Is Acupuncture or massage better for migraine?

Hi there lohnaburns, Thanks so much for your question. As you wait for possible feedback from the community regarding their experiences with acupuncture and massage, I thought I'd share some information with you. However, as I do...it is important to remember that everyone responds to therapies differently. Here are some good resources can review when you have some time.

Acupuncture - https://migraine.com/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies/acupuncture/

Expert Answer: Can massage help with my migraines? - https://migraine.com/blog/can-massage-help-with-my-migraines/

Wishing you ALL the best at finding a treatment that will provide you with the relief that you need!
-Joanna (Migraine.com Team)

I have found that doing a combination of the two is the best for me. Because I have an extreme amount of muscle tension in my neck and shoulders I get deep tissue massage. I get both treatments on the same day, right now I am going every 2 weeks as my migraines are pretty constant right now, the goal is to go once a month and maybe even every other. I also do yin yoga once or twice a week.

If you are going to try any of these I would suggest trying out several therapist before committing to one and be sure that they are certified. I chose to try a chain massage outlet that was close to my home and was so surprised to find the best massage therapist I have had yet. My acupuncturist was a referral from my doctor.

The only downside to these treatments is that, for the most part they are not covered by insurance so it can be expensive. Because they help me I make sure to have room in my budget for them.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

CarolElaine

I did two sessions of acupuncture and it has really helped me. First session, 2 days without any migraines or headaches. Second session, 4 days without any migraines or headaches. Even though I would have the discomfort before a migraine or headache, after a while it will just go away, which never happens.

Here is my experience for what it's worth. First of all, it depends on what kind of migraine you've got and how bad. I am a PIlates instructor and Massage Therapist myself (sucks to be me as I'm too sick to do much Pilates for myself and can't afford much Massage right now as I can't work much). If you have a SEVERE migraine, deep tissue massage will/can aggravate you and make you worse. Finding a/some pressure point if you know that you have issues with neck and shoulders, can alleviate pain indeed. Massage can help in between migraines, and even make a regular headache go away. There's a lot we can do on our own with La Cross balls at the wall in the muscles. Acupuncture I find if you can get someone with a good 20 years experience, it lasts for a few days anyway. But that's about it all I have found in terms of it lasting. Hope that is useful.