“How many acupuncture treatments are needed for migraines?”
I'm 28, and I have a migraine almost every day. I'm thinking about getting acupuncture treatment to help them. How many treatments are usually needed?
21 Answers
AcupuncturistAcupuncture
Every body reacts differently to acupuncture therapy. It is difficult to give a concrete answer to how many treatments will be needed.
I would suggest at least 20 treatments if condition is chronic just to stabilize the condition then maintenance at two to three times per month.
For best results find an acupuncturist who is skilled in Dr. Tan's Balance Method acupuncture technique. You should feel results during the first treatment but this will not be permanent until you have had at least 20 treatments at 2 treatments per week minimum. Hope this helps. Mari
I would suggest at least 20 treatments if condition is chronic just to stabilize the condition then maintenance at two to three times per month.
For best results find an acupuncturist who is skilled in Dr. Tan's Balance Method acupuncture technique. You should feel results during the first treatment but this will not be permanent until you have had at least 20 treatments at 2 treatments per week minimum. Hope this helps. Mari
Hi! I’m sorry to hear that you suffer from such frequent migraines. Acupuncture can help but the number of treatments would be determined once your pattern is assessed in person. Since you suffer so frequently, you may want to explore vitamin/mineral deficiencies and/or heavy metal toxicity’s as a reason for your migraines. Certain chemicals such as pesticides are another possibility. Best of luck!
Hi,
It depends on the severity, aethiology, and pathogenesis of the migraine. On average, it is about 10 treatments.
It depends on the severity, aethiology, and pathogenesis of the migraine. On average, it is about 10 treatments.
There is not a specific number of treatments to help you with migraines. We don't target the problem but the source of it. This way once we repair what is unbalanced, there will be no more migraines.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
You likely will feel better after the 1st treatment. I recommend 8-14 depending on you. Why? So they stay away permanently.
That really depends on the individual. The ideal course of treatment is 1-2 times weekly for 4-6 weeks or until symptoms resolve, and then backing off the frequency as the body holds balance for longer.
There is no pat answer to your question. Treatment outcomes vary depending upon a multitude of factors. Could your migraines be related to your diet? If so, you need to figure out what the offender is and eliminate from your diet. Could they be caused by toxicity in your environment? Have you gotten an MRI to rule out anything more serious? Do you have unresolved neck or vertebral pain that may be unchecked and therefore causing issues in the spinal column? This could cause migraines also. If you have been given a thorough work-up, then I would say give acupuncture a try with at least 4 treatments. Sometimes it takes longer. There are other things to take into account such as posture, improper footwear, occupational hazards/concerns. All of these things can worsen or cause migraines. So elimination of these things one by one will be the test to help understand what is causing them. Good luck!!
It’s very difficult to say how many treatments you will need for your migraines. Success can be less intensity, less frequency and even resolving quicker. We usually recommend people come in for 10 to 12 treatments to see results for most chronic conditions. After that, it varies considerably. Having said that, that’s the reason I first had acupuncture myself. Migraines... It was a lifesaver!
In Health and Wellness,
Rodney Dunetz, DAOM, AP, Dipl.Ac.
In Health and Wellness,
Rodney Dunetz, DAOM, AP, Dipl.Ac.

Dr Duke Mansell
Acupuncturist
Acupuncture treatments can usually resolve most conditions in 6-8wks. It depends on many variables and those variables determine the frequency and length of treatment.
According the American Migraine Foundation agrees that at least six treatment sessions, usually once a week and also suggest dietary changes.
Six visits are necessary to start with. Many of my patients only need 6 visits. A few need about 10 visits.
Depends on how long you have your migraines. Acute less than 6 months can take up to 10 treatments. Chronic is more 6 months or more will take at least 20 treatments.
Yes, get acupuncture. Sometimes it only takes a few treatments; other people need continued maintenance.
Every patient is different, but if outside influences like chemicals from the nail salon next door aren't causing them, I can usually stop or diminish an active migraine in one treatment. Then it takes a series to get them to stop coming on every day. After that, I have found that periodic "tune ups" can keep them from returning.
It's very difficult to put a number on acupuncture treatments because every style, practitioner, condition, and patient are different. Generally speaking, if you don't feel some change or improvement within 5-8 treatments, you should seek another practitioner or style of acupuncture.
Don't give up after your first try! As I said before, everyone is different and will react to acupuncture differently, and different styles are suitable for different people. Stick with whatever works best for you. Keep in mind, that your relief may also come from a combination of eastern and western medicine.
Don't give up after your first try! As I said before, everyone is different and will react to acupuncture differently, and different styles are suitable for different people. Stick with whatever works best for you. Keep in mind, that your relief may also come from a combination of eastern and western medicine.
There is no answer to this question that will be true for all people. The range can vary from one needle/one treatment success for life all the way to a variety of needles and still needing to come in once every few months.
Acupuncture is part of a medical system and it is not only trying to stop your migraines but to keep the body in a healthy functioning pattern long term. I do not know the cause of your migraine, nor the condition itself, so you would need to be evaluated and see what other aspects of your life and health are related.
Find a licensed practitioner in your area - an L.Ac. - and have them evaluate your case. Most people start to see a range of success from day one, but it may take a few until it sticks for longer term. Then again, it could help long term right away - no one knows the future.
Good luck, and remember that if you don't like the first practitioner you meet, you can go find anther one. Just like any other doctor or service provider you want to work with someone who you trust and feel comfortable with.
Acupuncture is part of a medical system and it is not only trying to stop your migraines but to keep the body in a healthy functioning pattern long term. I do not know the cause of your migraine, nor the condition itself, so you would need to be evaluated and see what other aspects of your life and health are related.
Find a licensed practitioner in your area - an L.Ac. - and have them evaluate your case. Most people start to see a range of success from day one, but it may take a few until it sticks for longer term. Then again, it could help long term right away - no one knows the future.
Good luck, and remember that if you don't like the first practitioner you meet, you can go find anther one. Just like any other doctor or service provider you want to work with someone who you trust and feel comfortable with.
Migraine is a chronic disease. It may need long term treatment. One treatment course is about 4-6 times. You should see the improvement within 2-3 treatments. Your acupuncture doctor will evaluate your condition after one treatment course. Then decide the future treatment plan (once per week, twice per week or once per month).
Good question. Unfortunately, the answer is: it depends. How long you've had the migraines, how long they've been a daily occurrence, whether or not there is a hormonal component or a lifestyle component all influence how a practitioner of Chinese medicine will diagnose and treat and also influence how many treatments you might need.
A general rule of thumb that I give to my migraine patients when we start treatment is: if something about your migraines (frequency, severity) doesn't change for the better in 3-5 treatments (at one treatment per week), we may need to re-think our approach.
A general rule of thumb that I give to my migraine patients when we start treatment is: if something about your migraines (frequency, severity) doesn't change for the better in 3-5 treatments (at one treatment per week), we may need to re-think our approach.