A headache is a pain, acute or dull, occurring anywhere in the head or neck area, with severity ranging from tightness in the neck to an incapacitating migraine that can last several days. The term headache is a blanket term used to describe more than 200 conditions, and the symptoms and treatment vary, depending on the type of headache.

The most common variety is a tension headache brought on by stress, lack of sleep, bad posture, or substance abuse withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, nicotine or caffeine. Sinus headaches are also quite common.

Whether for a tension headache or a wicked migraine, acupuncture is a quick and helpful solution. The treatment is gentle, painless in most cases, and brings immediate relief from the pressure. Acupuncture is more effective than medication in reducing the severity and frequency of chronic headaches, according to an analysis conducted by Duke University Medical Center researchers published in Anesthesia and Analgesia that analyzed more than 30 randomized, controlled studies, which included nearly 4,000 patients reporting migraines, tension headaches and other forms of chronic headaches with multiple symptoms.

They concluded that acupuncture was more effective in relieving headaches than traditional medicine. These acupuncture patients also reported better physical well-being compared to the medicated group.

Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, of The Acupuncture Center.