Migraine and Acupuncture

If your headache is accompanied by a throbbing pain on one side of the head which is exacerbated by physical exertion, by feeling nauseous, and by being sensitive to light and sound, chances are that you are suffering from a migraine.
Within TCM, migraine is seen as the result of both local energy block and the diminished functioning of one or more organs. By tackling the underlying dysfunction of these organs, relief of the complaints is generally rapid. While your migraine is reduced or and ultimately even completely gone, your overall health will also have improved.

Migraine

A migraine is a type of vascular headache, affecting around 11% of the population. Typical symptoms of a migraine are:

  • severe throbbing pain usually on one side of the head or behind an eye;
  • light sensitivity;
  • visual disorders;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • pressure sensitivity of the scalp;
  • hypersensitivity to certain odors;
  • loss of concentration;
  • dry mouth.

The exact cause of migraine is unknown in mainstream medicine. From the acupuncture point of view, a migraine is approached as a disruption of energy, with the most common factor being an insufficient functioning local supply of energy which therefore causes the headache. It also often appears that this headache is related to a dysfunction in the organs.

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture is aimed at creating a better energy supply and blood circulation around the head, plus strengthening the function of underlying organs. As a result, both the symptoms and the underlying cause of the migraine are addressed.

We recommend that people come to the practice for treatment during a migraine attack. Below you can read a number of factors that can trigger a possible migraine attack:

  • Fatigue
  • Stress
  • Sleeping too little or too long
  • Skip Meal,
  • Consumption of certain foods (chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, in particular red wine, nuts and cheese).

Acupuncture helps in particular because experience has shown that a dysfunction at the organ level causing a person suffering from migraines. By focusing treatment on the entire body and specifically the underlying disruption with the ChinaMedic Approach, several people have benefited from undergoing acupuncture. Not only has their overall condition improved, in most cases they reported an impressive decrease in migraine attacks.

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Frequently asked questions

How can Acupuncture help?

More than a thousand years acupuncture has been used to remedy and improve a wide range of diseases and complaints. For an acupuncturist the approach is simple: energy either flows or it doesn’t. The symptoms show where in the body there may be a blockage and how this affects the rest of the body. In addition the acupuncturist focuses on activating the self-healing ability of our bodies.This makes acupuncture applicable for many health issues such as pain complaints, infertility, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, skin problems, allergies, addictions, depression, menopausal complaints, burnout, RSI and so on. If you want to know how far acupuncture can help you, you are welcome to come by for a check up consultation so the acupuncturist can tell you what we can do.

How many times do I have to come?

It depends on your medical condition. In most cases you will respond faster to frequent acupuncture treatments. It is quite common to start with 1-2 times per week. Once your condition is stabilized, we can start lowering the frequency. When you come for your first consultation, we will make a specific treatment plan for you.

What does an Acupuncturist do?

The main task of an acupuncturist is to stimulate your self-healing ability. Acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi (a form of bioenergy that runs alongside meridians). During an acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific spots on your body, your body will receive the physiological signal from the needle to trigger a self-healing ability.

How long does it take before I notice results?

In acute complaints, an effect is noticed after 1-3 treatments on average. In the case of chronic complaints, this is after 5-10 treatments. It is important to maintain the frequency of your treatment so that you can achieve the desired results

I am pregnant, can I get Acupuncture?

Yes; acupuncture can help you during your pregnancy.

With acupuncture, pregnancy complaints are treated in a natural way and without side effects. The treatment aims to restore the energy balance in your body. Your hormones will also be brought back into balance. As a result, the complaints quickly subside. In addition, the acupuncturist will of course treat your specific complaints. Such as: nausea, headache, migraine, sleeping problems etc.

Why do I need to be treated more often in the beginning?

Acupuncture is a mild stimulation to your body. It is important to be treated often in the beginning so that there is more recovery than relapse. As soon as the symptoms decrease, the frequency decreases. As soon as the complaints do not return at all, the treatment is finished.

Advice for before and after Acupuncture?

Avoid heavy physical and/or mental exertion immediately before and immediately after the treatment, we also advise against stress immediately before and after each treatment. And please do not use alcohol or drugs immediately before or after treatment.

How much time does an appointment take?

We have three type of appointments. 

First we have a consultation combined with acupuncture. Here you and the acupuncturist have a conversation about your symptoms and the acupuncturist will diagnose your imbalances, you get an advised treatment schedule and this will be followed by your (first) acupuncture treatment. This usually takes an hour. 

There is also the follow-up treatment. The acupuncturist will treat your diagnosed symptoms according to the treatment schedule. This usually takes 45 minutes

Some people are still learning about acupuncture, they want to claim more knowledge about this method and also get to know their imbalances. Therefore you could book a consultation, this appointment takes 30 minutes.

Is Acupuncture painful?

We use extreme thin needles about the width of two human hairs for Abdominal Acupuncture. The pricks are barely noticeable. Sometimes people don't even feel where they are. Occasionally someone can perceive a strange feeling, also described as tingling, numbness, heaviness, and other feelings. We call this "DeQi" (activating energy) sensation in acupuncture, this is normal, often this feeling is over in a small matter of time.

Still afraid of needles? We have a good solution! The LaserNeedle which we often use is not invasive at all and you will not feel anything. The LaserNeedle is ideally suited for those who are afraid of needles and small children.

What does an Acupuncture treatment cost?

ChinaMedic is affiliated with the NVA (Dutch Association of Acupuncture) and treatment is reimbursed by most insurers in the supplementary. It is advisable to contact your insurer what this exactly means for you. For a full price list of all our treatments CLICK HERE

Can Acupuncture Help With Pregnancy?

Yes, acupuncture can improve your fertility as much for men as it does for women The ChinaMedic Approach with abdominal acupuncture significantly increases the chance of pregnancy both through natural conception as IUI or IVF. In both cases we also support you with nutritional advice and, if necessary, herbal therapy. A lot of clients have successfully become mothers and fathers with this treatment method. The acupuncturist will make a treatment schedule with you during your first consultation. Read more about Acupuncture and Pregnancy here.

How much time between Acupuncture?

During your first consultation, the acupuncturist will make a statement. In principle, you can do acupuncture every day. Depending on your complaints, the most applicable frequency is once or twice a week. In severe pain, the frequency is sometimes two or three times a week. In that case, it is more effective than starting with once a week. The pain sometimes returns in between (due to daily strain and stress). As you get treated more often, the pain usually gets less and less.

How do I book an appointment?

You can call our reception 020-6167615 or schedule an appointment on our website.

Are There Any Side Effects of Acupuncture?

No, if you are treated by a professional acupuncturist there are no side effects. There are sometimes reactions after acupuncture: fatigue, dizziness, emotional discharge or something we call a "Healing Crisis" during the first period. Don't worry, this means your body is showing a response and the recovery process has started. Always communicate with the acupuncturist how you are feeling.

Tip: Have a small meal in preparation for the treatment. This is good for fatigue and dizziness after the acupuncture.

What if my symptoms get worse during the treatment?

While most people notice a clear reduction in their symptoms after an acupuncture treatment, very few can experience a slight worsening of symptoms after a treatment. Do not worry, we call this a "healing crisis", your body is responding, and your energy is in motion. 

In terms of acupuncture, it means that your primary objective has been achieved, as you are changing on multiple levels from stuck to loosening. Make sure to always communicate with the acupuncturist over time how you are feeling and what the reactions are.

Why do some acupuncture points hurt more than others?

This is because of the acu-point locations on the body. Some points are just more sensitive than others! The fingers and toes have a higher concentration of nerve endings near the surface of the skin, so points on the extremities are naturally more sensitive than those closer to the center of the body.

Opening hours

Monday       9:30 - 17:00
Tuesday       9:30 - 17:00
Wednesday       Closed
Thursday       9:30 - 17:00
Friday       Closed
Saturday       9:30 - 17:00
Sunday       Closed

 

Contact

Acupunctuur Kliniek ChinaMedic

Postjesweg 36
1057 EB
Amsterdam West

+31 (0) 20 616 76 15

receptie@chinamedic.nl

Most insurers reimburse the costs.

Location

Gratis consult (10min.)

Open dag 16 juni zondag
(16 jaar jubileum)
Vrij inloop 09:30-12:00 uur
Postjesweg 36 te Amsterdam
(gratis parkeren)
Een kopje lekker Chinese thee

Free consultation (10min.)

Open day 16 June Sunday
Time: 09:30-12:00 uur
Postjesweg 36 in Amsterdam
(Free parking)
Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea
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