Pain Relief · Conditions We Treat

Migraines & Headaches

“Fewer migraines. Less severity. Real, measurable change.”

Acupuncture is one of the most well-studied alternatives for migraine prevention — the Cochrane review found it at least as effective as preventive medication, with far fewer side effects. We treat both the acute attack and the underlying patterns that bring migraines back.

Common patterns

If this sounds familiar…

  • Recurring migraines with aura or without
  • Tension headaches at the temples or forehead
  • Cervicogenic headaches starting at the neck
  • Hormonal or menstrual-cycle migraines
  • Light, sound or smell sensitivity
How acupuncture helps

Quiet medicine, clear results.

  • Multiple studies show acupuncture reduces migraine frequency and intensity comparably to first-line preventive medications.
  • Treatment targets the trigeminal nerve, the cervical fascia, and the constitutional patterns (Liver Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency) that predispose the body to migraines.
  • Many clients reduce or eliminate triptan use over a course of treatment.
  • We also identify dietary and stress triggers and build a take-home protocol around them.
What treatment looks like

Your plan is yours, not a template.

Weekly acupuncture for 8–10 weeks is the most studied protocol. Most clients see a 50–60% reduction in migraine frequency by week 6.

Common questions

Before you book — migraines & headaches.

Almost never. The needles are about as thin as a strand of hair — many clients don't feel insertion at all. What you may feel is a soft heaviness, warmth, or a gentle ache where qi gathers around the point. Most people leave the table relaxed enough that they don't want to drive home immediately.

Still wondering? Send me a note or call 929.272.6066 for a free phone consultation.

Book a session

Ready to feel better in your body?

Joannie has over ten years of experience treating migraines & headaches — and the time we spend together is shaped around what you, specifically, bring through the door.