Acupuncture for Headaches

Recurring headaches can interrupt work, family time, and sleep. Acupuncture at The Path to Wellness is an option to discuss as part of a broader headache management plan. Migraine, tension-type headache, and a new unexplained headache are not interchangeable. Understanding your pattern and any medical diagnosis is more important than choosing treatment from a general promise of relief.

Bring your headache history

Before your appointment, note how many headache days you have, how long episodes last, and whether nausea, sensitivity to light, or visual symptoms accompany them. List medicines used for prevention and for individual attacks. Tell the practitioner about changes in frequency or severity and any previous assessment. A short diary can help separate an occasional difficult day from a meaningful change over several weeks.

A sudden exceptionally severe headache, new weakness, confusion, or headache with fever and a stiff neck needs urgent medical assessment. New symptoms following a head injury also deserve prompt attention. Do not wait for an acupuncture appointment to investigate a new or alarming pattern. This service is not emergency headache care.

What an appointment can involve

Discuss whether your main goal is fewer headache days, less disruption to daily activity, or support for relaxation between episodes. Ask the practitioner how the proposed approach relates to your diagnosed headache type. Describe neck discomfort as well, but do not assume that all headaches result from tension in the neck or shoulders.

If treatment is appropriate, the practitioner should explain the plan and proposed needle locations. Ask about room comfort if you are sensitive to light, sound, or scents. You can request a pause if positioning or a sensation is uncomfortable. Do not feel obliged to continue a session during an episode that feels different from your usual headaches; explain the change and seek appropriate assessment.

Research and follow-up expectations

The NCCIH headache overview discusses potential benefit from acupuncture, while noting that nonspecific effects can contribute. The evidence does not support promising a cure or the same response for every headache type.

There is no guaranteed number of appointments. Agree on a review period and compare headache days with your starting record. Continue prescribed prevention or rescue medication unless your treating clinician advises otherwise. Reviewing frequency, function, and duration of improvement makes it easier to decide whether further appointments are worthwhile. If the pattern worsens, contact your healthcare provider rather than assume more sessions are needed.

Headache acupuncture FAQs

Can I stop migraine medication if I feel better?

Discuss any medication change with the prescriber. Feeling better after a visit is not a reason to stop a preventive medicine on your own.

Are needles only placed on my head?

Not necessarily. Ask the practitioner to explain the proposed areas and obtain your agreement before treatment begins.

What should I track between visits?

Record headache days, their effect on ordinary activities, and any changes in your usual pattern. Bring that record to your review appointment.

Practitioner and appointment prices

The practice is directed by Teresa Wilkinson, RN, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, as described on our About page. Ask which practitioner will see you and discuss relevant experience before booking. The current menu lists acupuncture at $120 for 60 minutes and maintenance acupuncture at $85 for 30 minutes. Confirm which appointment is suitable; a shorter maintenance visit is not necessarily an initial assessment.

Call 918-494-0082 for availability at 6125 S. Sheridan Rd, Suite E, Tulsa. You can also compare our acupuncture services. Bring medication details and tell your practitioner about pregnancy, bleeding concerns, and implanted devices. Acupuncture is complementary care, and results differ between individuals.