acupuncture for Headaches & Migraines

Headaches and migraines are common neurological conditions that can have a significant impact on daily life, work, sleep and overall wellbeing. While occasional headaches are common, recurrent headaches and migraine can be extremely debilitating and may involve a combination of neurological, hormonal, musculoskeletal, environmental and lifestyle factors.

Rather than focusing only on the immediate symptoms, my approach aims to understand and address the underlying patterns and contributing factors - what Chinese medicine might describe as treating both the branch (the symptoms) and the root.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine may be incorporated into the management of headaches and migraine, with treatment tailored to the individual’s presentation, symptoms and potential triggers. 

What are headaches and migraines?

Headaches

Headache refers to pain or discomfort affecting the head and sometimes the face or neck. Different types of headache can present very differently and may include:

• Tension-type headaches

• Cluster headaches

• Headaches associated with the neck

• Headaches associated with sinus or other conditions

Migraine

Migraine is a neurological disorder rather than simply a “bad headache”. Episodes may involve moderate to severe head pain, often with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound or smell.

Some people also experience migraine with aura, which may involve temporary visual, sensory or other neurological symptoms.

Common Triggers

Migraine and headache triggers vary considerably between individuals and having a trigger does not necessarily mean it is the underlying cause.

Common triggers can include:

• Stress and changes in stress levels

• Hormonal changes, including around menstruation

• Changes in sleep

• Dehydration or missed meals

• Alcohol and certain foods

• Bright lights, strong smells and noise

• Weather changes

• Prolonged screen use

• Neck and muscular tension

• Heat trauma and Concussions

Acupuncture for headaches / Acupuncture for migraines:

Acupuncture has been investigated as an option for the prevention and management of recurrent headaches and migraines.

Treatment is individualised and may consider not only the headache itself but also associated features such as neck and shoulder tension, sleep, stress, digestion, menstrual patterns and other symptoms where relevant.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, two people experiencing migraines may have very different underlying patterns. Treatment therefore considers not only the location and nature of the headache, but also factors such as sleep, stress, digestion, menstrual health, muscular tension and other accompanying symptoms.

The aim is not simply to respond to pain when it occurs, but to identify and address the underlying pattern that may be contributing to recurrent symptoms.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Acupuncture has been studied extensively for the prevention and management of migraine. Research suggests that acupuncture may help some people experience fewer migraine days, reduced frequency of attacks and improvements in migraine-related quality of life.

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomised controlled trials involving 2,295 people found that, compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture was associated with reductions in migraine attacks, migraine days and migraine duration, as well as improvements in aspects of quality of life. The authors noted, however, that limitations and potential bias within the available research mean further rigorous trials are still needed. 

References
Lu T, Yang Y, Li J, et al. (2025). Acupuncture improves migraine and quality of life in patients with migraine: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 14(1), 220. View study on PubMed⁠

Acupuncture for Migraine in Melbourne

Dr Sonic provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine consultations for people experiencing headaches and migraines from clinics in Caulfield and Mt Evelyn, Melbourne.

Treatment is individualised according to your headache presentation, overall health and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

*Disclaimer: Each individuals treatment and/or results may vary depending on their specific presentation. No results can be promised or guaranteed from receiving treatment.