Headaches and migraines have a wide range of causal affects. This may include stress, diet, hormonal changes, environmental factors (such as bad light, constant computer screen work, toxic or strong smells), pharmaceutical side effects and sports injury or trauma. For as many varieties of headaches, there is also just as many or more remedies. Because a headache has nothing to do with the brain, a normal prescription of an over the counter or stronger analgesic often thins the blood that is transporting signals from pain receptors around the skull, face and neck. This may be an acceptable band-aid approach but when seeking treatment for headaches and migraines from a naturopathic doctor as Integrative Med Solution’s (IMS) Dr. Fred Lisanti, a deeper, longer lasting result is often the result.
Acupuncture: Headache Relief
Starting with acupuncture which more and more western practitioners are embracing for the treatment of headaches and migraines, Dr. Lisanti may target specific points such as: LI4 located in the web between the index finger and thumb which can also be massaged for fast relief; LI3 (Zhongzhu) just below LI4 and LU7 on the thumb (radial) side of the upper wrist. These points and many others will open stagnant energy that may be impeded causing headaches and migraines. In a 2003 study published in an issue of Medical Acupuncture, doctors reported cluster headaches resulting in significant relief or being completely resolved. This same study also cited a decrease or discontinuation of headache medications when acupuncture was used. At IMS an individual acupuncture program can be administered with considerable results.
Botanical Medicine Remedies: Classical Chinese Medicine
Trained in the art of Classical Chinese Medicine, Dr. Lisanti is wholly versed in some unique formulas that work extremely well for headache relief or dissipation. These formulas come with names like, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan for headaches caused by the common cold; Tian Ma Gou Teng Wan for migraines due to hypertension and Xiao Yao Wan for menstrual cycle headaches. These herbal remedies work well in conjunction with acupuncture treatments. Other recommendations may be working with teas brewed with chrysanthemum, cassia seeds, green twigs, ginger, green onion, mint and oyster shells. Aromatherapy is also another botanical approach using essential oils of lemon, lavender, peppermint, sandlewood and eucalyptus. In addition, herbs such as butterbur, feverfew and gingko biloba have been successful in headache relief.
Nutraceutical Supplementation: Vitamins and Minerals for Headache Relief
After a careful personal history assessment at IMS you may be able to alleviate your headache pain with the exact dosage of some possibly much needed vitamin and mineral supplementation. Dr. Lisanti will determine the proper dosage of such additions as: magnesium, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C.
At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 914.337.2980 or click here to schedule an online appointment.
*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.