Migraine is a recurring type of headache that often causes throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head.
It may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and difficulty concentrating.
How migraine is understood
In Western medicine, migraine is considered a neurological condition and is diagnosed based on symptoms and frequency.
In Chinese Medicine, migraine is also viewed in terms of patterns. These patterns help describe how the body is functioning as a whole, rather than focusing only on the headache itself.
Different people with migraines may present differently, even if the symptoms appear similar.
Common types of migraine
Migraine without aura
This is the most common type and occurs without warning signs.
Migraine with aura
This type includes visual or sensory changes before the headache begins.
Chronic migraine
This is diagnosed when headaches occur frequently over a longer period.
A Chinese Medicine perspective
In Chinese Medicine, migraines may be associated with different patterns depending on the individual.
These may include:
- patterns related to stress and tension
- patterns related to excess activity or heat
- patterns related to reduced energy or nourishment
These are general examples, and each person may present differently.
The role of muscle tension
Migraine is not simply a muscle problem.
However, many people with migraines also experience tension in the neck and shoulders.
This tension may:
- contribute to headache frequency
- increase sensitivity
- or act as a trigger in some individuals
Research on other headache types, such as tension-type headache, shows that addressing muscular factors may help reduce headache frequency (Linde et al., 2016).
In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may help improve neck and shoulder pain and function, which may be relevant in some patients (Trager et al., 2022).
These findings suggest that, in some cases, addressing muscle tension may form part of a broader approach to managing headache symptoms.
Where acupuncture may fit
Acupuncture may be considered as part of a broader approach to managing migraine.
A large meta-analysis found that acupuncture was associated with improvements in chronic pain conditions, including headache, compared to no treatment or usual care (Vickers et al., 2012).
In practice, treatment is adjusted based on the individual. This may include addressing areas of tension as well as supporting overall balance.
If migraines are frequent or severe, it is important to seek medical advice from a GP or specialist.
Acupuncture may be used alongside medical care, depending on individual needs.