It's been several months now, and I'm still very happy with my acupuncture treatments. The frequency and intensity of my migraines have both decreased... and I can't be anything but thrilled by that.
I had been having migraines every day in June and July and was really frustrated. Within a week of acupuncture treatment, I noticed a big change. They were coming less often, and when they did, the pain was much less intense and was easier to relieve with my medication (Imitrex or Treximet, Hydrocodone). Over 2 months later, that is still the case.
I have had more headaches over the past few weeks, but I'm almost certain that they have been triggered by my giving up soda and the decrease in caffeine. The headaches have started on the right temple, which is unusual for my migraines. They usually start on the left side, which leads me to believe these may be a different type of headache.
When I went for treatment this week and the needle went in just in front of my right temple, there was definite pressure and burning/pain. By the time I was done (I usually lay and relax for 25-30 minutes with the needles in), the headache was gone. I've had this same experience in other headache points (mostly on my hands and feet) where one week I don't even feel the needle go in... and another week there's a pressure or burning sensation. Those experiences have really helped convince me that there must be something different - energy blocked - to cause it to feel so different from week to week. I have been going weekly and will continue to go for a while as I am changing my diet and working more hours than I should. It has definitely been helping.
If you have not looked into acupuncture, I highly recommend at least trying it to see how your body reacts to it. I'm sure it's like every other treatment... it helps some and not others. My insurance does not cover these treatments (another problem with the system - no coverage for holistic methods used to try and "prevent" migraine pain), but I'm willing to pay for it if it truly helps me. For me, there was 1st appointment cost of $125, and then the weekly treatments are around $75. Right now, this is in addition to my co-pays for medication (about $150 a month)... but hopefully someday, I'll be able to stop medication for good. That would be so great!
If you decide to try acupuncture, please make sure you go to a credentialed professional who has really studied in Eastern Medicine. There are a lot of places that offer acupuncture these days as an adjunct to their main practice, but are not as experienced as you would want to make sure you have the best treatment possible. I.e. The acupuncturist I was lucky to find this year studied in China and has over 3000 hours of study in Oriental Medicine and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. She is a Licenced Acupuncturist and certified by http://www.nccaom.org/.
Hope you all are finding relief for your migraines,
Kelli :)
