Acupuncture is an ancient healing art originating at least 2,500 years ago. It is a method of treating the body to promote natural healing and to improve the functions of the body. Treatment is performed by the insertion of needles or other forms of stimulation (such as electrical stimulation, heat/cold, finger pressure) at precise acupuncture points on the body.

Acupuncture is based on the theory of balance Qi (pronounced Che). This is vital energy that flows throughout the body that is intercepted by the insertion of needles at particular meridian points. Stimulation of the acupuncture points, by insertion of needles, stimulates the brain and spinal cord which in turn releases chemicals that change pain. This biochemical changes promotes healing and well-being.

By inserting fine needles into the meridian points it simulates peripheral nerves in the muscles which this endorphin or neurochemical release cause an analgesia effect by blocking the transmission of painful messages.

Three main sites for endorphinacupuncture analgesia havebeen found. The pituitary gland, the periaqaductal gray neurons in the midbrain and the spinal cord endorphin system. This is the point where the spinal cord neurons release endorphins to block the release of neurotransmitters from afferent fibers carrying painful messages to the cord.

Headaches can typically be broken down into three types: tension, migraine and cervicogenic. At some point in time, every person will suffer from at least one of these types of headaches.

• Tension headaches are the most frequent. The symptoms of these types of headaches are generally tightness, stiffness and will feel as if something is being wrapped around your head. The paid is varying from mild to moderate and is felt on both sides of the head.
• Migraines headaches affect fewer people and have a shorter duration than tension type headaches. Their symptoms are much more severe and affect more women than men. Symptoms of migraine headaches are severe pain on one side of the head, loss of appetite, blurred vision, nausea and even vomiting.
• Cervicogenic headaches are musculoskeletal in nature. They may be caused by pain due to misalignment in the neck or spine that is transferred to the head.

Acupuncture can have a tremendous result on headaches. Unlike Western medicine, acupuncture has virtually no side effects. Medications can have severe side effects and create even worse headaches. By treating headaches with acupuncture, headaches will generally subside within 5 minutes.