Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting nearly every person on the plant. Here we will look into the underlying causes, treatment — and the use of acupuncture as a viable option.
Causes and Aetiology of Headaches
To begin with, headaches are broadly classified as primary or secondary (a symptom of an underlying issue).
Primary headaches include:
- Stress and muscle tension cause tension-type headaches (TTH), the most common variety.
- Migraine — a neurological issue affecting circulatory restriction and a change in brain activit and may include symptoms like throbbing pain, nausea, and light sensitivity.
- Cluster headache — severe, one-sided attacks linked to the hypothalamus.
Secondary headaches stem from causes such as:
- High blood pressure
- Sinus infections
- Dehydration
- Medication side effects
- Head injury
- More serious conditions such as tumors or aneurysms (sudden, severe, or unusual headaches should seek medical investigation).
Additionally, causes of headaches may include stress, poor sleep, hormonal fluctuations, caffeine withdrawal, foods sensitivities, and screen-related eye strain.
Conventional treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on the type of headache type and the frequency:
- Acute treatment: Often over-the-counter pain medication including paracetamol, NSAIDs or triptans for migraine
- Preventive: beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants for frequent migraine or TTH
- Lifestyle: hydration, sleep hygiene, stress management, avoidance of potential triggers
- Physical therapies: physiotherapy, massage, and posture correction for tension-related headaches
What the Acupuncture Research Shows
Acupuncture has been studied extensively for headache disorders, with encouraging results.
A 2025 meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials (2,295 patients) found that acupuncture reduced migraine duration, severity, and frequency. Another meta-analysis found acupuncture more effective than medication at reducing both migraine frequency (ScienceDirect). Cochrane showed 16 or more sessions produce better outcomes than 6–12 sessions (ScienceDirect, 2024), indicating acupuncture works cumulatively and as a preventive therapy.
For tension-type headache, the foundational Cochrane review found that real acupuncture outperformed sham treatment across seven trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016). A larger 2023 meta-analysis of 30 RCTs (2,742 patients) confirmed acupuncture produced a greater responds rate than sham acupuncture, with moderate quality evidence (PMC).
Conclusion
Headaches have diverse causes, and treatment should match the underlying type. For people seeking drug-free options, acupuncture is increasingly supported by clinical research — particularly for migraine prevention — though it works best as a course of multiple sessions rather than a one-off fix. Anyone with frequent, severe, or unusual headaches should still consult a doctor before starting any new treatment.
At Evolve we look to more than just the symptoms. By working with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition, diet exercise and lifestyle advice our aim is to not only help you feel better but to make sure you stay that way.
For more information on helping with headaches, migraines, pain relief, allergies using acupuncture and Chinese medicine Contact us or Book Now.
Jeff Shearer has been in practice since 1995 and loves sharing his knowledge on better ways to live.
Disclaimer: Each individuals’ treatment and/ or results may vary from person to person depending on the specifics of the situation. Results are not promised or guaranteed as a result of receiving a treatment with Evolve Natural Medicine.
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