If you suffer from chronic migraines, you already know they are much more than just a bad headache. The throbbing pain, intense nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound can completely derail your day—stealing time away from your work, your family, and your life.
For many patients in the Twin Cities, the standard medical approach relies on over-the-counter or prescription painkillers. While these might take the edge off a current attack, they are not a long-term solution. Repeated use of pain medication can even trigger “rebound” headaches, locking you into an exhausting cycle of chronic pain.
There is a better, natural way to break the cycle.
Treating the Root Cause with Nervous System Regulation
At Complete Oriental Medical Care, we do not believe in simply masking your pain. Our goal is to address the underlying root cause of your migraines.
Most chronic head pain is tied to an overstimulated nervous system that is stuck in a chronic “fight or flight” stress response. Traditional Chinese Medicine works by fundamentally shifting your body out of this heightened stress state and into a state of repair and nervous system regulation.
By calming the nervous system, acupuncture naturally reduces the inflammation, muscle tension, and vascular spasms that trigger your migraines. This approach not only reduces the severity of the headaches you have now, but proactively prevents future attacks.
The Balance Method: Rapid Relief Without Needling the Pain
With over 30 years of clinical experience, licensed acupuncturist Steven Sonmore utilizes highly specialized techniques to deliver rapid results.
Our clinic specializes in the Balance Method. This advanced approach utilizes “distal points”—meaning we place the ultra-fine acupuncture needles on the arms, legs, or hands rather than directly into the painful areas of your head and neck. By stimulating these distal points, we can unblock the energy pathways connected to your head, often providing noticeable pain relief within seconds of the needles being placed.
Migraine Symptoms We Treat
Acupuncture is a holistic, whole-body treatment that addresses the wide variety of symptoms associated with headache disorders, including:
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Throbbing or pulsating head pain (often on one side of the head)
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Visual auras (flashing lights, blind spots, or zig-zag lines)
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Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or strong smells
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Nausea and digestive upset
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Severe muscle tension in the neck, jaw, and upper back
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Hormonal or stress-triggered headaches
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraine Acupuncture
Does acupuncture for a migraine hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. Some patients experience no sensation, and some may feel a small ache or pinch. Once the needle is inserted, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. Most patients aren’t even unaware of the needles. Because we use the Balance Method, we do not place needles into your throbbing head or tight neck muscles. Instead, we use points on your arms, legs, and hands. Most patients find the treatments incredibly relaxing and often fall asleep during their session.
How many acupuncture sessions do I need for migraines?
Every patient is unique, but most begin to see a reduction in the severity and frequency of their migraines within the first few sessions. During your initial consultation, we will assess your specific history and outline a customized treatment plan designed for long-term relief rather than a quick, temporary fix.
Do you accept health insurance for acupuncture?
To provide the highest standard of personalized care without interference from third-party networks, Complete Oriental Medical Care is a fee-for-service clinic and does not directly bill health insurance (with the exception of auto-related no-fault claims). However, we gladly provide you with a “superbill” containing all the necessary medical coding. You can submit this superbill directly to your insurance provider for out-of-network reimbursement. We also accept Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App for easy transactions.
Reclaim Your Life from Chronic Pain
You do not have to accept migraines as a permanent part of your life. Since 1994, Complete Oriental Medical Care has been helping patients in Edina, Minneapolis, and the surrounding areas achieve lasting, natural pain relief.
Take the first step toward a pain-free life:
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Call Us: 952-831-8080
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Location: Conveniently located in Edina, MN