Originally published May 8, 2017. Updated for clarity and current standards on January 20, 2026.
Migraines are not “just headaches.” They can involve throbbing head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound—sometimes with aura—often disrupting work, family life, and sleep. At Complete Oriental Medical Care in Edina, MN, Steven Sonmore focuses on reducing pain sensitivity and calming the stress-response patterns that frequently intensify migraine cycles, using individualized acupuncture and Chinese medicine care.
Migraines can run in families. They also affect more women than men. A migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. It can be on one side or both sides of the head. The quality of pain can vary from a mere throbbing to a moderate or even severe pain that interferes with normal activities. Some people have to literally lie down to recover. And even that will not always offer relief in some cases.
Migraine Symptoms and Aura
Other symptoms of migraines can include nausea and/or vomiting, as well as sensitivity to lights and sounds. A migraine aura can manifest as visual distortions and physical sensations. The visual symptoms can be flashes of bright light, wavy lines, seeing spots and distortion of the size and shape of objects. Physical sensations can be numbness in one hand or weakness on one side of the body.
Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat pain by activating the body’s natural painkillers. But how does it work at a cellular level? Brain imaging research from the University of Michigan suggests acupuncture can affect brain pathways involved in pain regulation.
How Acupuncture Helps Migraines
- Reduces muscle tension
- Helps regulate sleep
- Stimulates endorphins and other neurotransmitters to control pain
- Reduces stress and promotes a sense of comfort and well being
- Stimulates prostaglandins to reduce inflammation and swelling to prevent tissue damage
Suffering from migraines is unnecessary because acupuncture may offer you great pain relief. This ancient therapy is safe and effective. Discover your optimal quality of health with acupuncture and live migraine free.
“Healing and getting back my health! – Acupuncturist Steven Sonmore has helped my pain with the use of Chinese Medicine and without the use of pain medication, which does not get to the root of the problem and can be addictive. I have had migraine headaches and acupuncture has really helped me to get immediate relief. Chinese medicine has been beneficial as well with my digestive system. When I first came to Steven, my Liver Enzyme tests were elevated, but with treatment the repeat testing was back to normal and the medical doctor was amazed at my progress. Acupuncture has also helped reduce and help me cope with the stress in my life. I am a Registered Nurse and firm believer in Chinese Medicine. Steven Sonmore is an excellent practitioner. ” Pat Soulak, Minneapolis, MN
“I have tried many treatments to help reduce my pain. The acupuncture I received from Steven has made me feel better than anytime in the last ten years.” Greg Shaughnessy
Ready to Talk About Migraine Care?
If you suffer from migraines and live the Edina/Minneapolis/St. Paul, Twin Cities area call now at 952-831-8080 or go to our contact form.
For more than 30 years Steven Sonmore, L.Ac. has helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and a certified Life Coach. He maintains an active practice in Edina, MN.
