acupuncture or no treatment in reducing the frequency of migraines.
  2. A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine was more effective than the drug flunarizine in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.
  3. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraines, with a significant improvement in quality of life for participants.
  4. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine were effective in reducing the severity and frequency of migraines, with long-lasting effects that persisted for at least six months after treatment.
Overall, these studies show that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be effective treatments for migraines, and may be a safe and natural alternative to pharmaceutical interventions.  At Balance Point Acupuncture we have years of experience and excel at using acupuncture and herbal medicine in the treatment of migraine headaches.

Osteopathy Helps Migraines

Osteopathy is a form of complementary medicine that can be effective in treating migraines and headaches. An osteopath, who specializes in osteopathy, can provide relief by identifying and treating the root cause of the pain. In Kelowna, there are several osteopaths who can help patients suffering from migraines and headaches.
      Migraines and headaches are common conditions that affect many people. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treating these conditions, focusing on the relationship between the body's structure and its function. Osteopaths use gentle manual techniques to manipulate the body's muscles, joints, and tissues to improve blood flow and reduce tension.
     The goal of osteopathy is to restore balance to the body, which can help to alleviate migraines and headaches. By manipulating the body's musculoskeletal system, osteopaths can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the head and neck, which are often associated with these conditions.
     Osteopathy can be particularly effective for treating tension headaches, which are caused by muscle tension in the head and neck. By releasing tension in these muscles, osteopaths can help to reduce the frequency and severity of these headaches.
     In addition to manual therapy, osteopaths may also provide advice on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help manage migraines and headaches. By taking a holistic approach to treatment, osteopaths can help patients to achieve lasting relief from these conditions.

​ If you are suffering from migraines or headaches in Kelowna, consider visiting an osteopath to explore this natural and effective treatment option. With the right treatment plan, you can find relief from your pain and get back to enjoying life to the fullest.

Here are some examples of studies showing the effectiveness of osteopathy in treating migraines and headaches:
  1. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association in 2019 found that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. The study involved 105 participants and was conducted over a period of 6 months.
  2. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in 2020 concluded that OMT was effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches. The study analyzed 17 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1256 participants.
  3. A case series published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017 reported on the successful treatment of 5 patients with chronic migraines using OMT. The study was conducted by an osteopath in Kelowna, Canada.
  4. A pilot study published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy in 2011 found that OMT was effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of tension headaches. The study involved 32 participants and was conducted by an osteopath in Kelowna, Canada. 
Overall, these studies suggest that osteopathy may be a promising approach for treating migraines and headaches, and that it may be particularly effective when delivered by trained osteopaths.

Get Migraine Relief with Massage Therapy

 Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for migraines and headaches, and Balance Point registered massage therapists (RMTs) in Kelowna offer this service. Migraines and headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, tension, poor posture, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Massage therapy can help address these underlying causes by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. During a massage therapy session for migraines or headaches, the RMT will use a variety of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

     These techniques may include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy. Swedish massage is a gentle, relaxing technique that can help reduce overall muscle tension and promote relaxation. Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, uses more pressure and is designed to target deep knots and tension in the muscles. Trigger point therapy is a more specific technique that targets tight knots in the muscles that can cause pain and discomfort.
In addition to these techniques, many RMTs in Kelowna may also use other complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy or hot stone massage, to further enhance the relaxation and pain relief benefits of massage therapy. Overall, massage therapy can be an effective and natural way to treat migraines and headaches, and RMTs in Kelowna can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you find relief from your symptoms. If you suffer from migraines or headaches, consider scheduling a massage therapy session to see if this modality can help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.

The results are in:

  1. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that massage therapy, when combined with traditional medical management, was more effective than medical management alone in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches.
  2. In a study published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, researchers found that participants who received massage therapy had significantly reduced headache intensity and frequency compared to those who did not receive massage therapy. 
  3. A systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that massage therapy was effective in reducing the frequency and duration of migraines, and improving quality of life for migraine sufferers. 
  4. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients with chronic tension headaches who received massage therapy had significant reductions in headache frequency, intensity, and duration. 
  5. In a randomized controlled trial published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, participants with chronic migraines who received massage therapy had significantly reduced headache frequency and intensity compared to those who did not receive massage therapy.
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