Acupuncture for Migraines

Don’t let migraines dictate your schedule.
Access over 30 years of clinical expertise with Auckland’s senior specialists in evidence-based migraine prevention.
Book your appointment today and take back control.

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Long term natural relief from migraines

Migraines can disrupt your life, turning ordinary days into challenges. Imagine a natural remedy that not only treats but also prevents the debilitating symptoms. Welcome to Dr Vitalis Acupuncture, where we transform your fight against migraine using proven, effective acupuncture techniques.

Return to the activities you love, without the shadow of a looming migraine. Research shows that when done correctly, acupuncture can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. In fact, up to 59% of individuals report a 50% or more reduction in headaches after just three months of treatment. Moreover, the beneficial effects last for months after the treatment. The growing body of scientific evidence has earned acupuncture a recommendation from The Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand for migraine treatment.

Acupuncture can significantly reduce the frequency of migraines.
The Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand

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Take the first step towards relief today: Don’t miss out Take the first step towards relief today: Don’t miss out

Take the first step towards relief today: Don’t miss out

Why let another day be overshadowed by the threat of a migraine? At Dr Vitalis Acupuncture in Auckland, we specialise in turning the tide against migraines of all types, from those with aura to hormonal, vestibular, and hemiplegic migraines. Your first step towards reclaiming your life from migraines is just an appointment away.

“a valuable option for people with migraine”
Refference: Cochrane (gold standard for medical scientific evidence)

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A natural alternative to migraine medication

A 2020 systematic review of Acupuncture vs. Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Migraine found acupuncture superior to drug prophylaxis of migraine. It outperformed pharmaceutical options at reducing both headache intensity and frequency. Furthermore, if you choose this naturally safe option, you are likely to suffer fewer days with migraine per month.

Acupuncture: globally endorsed for migraine relief

Acupuncture is now endorsed by leading health authorities including the World Health Organization, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK, and The Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand. Recognized for its safety and efficacy, acupuncture stands as a trustworthy option for individuals seeking sustainable relief from migraine pain. This  endorsement reinforces its credibility and positions acupuncture as a key player in migraine management, offering a reassuring choice for those affected by migraines.

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Migraine headaches acupuncture

“For tension headache, migraine and other kinds of headache due to a variety of causes, acupuncture has performed favourably in trials comparing it with standard therapy”

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Migraines and neck pain often go hand in hand

If you suffer from migraines, chances are your neck muscles are stiff and tight. In fact, almost two-thirds of migraine sufferers experience neck pain before, during, or after a migraine episode.

Further, the tension in your neck muscles can persist between the episodes of migraines and contribute to the occurrence of them.

We design our treatments to address neck pain and migraines simultaneously.  Make one leave and often, the other one will follow.

The intersection of relief and safety

When used correctly, acupuncture is not only effective option for migraine sufferers, it is extraordinarily safe, suitable even during pregnancy.

For instance, Topiramate (Topamax) is one of the drugs indicated for the prevention of migraine headaches. Acupuncture has been shown to be both more effective and 10 times safer compared to Topiramate treatment in a study published in Cephalgia.

How acupuncture helps

The mechanism how acupuncture helps migraines has been studied extensively. Studies show that acupuncture reduces levels of chemicals and cells in the body that cause inflammation in the brain, linked to migraines.

It regulates your body’s pain management system, including how pain signals are sent and received by the brain, through various pathways such as the brain’s own pain relief system and serotonin, a key brain chemical related to mood and pain.

Neuroimaging studies have shown that acupuncture may help correct the abnormal functional activity and connectivity of the nervous system.

Furthermore, it can help regulate peripheral and central sensitisation normalising brain activity.

These are all important factors that help the healing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is acupuncture for preventing migraines?

Extensive clinical research, including the Cochrane Review, indicates that acupuncture is a highly effective prophylaxis. Studies show that for many sufferers, acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraine days by 50% or more. It is often as effective as pharmacological options but with significantly fewer side effects.

How many sessions will I need?

Clinical evidence suggests a cumulative effect. We usually recommend an initial course of 6 to 10 sessions, scheduled once or twice weekly. Following this, many patients transition to a maintenance schedule, such as one session every 4–6 weeks, to sustain long-term relief.

Does acupuncture treatment hurt?

Not at all. We use extremely fine, sterile, single-use needles. Most patients feel only a slight tingling or heavy sensation. With over 30 years of clinical experience, we aim for a relaxing experience,  and many of our patients even fall asleep during treatment.

Can I have acupuncture while taking migraine medication?

Yes. Acupuncture is safe to use alongside triptans or preventative drugs. It is a valuable tool for those looking to manage their condition naturally while following their GP’s prescribed plan.

Is acupuncture for migraines covered by ACC?

In New Zealand, ACC coverage is available if your migraines or headaches resulted from a physical injury, such as whiplash from a car accident or a fall. Chronic or hormonal migraines are typically private consultations. As ACC-registered providers, we can check your eligibility during your visit.

Does it work for migraines with aura or vestibular migraines?

Yes. Because acupuncture focuses on regulating the nervous system and reducing neurogenic inflammation, it is effective for various types, including migraine with aura, vestibular migraines, and hormonal migraines. We tailor the treatment to your specific migraine profile.

Why does my neck feel so tight during a migraine?

There is a strong neurological link between the upper cervical spine and the trigeminal nerve system. Our neck pain treatments are often integrated with migraine protocols to address both issues simultaneously, providing more comprehensive relief.

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