Tag Archive for: facial pain

Yes! Acupuncture Stops Tension Headaches!

 

What is a Tension Headache?

Tension headaches are the most common of all headache types, usually felt as a constant, dull pain across the forehead or frontal/ forehead area. Tension headaches are not severe or worrisome, though they are annoying. 

Causes/ Triggers of Tension Headaches:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Jaw Clenching
  • Poor ergonomics
  • Overworking/ Infrequent meals (typical “Type-A”  American)

 

Think This May Be Another Type of Headache?..

Read Stop These 5 Headache Types Here

Is This the WORST Headache of Your Life? … Find Out if You Have Cluster Headaches Here!

 

Why Do I Keep Getting Tension Headaches?

The reason tension headaches are so rampant in the modern world is due to the “rat race” of trying to get it all done. We are all guilty of it at some point in our lives. Clenching the jaw while under deadlines or stressful situations is common with tension headache sufferers. Another reason could be the incorrect work ergonomics at your desk. Acupuncture is great for all types of headaches, including TMJ headaches and for relieving stress and issues which are stress-induced.

What You Can Do:

  • Get to a Licensed Acupuncturist for headaches!
  • Start a daily Mindfulness Meditation Practice
  • Re-evaluate Desk Ergonomics 
  • Continue Self Care

Mindfulness meditation is a daily practice to help coax us out of staying constantly in this stressful “striving” mindset. If we stay in this “fight or flight” reactionary place too long, we burn the candle at both ends and become exhausted and suffer disease and dis-ease. This meditation type is aimed at helping to relieve suffering and dis-ease and is used successfully with many struggling with chronic pain and stress to get to a place of feeling more at ease, more often. Find further resources here.

Acupuncture is helpful for relieving headache pain and stress. Many patients come in monthly or seasonally after their main complaints resolve for a “tune-up” appointment to help keep their body in balance.

Self Care like regular meals, hydration and stretching at your desk can serve as muscle tension headache prevention.

If you are like me and can hyper-focus on what you are passionate about for hours without eating or drinking water, you may need to set an alarm in your phone until you get used to taking better care of yourself. Having a container for water handy may be serve as the visual cue to remind you while you work that you are not an android and must hydrate! If you do not, you will quickly remember just how human you are! Dehydration can lead to headaches and that sense of anxiousness, agitated mood or irritability-our body’s way of telling us to take a mini-break, sip and do a Yoga Pose or Two!

Read How Acupuncture Relieves Sinus Headaches Here

 

Read more on Mindfulness Meditation Here

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

 

Aleesha D Ackerman

is a licensed acupuncturist. She owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka, MN. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha was first turned on to acupuncture due to her chronic, debilitating migraine headaches following an auto accident with a semi-truck during high school.

Aleesha specializes in treating Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and PMS. She successfully treats patients with all types of headaches, including Tension headaches.

Aleesha suffered many years herself with migraine headaches. She can truly empathize with her suffering patients and her passion is to help them feel better.

Anoka Acupuncture with Aleesha D Ackerman

Feel better, Move forward.

Call 763-762-7142 or Schedule online with Aleesha atAnokaAcupuncture.com

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in the downtown Anoka at 207 E Main near Andover, MN.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

 

Which of the 5 Headache Types Do You Get?

How to Avoid These Types of Headaches and Migraines…

  1. Caffeine-Withdrawal Headache

Options: Continue with caffeine addiction to avoid headache or get acupuncture to support you in quitting your caffeine addiction. Acupuncture helps addiction by decreasing cravings, detoxing the body and calming the shen or mind.

Acupuncture is used as an adjunct therapy along with many addiction programs. It is not a replacement, however for a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) or Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.).

 

  1. Cluster Headache (most disabling type)

Symptoms:

  • One-sided pain, behind or above one eye
  • Possible facial pain and jaw pain
  • Pattern of: headaches in clusters (days clustered together)

Triggers: Certain foods, alcohol, nicotine, heat

Options: Avoid your personal headache triggers, Acupuncture, Medications like Imitrex may be needed once headache starts

Patient Testimonial: Acupuncture Treating Cluster Headache!

 

  1. Migraine Headache (severe)

Symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Visual Disturbances
  • With or without aura
  • Worse with physical activity
  • Sensitivity to Light, Sound or Scent

Triggers: Stress, Genetics, Hormones, Weather, Past Trauma/ Injury, Lack of food/ water/ sleep

Options: Pay attention to your triggers and avoid them, Avoid stress. Avoid becoming to run-down, hungry or thirsty. Try Acupuncture; it is well known for effectively resolving migraines in Anoka.

  1. Tension Headache (not severe)

Symptoms:

  • Most common headache type
  • Constant dull, aching pain
  • Constant, tight, pressure across forehead (frontal headache)
  • Tenderness in shoulder, neck, or both sides of head

Triggers: Stress, Anxiety, poor work ergonomics and jaw clenching

Options: Stress reduction (psst! Acupuncture helps!), Meditation, Improve ergonomics at your work station, Avoid hunger and burnout

Aleesha D Ackerman successfully treats and relieves headache pain every day at Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka.

 

  1. Facial/ Jaw Pain Headache

Symptoms:

  • Pain: cheek, ear, temples, teeth or TMJ jaw joint
  • Worse with clenching teeth or poor posture

Causes:

  • Bruxism (grinding teeth)
  • TMJ problem (temporomandibular joint problem)

Options: Apply heat, jaw stretches, mouth guard, Acupuncture treatment, Oral chiropractic massage (if you can tolerate the pain), Improve posture (Yoga), Avoid stress!

 

Acupuncture Treatment for Headaches and Migraines:

Acupuncture is a great place to start managing migraine headaches or pain, regardless of the headache type.

Watch the Military doing Acupuncture on Soldiers to Relieve Pain

Why Acupuncture for Migraine Headaches?

Acupuncture is a safe, drug-free, non-habit forming medical treatment.

Many patients are referred by their doctors to Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka for treatment of headache or migraine when medication has proven ineffective or for those who are seeking a drug-free treatment method.

What Type of Training Should I Ask for Before I Book an Acupuncture Appointment?

Look for an acupuncturist in your area to see if acupuncture can help relieve your headache or migraine. Be sure to ask if the acupuncturist is not only certified, but also licensed. You want to be sure your practitioner has been properly trained to ensure your own safety.

…Be sure to check back for our next blog: “Warning: These Headaches Could Be Dangerous”

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman of Aleesha D Acupuncture.

Aleesha received her Graduate degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha was first turned on to acupuncture due to her chronic, debilitating migraine headaches.

These daily headaches lasted over 15 years and kept her from living life. Her first acupuncture treatment brought profound pain relief!

This prompted her to return to school for extensive training in acupuncture to help people just like herself become free of pain and to return to living life again!

You can ensure your safety by being sure to see an acupuncturist who is Licensed!

 

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care.

No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

Shingles: What Is It? Can Acupuncture treat it (in Anoka, MN)?

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a painful skin rash that, left un-treated can cause long-term nerve damage and residual nerve pain.

 

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus called Herpes Zoster, a latent chicken pox virus. Once someone has had chicken pox (usually as a child) the virus goes dormant within the body. Most never have to deal with it again.

However, some experience this dormant virus being “re-activated” within the nerve cells by stress and a lowered immune system, particularly after the age of 50.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles looks like a red rash, usually on one side of the body around the ribs, scalp, face, neck and arm (possibly lower body). Sores may blister, burst open and crust over.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

It is best to have acupuncture treatments right away, in order for optimal results. Waiting too long may result in nerve damage and long-term nerve pain which may include burning, tingling pain and headaches, sometimes lasting months to years…

Acupuncture may still help at this later stage, though it will be limited to reducing symptoms, not resolving them if long-term nerve damage has taken root.

Schedule your acupuncture appointment at Aleesha D Acupuncture today.

 

Acupuncture treats Shingles by treating the overall TCM patterns of Wind Heat and by clearing Blood Heat and what is called Dampness. It also treats the Channels (energy pathways) and local areas affected.

  • Acupuncture lowers inflammation
  • Acupuncture may help avoid nerve damage
  • Acupuncture helps other symptoms:
    • Headaches
    • Nausea
    • Nerve pain
    • Fatigue
    • Stress
    • Acupuncture helps strengthen weak immune system
      • This helps fight the virus
      • This helps virus return to dormant state

Conventional (Western Medicine) Treatment:

Medications include:

  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds
  • Prescription narcotics
  • Steroids
  • Antihistamines (for itching)
  • Anti-viral drugs at onset (may reduce severity)

Risk Factors

  • A weakened immunity
  • Age 50 and older
  • Higher risk of a complication called Post-herpetic Neuralgia (nerve pain may become chronic if not treated)

 

Facts

  • You cannot catch Shingles from someone from Shingles
  • Shingles is due to latent chicken pox virus
  • You may catch chicken pox from someone with Shingles

(if you have not had chicken pox)

Tips to Use at Home

  • Visit a licensed acupuncturist during acute (early) stage
  • Apply topical capsaicin cream
  • Apply turmeric paste (may stain clothing and skin)
  • Apply a tincture of myrrh to the affected area 3x daily
  • A vaccine is available called Zostavax (50% success rate)
  • Your licensed acupuncturist may also go over other lifestyle recommendations according to your pattern, including diet and stress reduction tips.

Prompt treatment is important to avoid complications, especially if severe, whether seeking Acupuncture treatment as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Western Medical treatment.

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha Ackerman treats all types of pain including headache, migraine and back pain. She specializes in Women’s health treating patients with Anxiety, Mild to Moderate Depression, Endometriosis, Auto Immune Disease such as Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid Disease and syndromes such as Fibromyalgia.

Aleesha treats low mood and energy using acupuncture, TCM diet and other lifestyle recommendations when appropriate to you as an individual.

To schedule with Aleesha, visit AleeshadAcupuncture.com

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care.

No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturists Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Blaine, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Maple Grove, Osseo, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Spring Lake Park and Ramsey, MN 55303.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55434, 55449, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro and Minneapolis area.