Written by: Zhiling Trowbridge MD
Dr. Trowbridge is a medical acupuncturist and family medicine physician in Grand Rapids, MI. She provides medical consultation and treatments for patients struggling with chronic disease, pain, and or other mood disorders including, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Acupuncture for Headaches
Menstrual migraines can significantly disrupt the lives of those who experience them, often leading to missed workdays and special events. These migraines can also limit activities in the days leading up to a period. Research has linked low estrogen levels prior to menstruation with the onset of migraines. While conventional hormonal contraceptives and NSAIDs can provide some relief, exploring complementary therapies may also be beneficial.
Acupuncture is an excellent option for busy or stressed individuals dealing with menstrual migraines. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture focuses on the 12 meridians that influence the body’s energetic balance.
Many of my patients not only experience migraines but also suffer from painful periods, nausea, vomiting, or irregular menstrual cycles. During an initial assessment, I examine the tongue and feel the pulse to understand the patient’s condition better. I also employ Hara Diagnosis, a Japanese acupuncture technique that assesses the flow of energy within the body. This involves palpating the lower abdomen to examine reflection zones, as well as checking the extremities for areas of “stuck” energy along the meridians. Common tender spots for migraine sufferers include the Oketsu area, the liver region, and areas at the back of the head or forehead, as well as near the stomach or spleen meridians.
Treatment Techniques for Menstrual Migraines
Based on the assessment, needles are strategically placed to alleviate disturbances in reflection zones and restore energy flow.
Additionally, cupping therapy can be highly effective for migraine relief. It helps address blood stagnation often found in the head, neck, and upper shoulders, which can contribute to the severity of migraines.
By integrating acupuncture and cupping into their treatment plans, individuals suffering from menstrual migraines can find significant relief and improve their quality of life.
Acupuncture Meridians Influenced by Hormonal Migraines:
| Properties | Predispositions | |
| Liver | Element: Wood
Strength: Leadership and sense of direction/focus, associated with ovaries and tendons |
Supported by setting boundaries and even-temperedness. Deficiency lead to lack of direction, overbearing personality, and anger |
| Spleen | Element: Earth
Strength: Helper personality, Compassion and associated with muscles and limbs |
Supported by grounding and sense of home. Deficiency is associated with sugar cravings and increased worry |
| Kidney | Element: Water
Strength: Calm, Jing or Original Qi energy |
Supported by music and quiet. Deficiency is associated with exhaustion and lack of willpower |
Acupuncture is a traditional medicine approach to promote the healing of the body through use of 12 energetic channels, also known as meridians. It is an interplay of activating these channels using fine acupuncture needles, placed on acupuncture points, opening the mind-body towards a healing state.
Many acupuncture patients find the experience to be relaxing and renewing. It promotes not only a healing process but also a way of learning to connect with your body in a positive way.
Treatment sessions are typically 60 minutes long and consecutive weekly treatments starting at 4-6 treatment sessions can provide the most benefit and progress towards improvement of the health state.
Zhiling Trowbridge, MD is a family medicine physician and medical acupuncturist trained in Kiiko Matsumoto Style Acupuncture and French Energetics. Acupuncture appointments can be booked via the Uplift Health MD website or calling our main office 616-899-9447 to book a 15 minute complimentary call.
