Headaches and migraines can be exhausting, disruptive, and difficult to manage—especially when they become chronic. For many people, medications only mask symptoms without addressing the root cause. Acupuncture for headaches offers a natural, evidence-based approach that targets underlying imbalances in the body to reduce pain, frequency, and intensity.
At Kollectiv Health, our team provides acupuncture in Sherwood Park as part of a personalized, whole-body approach to headache and migraine care. Whether you experience tension headaches, neck-related headaches, or migraines, acupuncture may be a powerful solution.
Understanding Headaches and Migraines
What Causes Headaches and Migraines?
If you’ve ever wondered what causes headaches and migraines, the answer is often multifactorial. Common contributors include:
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Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
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Poor posture or prolonged screen use
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Stress and nervous system overload
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Hormonal fluctuations
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Sleep disruption
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Dehydration
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Food sensitivities
Migraines, in particular, are a neurological condition involving altered brain signaling, blood vessel changes, and inflammation. Understanding the cause is essential to choosing the right treatment.
What Is a Tension Headache?
A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It’s often described as a dull, aching pressure around the head, temples, or behind the eyes.
Tension Headache Symptoms
Common tension headaches symptoms include:
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Tightness in the neck or shoulders
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Pressure or squeezing sensation around the head
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Mild to moderate pain
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Pain that worsens with stress
Acupuncture for tension headaches focuses on releasing muscle tension, improving circulation, and calming the nervous system.
Migraines: Symptoms and Challenges
Migraine Symptoms
Unlike standard headaches, migraines symptoms may include:
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Throbbing or pulsating pain
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Sensitivity to light or sound
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Nausea or vomiting
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Visual disturbances (auras)
Because migraines are complex, many patients seek acupuncture for migraines as a complementary or alternative approach to medication.
How Does Acupuncture Work for Headaches?
Many patients ask, how does acupuncture work, and why is it effective for pain?
Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body using very fine needles. This helps:
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Improve blood flow
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Reduce inflammation
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Relax tight muscles
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Regulate the nervous system
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Trigger the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals
In the context of headache acupuncture, treatment often targets areas related to the head, neck, shoulders, and stress pathways.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
A common concern is: does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. The needles are extremely thin—much finer than injection needles. You may feel a slight pressure, warmth, or tingling sensation, but treatments are generally relaxing.
Many people leave their sessions feeling calmer and lighter, which is especially beneficial for stress-related headaches.
Acupuncture for Neck and Back Pain Related to Headaches
Headaches frequently stem from musculoskeletal tension. Acupuncture for neck pain and acupuncture for back pain can significantly reduce headache triggers by:
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Releasing tight muscles
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Improving posture-related strain
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Supporting spinal mobility
Treating the source—not just the symptom—is one of the major acupuncture benefits.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
Patients often ask about dry needling vs acupuncture. While both use needles, they are different practices:
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Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and treats the whole body, nervous system, and energy flow.
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Dry needling focuses primarily on releasing muscular trigger points.
For headaches and migraines, acupuncture offers broader, systemic benefits beyond muscle release alone.
How to Treat a Headache or Migraines Naturally
If you’re exploring how to treat a headache or migraines without relying solely on medication, acupuncture can be part of a comprehensive plan that may include:
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Stress management strategies
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Postural corrections
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Lifestyle and sleep support
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Movement therapy
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Manual therapies
This integrated approach is especially effective for chronic or recurring headaches.
Headache Treatments in Sherwood Park at Kollectiv Health
At Kollectiv Health, we tailor headache treatments in Sherwood Park to each individual. Your acupuncture care plan may include:
1. Personalized Acupuncture Treatment
We assess posture, muscle tension, stress levels, and health history to deliver targeted acupuncture for headaches.
2. Addressing Root Causes
By treating neck tension, nervous system dysregulation, and circulation issues, we aim for long-term relief—not temporary fixes.
3. Integrated Care
Acupuncture works seamlessly alongside other services at Kollectiv Health to support whole-body wellness.
Why Choose Acupuncture in Sherwood Park?
Choosing local care matters. Our acupuncture in Sherwood Park clinic offers:
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Experienced, licensed practitioners
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Evidence-informed treatment approaches
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A calm, supportive environment
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Care plans tailored to your lifestyle and goals
Patients often report fewer headaches, reduced migraine severity, and improved quality of life.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
If headaches or migraines are interfering with your daily life, acupuncture for headaches may provide the relief you’ve been searching for. From tension headaches to migraines, acupuncture addresses both symptoms and root causes—naturally and effectively.
At Kollectiv Health, we’re proud to offer compassionate, results-focused acupuncture care in Sherwood Park.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation today and discover how acupuncture can help you regain control over headaches and migraines.
