Health Advantage Logo

Ready to Reduce Migraine Frequency and Intensity? Try Acupuncture

Jun 01, 2025
Ready to Reduce Migraine Frequency and Intensity? Try Acupuncture
Living with migraines can feel like waiting for the next storm to hit. If you're searching for a natural, proven way to reduce migraine frequency and severity, acupuncture may be the relief you need.

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to explore options that can make a difference in how you feel. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine in Pasadena, California, our integrative team specializes in helping patients manage chronic pain without relying solely on medication. 

If migraines disrupt your life, our licensed acupuncturist, Dennis Buckley, DC, offers a patient-centered approach to help you regain control using time-tested methods tailored to your needs.

Here’s how acupuncture can help you reduce migraine frequency and intensity, and why it’s worth considering this month and beyond.

Understanding the science behind acupuncture and migraines

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on your body to stimulate your nervous system and promote healing. When it comes to migraines, research suggests acupuncture can:

  • Stimulate the release of endorphins
  • Improve blood circulation
  • Decrease inflammation
  • Regulate nerve signaling

Acupuncture is a scientifically supported natural approach to managing migraines. In a review of 22 trials, researchers found that regular acupuncture cut migraine frequency by 50% for most participants, and this beneficial effect continued for over six months. 

Why migraines may respond well to acupuncture

Migraine attacks often involve more than just a pounding head. Common migraine symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Light sensitivity
  • Visual disturbances
  • Dizziness

These symptoms can make each episode feel debilitating. Acupuncture doesn’t just target the pain; it works holistically to address the root causes and triggers.

The team at Health Advantage Physical Medicine focuses on identifying patterns in your symptoms, lifestyle, and stress levels to create a customized treatment plan. This allows us to use acupuncture not as a bandage, but as a tool to rebalance your system and improve resilience over time.

What to expect during your acupuncture sessions

Your first appointment begins with a thorough consultation. The goal is to understand your unique experience with migraines, how often they occur, what triggers them, and how they affect your daily life. From there, we design a treatment plan that targets not just the headaches, but the underlying imbalances that may be contributing to them.

Each acupuncture session typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, and most patients find it relaxing. Most patients find the needles painless, and many feel a sense of calm or lightness during and after treatment.

Is acupuncture right for you?

If you're looking for a non-drug solution, or want to supplement your current care, acupuncture is worth considering. It’s safe for most people and can be combined with other treatments, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, or stress management strategies.

Many of our patients at Health Advantage Physical Medicine report noticeable relief after just a few sessions. For long-term migraine management, consistency is key. We work with you to build a schedule that supports your goals and adjusts as your needs evolve.

Don’t let migraines call the shots. Contact us at Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule a consultation and find out if acupuncture is the missing piece in your migraine care plan.