What is a migraine?
A migraine is more than just a headache. It’s a neurological condition that often presents as a pulsing or throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and are commonly worsened by bright lights, physical activity, strong smells or loud noise.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Severe, throbbing headache (usually on one side)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound or smell
- Visual disturbances (often referred to as “aura”)
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
For some people, symptoms may begin before the headache sets in — known as the prodrome phase — while others experience warning signs like mood shifts, food cravings, or neck stiffness.
What causes a migraine?
While the exact cause remains unclear, researchers believe migraines involve complex changes in the brain and its interaction with the trigeminal nerve — a major pain pathway. Genetics and environmental factors also seem to play a role.
Common migraine triggers include:
- Hormonal changes (especially in women during menstruation or menopause)
- Alcohol or caffeine (especially excessive intake or sudden withdrawal)
- Stress (one of the most common triggers)
- Bright lights or loud sounds
- Sleep changes (both too little and too much)
- Weather changes (especially shifts in barometric pressure)
- Medications (including oral contraceptives or vasodilators)
- Dietary factors (aged cheeses, processed foods, skipping meals)
- Food additives (like MSG or aspartame)
How are migraines diagnosed?
There’s no single test to confirm a migraine. Diagnosis typically involves reviewing symptoms, medical history, and ruling out other conditions through physical examination or imaging. Keeping a headache diary can also help in identifying patterns and potential triggers.
How are migraines treated?
Treatment usually falls into two categories:
- Pain relief during attacks – medications that aim to reduce symptoms once a migraine starts (e.g., NSAIDs, triptans).
- Preventive strategies – daily medications or lifestyle changes aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of future migraines.
Other strategies may include:
- Identifying and managing triggers
- Regular sleep and meal routines
- Stress reduction techniques (like breathing or mindfulness)
- Gentle movement or exercise
What About Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is often explored as a complementary approach to managing migraines, especially by those seeking non-pharmaceutical options.
A 2023 systematic review published in the Journal of Pain Research analysed 34 studies involving 3,365 people with migraines. The findings suggest that acupuncture may be more effective than medication in reducing both the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks.
“Acupuncture significantly improved pain scores, reduced migraine frequency, and shortened attack duration, with a lower side-effect profile compared to conventional medications.”
Source: J Pain Res. 2023;16:4155–4173.
While research is ongoing, acupuncture is not a guaranteed cure for migraines. Results vary and any decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Acupuncture tends to be most effective when used preventatively—that is, as a regular part of a broader wellness strategy rather than a one-off response to pain. This approach works by helping regulate the nervous system, improving blood flow, and supporting the body’s natural mechanisms for managing stress and inflammation. Over time, consistent acupuncture treatments may reduce the sensitivity of the migraine threshold, making attacks less frequent and less intense. Just as migraines often build gradually due to accumulated triggers, prevention requires a steady and proactive approach to bring the system back into balance.
Need Help Managing Migraine Naturally?
At our Brisbane clinic, we take a holistic view of migraine care. Whether you’re looking to explore lifestyle-based prevention, nutritional support, or evidence-based acupuncture, we’re here to guide you.
Contact us to learn more, or if you’re ready to explore your options,
👉 Book an Appointment Now**
