Headaches, How Chinese Medicine Can Help

Tue, May 22, 2018

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli, from the office of Elizabeth Martin

May 2018 Email Tip 2/4 – Acupuncture for Headaches

Millions of people, suffer mild, to severe headaches.  The most common treatment is the use of over-the-counter painkillers.  However, these can have negative side-effects with long-term use, plus they don’t address the root problems causing the headaches.  Seeking alternative treatment, such as acupuncture, can do both.  It can provide relief, and prevent future attacks.  Regular acupuncture can reduce the severity, and frequency of numerous painful conditions, including headaches.

There are many kinds of headaches; and also, many causes.  In traditional Chinese medicine, we differentiate based on concomitant symptoms, time of occurrence, pain-type and location, and apparent triggers.  After taking a detailed history and examination, we determine how your qi is out of balance, and why it’s causing pain.  We can then remedy the problem, with acupuncture, herbal formulas, and self-care advice.

Some things you can do to reduce the incidence of headaches are: find healthy ways to relieve stress, eat well, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep.  Moderate exercise can also do a lot.  If you get migraines: keep a journal and learn your triggers.  When it comes to headaches, knowing yourself, and what causes them, are important for getting the right treatment.  Take time for yourself, to care for your health!

Two good points for Stress-Related Headaches:

GB20- for headaches that wrap around the neck and head is this point at the base of the skull where your neck turns into the jead on the lateral sides. you can press on the point with your thumbs

LI4- great for all types of pain in the head. Find this point in the top of your hand when putting your thumb and pointer together it is located at the end of the crease between thumb and pointer. 

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Introducing Michael O’Brien LMT, NMT
NYS Board Certified Licensed, Massage Therapist
Certified Neuromuscular Therapist

Michael O’Brien is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and member of the American Massage Therapy Association with extensive professional training in various modalities including Swedish and Neuromuscular therapies.  He has specialized in spiral techniques working closely with Art Jaffe, who, over several decades, has developed methods which integrate the use of both Eastern and Western treatment approaches. Michael’s multiple certifications include geriatric, cancer and sports massage.  He has been included on Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital’s approved provider list and has participated in fundraisers for cancer cures and performed volunteer work at Long Island-based hospice facilities.  To maximize physical and emotional well being, Michael offers therapeutic massage tailored to each client’s specific needs.  Michael promotes regular massage therapy for pain relief, increased mobility and relaxation and transformative healing.

Following a career in finance, Michael now enjoys the healing arts and is also an accomplished musician.

We are excited to have Mike on board, and believe that he will contribute to the aspect of healing in the office!

He is available for booking Mondays and Tuesdays for 30 or 60 min massages!

Acupressure can be used for children and adults alike. Acupressure, although effective will not have as lasting results as acupuncture. This is a great combination to do for headaches! Check out our facebook page for more demonstrations of pressure points that could help you and your family:
www.facebook.com/handsonhealthwellness

In Good Health,

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, P.C.