📌 My Story!
I know first-hand how debilitating migraines can be. I started getting them myself at the age of 11. I would experience aura symptoms that meant I lost my vision and had numbness in my face and hands. What followed was a headache so severe it felt like being hit by a sledgehammer.
When I was 17, I tried acupuncture for the first time and I have never looked back. My migraines reduced dramatically, and the constant cotton-wool feeling in my head lifted. That experience is one of the reasons I am so passionate about helping others find relief through acupuncture today.
Now, if I feel a migraine building, I know I need to pause and check in with myself. I look at my lifestyle, what I have been eating, how stressed I am, whether I am hydrated, am I exercising enough, and if I need to top up my acupuncture sessions. Having these tools means I can stay in control and keep my migraines to a minimum.
💥 Living with migraines
If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you’ll know it’s far more than just a headache. Migraines can be debilitating, the throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and the urge to retreat to a dark, quiet room. For some, they last hours; for others its days, disrupting work, family life, and overall well‑being.
🌈Migraines with aura
Around one in three people who experience migraines have also have Aura Migraines which neurological symptoms that appear just before or during an attack.
Symptoms can include:
- Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zig‑zag patterns, or blind spots
- Tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or arms
- Difficulty speaking or finding words
- Dizziness or changes in balance
An aura usually develops over 5–20 minutes and lasts less than an hour. It can feel disorienting, but it also gives a helpful warning, an opportunity to rest, hydrate, or take steps that may reduce the headache’s intensity.
🌿Why acupuncture?
Many people come to me at Stratford Acupuncture after finding medication insufficient, or wanting a more supportive, holistic approach. Acupuncture isn’t just about reducing pain, I look at the person as a whole, what the triggers are, stress, sleep, hormones, diet, and general health.
📊What does the research say?
Clinical studies indicate acupuncture can reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraines—and enhance overall quality of life.
🪡How treatment works
Fine needles are gently inserted at carefully selected points to restore balance and ease tension. Each treatment is tailored to the patients needs as no two migraine experiences are the same. Some are triggered by stress or hormones; others by digestion or environment. Acupuncture supports the body’s resilience against these triggers.
💬Real experiences
Many patients tell me their migraines become less frequent and less severe after several treatments. For some, changes are felt quickly; for others, the improvement unfolds gradually resulting in less frequent or less intense migraines, which can be life changing.
🛠️Self‑Help Tips for Managing Migraines
The Migraine Trust:
- Cold or hot compresses: Ice packs or heating pads can help depending on preference
- Epsom salt baths: Relax tight muscles and create a calm moment
- Comforting environment: Cushions, soft music, cosy clothes
- Plain, starchy carbs: Toast, cereal, or crackers may settle nausea
- Gentle movement: Yin yoga or stretching to ease tension
- Aromatherapy: Lavender or peppermint for comfort
Mayo Clinic and experts:
- Dark, quiet rest at first sign
- Temperature therapy: Cold for inflammation, heat for tension
- Hydration drink plenty of water
- Regular meals and consistent sleep
- Keep a migraine diary
- Manage stress with meditation, yoga, or relaxation practices
🤝Integrated Approach: Why It Works
Combining acupuncture with these self-help strategies offers powerful synergy. While acupuncture works on underlying systemic imbalances, self‑care provides supportive, immediate relief and long-term resilience.
📍 Stratford Acupuncture is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and fully registered with the British Acupuncture Council.
📍If you have any questions or would like to book a session, I’d love to help! Get in touch with Stratford Acupuncture to start your journey to better health.
📍Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey, dealing with burnout, suffering with chronic pain or feeling disconnected from yourself – you’re warmly welcome here.