How to Treat Menstrual Migraines Naturally
Discover the natural remedies that can help you find relief from menstrual migraines.
Break the Cycle of Pain
If you’ve ever experienced a migraine you know that is much more than a headache. Migraines are a neurological disease that can include debilitating symptoms such as intense head pain, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Of those that suffer from this condition, 70% are women. It’s also a majority of those women that say their migraines are connected to their menstrual cycle. Menstrual migraines can last for several days and have a negative effect on your well being. Chinese medicine, in the form of acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, and/or cupping therapy, can help break the cycle of pain and help you get back to enjoying your life.
Our Holistic Approach to Treating Menstrual Migraines
Menstrual migraines, while experienced in different ways by each woman, all involve negative symptoms that can prevent you from doing certain things or take away the joy from everyday life. We are here to listen to you and find the best ways to prevent menstrual migraines naturally. We’ll develop a plan that is tailored to your needs and overall well being.
Natural Remedies for Menstrual Migraines During Your Period
A menstrual migraine (hormone migraine) typically occurs during your period when estrogen levels are at their lowest. This shift in hormones then triggers migraines. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs address this issue and help to bring back balance to your hormones.
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Cupping Therapy
Acupuncture for Menstrual Migraines
Acupuncture helps stabilize the entire monthly cycle, bringing relief to patients experiencing migraines during their monthly cycle by both reducing the frequency and severity of menstrual migraines. Pain is reduced by rebalancing the hormones in the body and lowering overall pain receptors/sensations by increasing endorphins. Acupuncture treatments also go beyond reducing immediate pain and work to address the root causes of the pain (stagnation of qi and fluids in the body).
During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the head, neck, shoulders, lower legs, wrists, or elsewhere on the body, such as the ears. Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients may begin to feel results within 8-12 weeks and experience sustained results in 3-6 months.
Herbs for Menstrual Migraines
Chinese herb formulas are a completely customized medicine that is developed for each individual patient. The formulas are most typically used to promote the movement of qi and blood, providing the body with necessary nutrients and rebalancing hormonal levels which lead to a stabilization of the monthly cycle and reduced pain levels. The medicine also works to address the root causes of the pain, such as stagnation of qi, blood, and fluids in the body.
To maximize the effectiveness of a patient’s treatment, it is recommended that Chinese herbal medicine be combined with acupuncture treatments. Those that take this approach typically experience increased improvement of their symptoms, quicker results, and more sustained results. Patients who are taking Chinese herbal medicine are also more likely to be able to reduce the frequency of acupuncture treatment after 2-3 months.
Cupping Therapy for Menstrual Migraines
Cupping therapy promotes improved blood flow to reduce pain. During the session, cups are placed along the neck and shoulders to release tension that is caused by menstrual migraines. Qi is now unblocked and helps reduce pain response in these areas.
Cups are typically placed along the neck and shoulders for about 15-20 minutes. The number of sessions recommended varies from patient to patient and depends on the focus of treatment.
Cupping Therapy Is Not for Everyone
While cupping can be a very beneficial practice, it is not appropriate for every patient or for the treatment of certain conditions. Your practitioner will discuss your medical history with you to determine if cupping is right for you. We also do not practice wet cupping and avoid cupping on certain parts of the body.
Bringing Relief to Patients Experiencing Migraines During Their Monthly Cycle
My chronic pain and migraines have gone down and my cycles have been more regular.
I've been coming to Transformational Acupuncture for just over a month now and have experienced excellent results from working with Jamee Pineda. My chronic pain and migraines have gone down and my cycles have been more regular. We are now working on my fertility and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. The space is very inviting and LGBTQ-friendly! Highly recommend!!
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Get Migraines On My Period?
During your period, your estrogen levels are typically at their lowest. This shift in hormones can cause migraines in some women.
Why Do I Get Migraines Before My Period?
Menstrual migraines are connected to the level of estrogen hormones. You can start to experience menstrual migraines when there is a drop in estrogen. This can happen right before your period or during your period.
When Do Menstrual Migraines Occur?
Menstrual migraines occur when estrogen levels are at their lowest. This shift in hormones is what causes the migraine and it can occur a few days before your period or during your period.
Menstrual migraines can also occur during pregnancy and menopause.
Is it Common to Get Migraines During Your Period?
Women are three times more likely to have migraines and make up 70% of those suffering from migraines. Of those women, 60% to 70% found a connection between their migraines and their menstrual cycle.
What Does a Menstrual Migraine Feel Like?
Each woman can feel different symptoms during a menstrual migraine. Some typical symptoms include severe pain on one side of the head, throbbing or pulsing in the head, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and/or sound.
What is a Natural Remedy for Menstrual Migraines?
There are a number of natural remedies to help with menstrual migraines. Acupuncture and Chinese herb formulas work to balance hormones and also lower overall pain receptors/sensations by increasing endorphins.
Certain vitamins, such as magnesium can help menstrual migraines, and lifestyle choices can also help. Eating a balanced diet with enough protein, maintaining a good sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all great ways to help with menstrual migraines and overall health.
Can Acupuncture Help Menstrual Migraines?
Yes, acupuncture can help menstrual migraines. Acupuncture helps in several ways. The first way acupuncture helps ease menstrual migraines is to bring back balance to hormone levels. The second way this practice helps is by lowering overall pain receptors by increasing endorphins.
What To Expect
You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.
At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.
At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Your Patient Journey
At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Learn more about your complete patient journey.
Get Started Today
Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.
To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.
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