A migraine is a type of headache that causes severe pain and can be accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Migraines are often located on just one side or part of the head, and can last hours or days, depending on the severity and cause. Practitioners and supporters of auricular acupuncture believe it can be used to relieve migraines. Acupuncture is considered complementary or alternative medicine and should not replace medical treatment for serious problems. Consult your doctor about persistent or frequent migraines.
Migraine Triggers
Diet, sleep habits, stress level and your environment can all contribute to the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Foods such as chocolate, beer and red wine and certain preservatives and additives in food can trigger migraines. Caffeine consumption and caffeine withdrawal can also trigger migraines. Environmental triggers include changes in the weather, strong odors and flickering or bright lights. Emotional stress and too much or too little sleep can also trigger migraines.
Auricular Therapy
Ear acupuncture, or auricular therapy, is the practice of using acupuncture needles in the ear to address conditions throughout the body. Proponents and practitioners of auricular therapy claim it can be used as a treatment for conditions such as addiction and obesity, and that it is successful in relieving pain. Supporters claim stimulating auricular acupuncture points causes the release of endorphins in the body and helps trigger the body’s natural healing abilities.
Auricular Points for Migraine Symptoms Relief
Occiput, temple and forehead are three auricular points that treat headaches. They are found on ridge of the lower ear. Occiput is said to work on the nervous system and relieve pain from occipital headaches, while forehead is said to address frontal headaches. Supporters believe temple point helps relieve temporal headaches and migraines. Shen men is an auricular acupuncture point located at the top inside of the ear, commonly known as “heavenly gate.” Acupuncturists stimulate this point to help relieve pain and stress. Stimulation is said to calm the sympathetic nervous system, which controls our “fight or flight” impulses. It is considered the primary point to relieve pain. Zero point is another auricular acupuncture point that is said to relieve pain and inflammation. It is located at the center of the ear and car be found by tracing your finger along the outer edge of the ear and following the ridge until right before the ridge flattens into the middle ear.
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine, in which illness or disease is seen as an imbalance of qi, or vital energy, in the body. Acupuncture has been practiced in Eastern countries such as China for thousands of years. Needles used in acupuncture are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and in most states acupuncturists must be licensed to practice. Always consult your physician before beginning any complementary or alternative treatment, such as acupuncture.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Migraine: Definition; June 2011
- Acupuncture: What Is Ear Acupuncture?; Heather Schiffke
- Yin Yang House; Auricular Acupuncture – Head, Skull and Sensory Organ Points; June 2006
- Yin Yang House; Auricular Acupuncture – Master Points; June 2006
- Medical Acupuncture; Zero Point: A Critical Assessment Through Advanced Auricular Therapy; Bryan Frank, et al.; 1999
- Medical Acupuncture; Shen Men: A Critical Assessment Through Advanced Auricular Therapy; Bryan Frank, et al.; 1999
