Migraine: Whether We Shout “Touchdown!” or “Goal!”
By Dr. Renae Haldeman · New to some of these words? See the glossary.
Whether we shout “TOUCHDOWN!” or “GOAL!!!”
It’s that time of year. There is a little crispness in the air. It’s time to grab a sweater or scarf and head to the sidelines to watch our favorite fall sport, American football or soccer, as it is played all over the world. People are talking about pumpkin lattes, sitting by the backyard fire pit, and spending a Saturday at the park with neighbors, friends, and family. We are getting outside and enjoying the beautiful change of season and a break from the sweltering summer heat, as we watch the fall colors burst out on the leaves.
For many people, this time of year also means changes inside the body. It can bring neck pain, upper back and shoulder aches, eye migraines, headaches in general, trouble sleeping, and maybe cramps in the calves or feet. The list goes on. Did you know that, just like nature around us, our bodies make small changes to get us ready for the cold months?
How does acupuncture help? Acupuncture helps the body’s energy flow. Our bodies are full of energy pathways. The blood, and the energy that pushes the blood through the veins, work together to create harmony. Imagine a bunch of freeways inside the body. If there is a car pileup on the road, the best fix is to clear the broken-down cars so traffic (blood and energy) can flow the right way. Acupuncture points, placed with care, help clear these blockages that cause muscle tension, mood swings, headaches, cramps, and more.
A 40-year-old office worker came in for acupuncture in late summer. She was having trouble sleeping and feeling anxious. She told me she feared headaches, which usually turn into eye migraines each fall. After just a few acupuncture treatments, she was so excited to be free of anxiety and insomnia for several weeks. One weekend in early fall, she became worried when she saw a big floater (a drifting spot) in her vision. She went to her eye doctor to be checked. She was afraid something was wrong with her retina. The eye doctor checked her eyes and found that everything was fine. She told me she was excited that she had not had any eye migraines this fall. This is definitely a reason to shout “GOAL!!!” and clink our Pumpkin Spice Rooibos tea mugs!
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This article is educational and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Please talk with a licensed healthcare provider about your own health.