Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are common, but a sign of imbalance.

Find ease with routine acupuncture for chronic tension headaches.

Tension headaches are headaches originating from muscle tension usually in the upper back, neck, shoulder, and facial muscles. They can last as little as 30 minutes at a time or can persist for days. Western medical treatment for tension headaches typically includes palliative measures like hot or cold packs, massage, rest, or over the counter NSAIDs.

Common triggers for tension headaches include

  • Stress

  • Dehydration

  • Poor posture

  • Prior injury

Tension headaches are a common ailment that can often be overlooked. While common, tension headaches are a sign of imbalance in the body. Headaches interfere with our daily lives and can limit our ability to enjoy our hobbies, be effective at work, and to be present with our friends and family. Chronic headaches undoubtedly wear on energy levels and mental health overtime, whether it keeps us from activities or not.

As a chronic headache sufferer for many years, Victoria Ansell, LAc., understands the importance in headache management and takes great care in treating and preventing tension headaches using Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Chinese Medicine is an effective treatment for tension headaches. Your Chinese Medicine practitioner will use pattern diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of headaches based on subjective and objective information including

  • Location of headaches

  • Quality of pain

  • The time of onset and duration of headaches

  • What has helped and worsened headaches in the past

Acupuncture treats tension headaches by

  • Addressing musculoskeletal imbalances in the body contributing to headaches

  • Regulating the nervous system and decreasing stress, which can worsen tension headaches

  • Improving blood and Qi circulation

  • Decreasing chronic inflammation

  • Addressing underlying deficiencies that can contribute to headaches.

While tension headaches are common, they are a sign of imbalance in the body and are worthy of being addressed. Schedule a phone consultation today to see how acupuncture can help your headaches.