Headaches & Migraines in Calgary
Chronic headaches and migraines can stop your life in its tracks. Whether you deal with throbbing migraines, dull tension headaches or pain that starts in your neck, relying only on temporary medication doesn't address what's driving them.
At Drift Acupuncture & Wellness in South West Calgary, we combine Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Massage Therapy to help reduce how often headaches happen, ease acute head pain and release neck and jaw tension.
Common Headache & Migraine Concerns
We frequently see clients experiencing:
- Throbbing or pulsing pain on one or both sides of the head
- Sensitivity to light, sound, smells or motion
- Nausea, visual disturbances or aura
- Tightness radiating from the neck, shoulders or jaw
- Hormonal headaches around the menstrual cycle
Our Approach
Our Calgary clinic looks at your headache pattern. When it starts, where it sits and what sets them off. We treat both the pain and the triggers behind it, such as stress, poor sleep, posture or hormones.
1. Benefits
Acupuncture and massage therapy may help with headaches by:
- Reducing Frequency: Research suggests regular acupuncture or massage may reduce how often tension headaches and migraines occur.
- Releasing Neck & Jaw Tension: Needling and massage around the neck, shoulders and jaw ease the tight muscles that contribute to head pain.
- Calming the Nervous System: Treatments are deeply relaxing and help settle the stress response which can trigger attacks.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
In TCM, headaches are grouped by where they occur and how they feel, which points to the underlying pattern.
- Rising Liver Yang: Throbbing, one sided or temple headaches are often linked to stress, irritability or hormones.
- Qi & Blood Deficiency: Dull, lingering headaches with fatigue, often worse after a long day.
- Restoring Balance: Treatment calms what is rising, nourishes what is depleted and opens the channels through the neck and head.
During Your Treatment
Points are chosen on the head, neck, hands and feet to reduce pain and address your TCM pattern. Many clients notice their neck and shoulders soften during their appointments.
Treatments at our Calgary clinic may incorporate:
- Acupuncture & Electro-Acupuncture
- Neck & Shoulder Massage Therapy
- Cupping & Gua Sha
- Trigger / Motor Point Needling
- TCM Lifestyle Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with migraines?
Several large reviews suggest acupuncture reduces migraine frequency for some people, with benefits comparable to some preventive medications and few side effects. We will talk through your full history and tailor treatments specifically to you.
Can I come in during a headache?
Yes. Treatment during a headache focuses on reducing the pain and tension. Treatment between headaches focuses on reducing how often they happen and how severe they are when they happen.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone responds differently. Many clients start with weekly sessions for several weeks, then space them out as things improve. Your practitioner will recommend a plan after your initial assessment.
Can I recieve treatment if I take medication?
Yes. Acupuncture works alongside your perscribed medical treatment plan. During our assesment we will ensure the medication you are on is safe to combine with treatment.