What I Commonly Work With

• Migraines
• Tension-type headaches
• Headaches associated with muscular tension
• Headaches associated with stress
• Headaches accompanied by neck or shoulder tension
• Recurring headaches
• Headaches associated with hormonal or menstrual changes
• Headaches accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light or sound

Understanding Your Individual Symptoms

Headaches can have very different patterns from one person to another. During your assessment, I may want to understand where you feel the pain, how frequently your headaches occur, and whether you experience neck or shoulder tension alongside them.

Looking Beyond the Headache

Although the pain may be felt in your head, the factors surrounding your headaches can be much broader — neck or shoulder tension, poor sleep, stress, digestive symptoms, menstrual or hormonal changes, fatigue or emotional strain.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers headaches according to their location, character, timing and accompanying symptoms, as well as the individual's broader health pattern.

What Might Treatment Involve?

Acupuncture is the foundation of my treatment. Depending on your individual presentation, I may draw from different acupuncture approaches and complementary therapies.

How Many Treatments Might I Need?

There is no standard number of treatments. Your treatment plan depends on the nature and frequency of your headaches and how you respond to care.

When Should a Headache Be Medically Evaluated?

Seek urgent medical attention for a headache that is sudden and extremely severe, occurs after a significant head injury, is accompanied by weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking or confusion, high fever or a stiff neck, or new vision loss, or is a new or substantially different type of headache. Acupuncture should complement — not replace — appropriate medical evaluation and care.

Could Acupuncture Be Appropriate for Your Headaches?

If recurring headaches or migraines are affecting your work, sleep, concentration, exercise or everyday life, acupuncture may be worth exploring as part of your overall approach to care. You're also welcome to contact Richard directly.

The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a serious, sudden, or worsening medical condition, please seek appropriate medical attention.