Acupuncture Treatment for Migraine Pain
February 22nd, 2010
Light can exacerbate the debilitating pain of migraines. A new study published in Nature Neuroscience assesses how light affects migraine pain by examining how visual and pain pathways in the brain converge.
The researchers’ findings indicate there are cells in the brain’s thalamus where the visual system and information converge with the body’s pain system, providing an explanation for how light exacerbates migraine pain.
“Nearly 90 percent of individuals who experience migraines have photophobia, which is when light affects migraine pain,” says Rami Burstein, study senior author and professor of anesthesia and neuroscience at Harvard Medical School.
Symptoms of migraines may include:
· Throbbing or pulsating headache on one side of the head.
· Nausea.
· Sensitivity to light and noise.
· Headache that gets worse with physical activity.
Migraines can be caused by a variety of environmental and physical factors, including allergens, stress and diet. Acupuncture can reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines as well as dependence on analgesics.
Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress and increases levels of endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture also can improve poor cerebral circulation, which aids in the treatment of the root cause of the condition, allowing the afflicted area to obtain sufficient blood supply, oxygen and nutrition.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of migraines call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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