As an acupuncturist working in North Sydney I have noticed a spike in the number of patients coming in to have acupuncture for headaches over the Spring and Summer seasons. Headaches affect the vast majority of us at one time or another. The severity of the headache can range from irksome to debilitating; the common denominator in all headaches is that they affect our productivity and can impact on our quality of life. Using Chinese medicine we will determine the type and severity of your pain, and in term use the appropriate prescription of acupuncture for your headache.

If you experience a headache here is a short list of things you can try to alleviate the pain before coming in to have acupuncture for your headache:

1. Have a glass of water: dehydration is a prime cause of headaches

2. Stress: we have many deadlines to meet before the end of financial year; it is a very stressful time. This makes it imperative you take time out to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Stretch your muscles and maintain a good working posture: a stiff neck can lead to some severe stubborn headaches

4. Get plenty of sleep: headaches can be a product of sleep deprivation and overwork

5. Watch your diet and alcohol intake: A night of bad food and excess alcohol may result in you waking up with a shocking headache; this can be greatly reduced if you consume a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage.

Most of the times the above tips will be enough to stave off painful headaches, but there will be times when the pain is so severe and stubborn you may require professional treatment. Headaches often have very different pathogenesis, so it’s imperative that the correct diagnosis is made so the correct acupuncture for your headache can be employed. At WSW we are very skilful in reducing the longevity and severity of your pain. In addition to the use of acupuncture for headaches we have many weapons in our arsenal: Tui Na (Chinese massage), herbal medicine, stretching, moxa (heat therapy), and cupping.

Headaches can be the problem or a sign of a deeper problem. If you are unsure of your prognosis then Call Luke McPherson at his North Sydney clinic on

0414 287 083