Migraine Treatment

Migraine is much more than a bad headache – it can disrupt an entire day, impair the ability to function, and recur again and again despite conventional treatment. Many patients dealing with chronic migraines arrive at the clinic after trying various approaches without finding sufficient relief. Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and tuina, offers a complementary approach aimed at treating the underlying cause rather than only the passing symptom.

Migraines and quality of life

Migraine typically presents as intense headache, sometimes one-sided, accompanied by sensitivity to light and noise and often nausea as well. Recurring attacks can significantly affect daily functioning, sleep and mood, and many people live in constant dread of the next attack. When medication alone is not enough, turning to complementary treatment can offer an additional path to relief.

The Chinese medicine approach to migraine treatment

In Chinese medicine, recurring headaches are generally understood as an expression of stagnation in the flow of energy and blood in the head and neck area. Ongoing emotional stress, muscular tension in the shoulders and neck, and sleep disturbances can all contribute to the development of attacks. Chinese diagnosis examines the patient as a whole, identifying the specific factors contributing to their migraines rather than only the pain itself.

Acupuncture and tuina: a combined treatment

Acupuncture is used to balance the body’s energy, calm the nervous system and improve blood flow to the head, and many patients describe the treatment itself as surprisingly pleasant and calming. Tuina, a Chinese medical massage directed at specific pressure points, helps release tension in the shoulders, neck and head – areas often involved in triggering an attack. Combining the two methods allows for comprehensive treatment that addresses both the painful symptom and the factors that support it.

Case story: from first relief to lasting change

A patient who had struggled for years with frequent migraines, after conventional treatments failed to bring sufficient relief, came to Shai Davids’ clinic and received a combination of acupuncture and tuina treatments. Already in the first sessions she felt noticeable relief and an unexpected sense of calm. After a series of treatments, the frequency of her attacks dropped significantly, and when an attack did occur, it was milder than before.

A holistic, personal approach

At Shai Davids’ clinic, every session is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and circumstances, based on the understanding that each person has a different migraine pattern and different contributing factors. The holistic approach addresses not only the painful symptom, but also sleep, diet and overall stress levels, with the goal of promoting long-term relief and health rather than merely masking the pain temporarily.

When to seek treatment for migraines

There are situations in which turning to complementary migraine treatment is especially recommended.

• Attacks recurring more than once a week
• Medication providing only partial relief
• Migraines disrupting work, sleep or daily routine
• Accompanying muscular tension in the shoulders and neck

In such cases, combining acupuncture and tuina may help reduce the frequency of attacks and improve overall quality of life.

Book a Treatment

If you are dealing with recurring migraines and looking for a complementary approach alongside your existing treatment, Shai Davids sees patients at clinics in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan and builds a personal treatment plan for each patient. It is important to remember that acupuncture is a complementary treatment and does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment, so it is best to combine both approaches. To schedule a consultation, feel free to get in touch at any time.