Migraine Relief
In the context of ineffective and often dangerous pharmaceutical options for pain, acupuncture represents a safe and effective alternative with a long track-record of successful use.
“I feel like I have my life back and can now plan for the future…Treatment is brilliant, professional and relaxing”
TESTIMONIALS…
Here are some success stories from patients who have found relief from migraines through acupuncture…
I was suffering from migraines for several years and the severity of them was getting worse. I was taking a lot of sick days from work and suffered from constant anxiety about when I would get the next one. Working was getting increasingly difficult and I felt like I couldn’t do anything else as I was letting everyone down all the time.
I had tried different pain killers and preventative medications but nothing seemed to work. I would go through periods of time without them before they’d come back for several months at a time.
Someone suggested to me that accupuncture might be worth a go. I was a bit unsure but was willing to try different things to help with the symptoms. I found life and lemons on Google and they had excellent reviews so thought I’d give it a try.
I was nervous before my first session as I didn’t know what to expect but Kimberly talked me through everything and put me more at ease. She made sure I was okay throughout the treatment and surprised about how relaxing I ended up finding it.
I felt the benefits from the treatment within the first couple of weeks. The frequency of my migraines reduced dramatically and when I did get ones it was no where near as intense. This meant in general I could get on with my life much more than before. I now feel like I have my life back and can better plan for the future.
If anyone had symptoms like mine I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend life and lemons.
Treatment is professional, relaxing and brilliant.
I contacted Kimberley after months of feeling like conventional medicine wasn’t getting to the root of the problem. After a particularly tough year with Covid, multiple deaths in the family, miscarriage, acid reflux and migraines I was at a loss to know what to do next. Kimberley quickly arranged an online chat to discuss the issues and explained how acupuncture might be able to help. She was kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable. I left the call having scheduled several sessions feeling hopeful. Her experience over-seas working with acupuncture in the toughest of situations gave me huge confidence in her ability. There was a waiting list to see her, but that didn’t put me off, maybe even the opposite! I respected that she knew when to draw the line in taking on new clients, as this felt like the mark of someone who was aware that you can’t give from an empty cup and wanted the best for her patients.
The first session was a challenge because I arrived with a migraine, and was nervous about the treatment, not being a fan of needles. I found lying still whilst having the needles in almost impossible and was counting down the minutes. Kimberly was great at offering adaptations but I had to leave the session early, embarassed. I honestly wasn’t sure i’d return but as the week went on noticed that I recovered more quickly from the migraine than usual, slept better and my digestion was more regular.
The second session was a revelation! I left the clinic feeling calm and relaxed, and managed to lie almost completely still the whole time! There is definitely a degree of mental surrender. In a way requiring you to actively “let go” during the session. As Kimberley explained, the body heals at rest. Having only had two sessions so far, it’s too soon to say about the over-all experience of the treatment, but to those who might be considering it i’d definitely say go ahead.
As an extremely anxious person, who had a challenging first session, I’m actively looking forward to the next session! I don’t think this would be the case if I didn’t trust Kimberley completely. The Covid-safe measures are so rigorous, she listens to your needs and has the ability to adapt the treatment making you feel very safe.
I’m hopeful for the rest of my treatment at Life and Lemons, and feel like i’ll come away with some inner learning, as well as (hopefully) a happier body.
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I came to Kimberley after googling positive experiences of people accessing acupuncture practice for migraine.
I was experiencing 3 migraines per week at least and was experiencing also low self esteem and confidence that impacted on my making poor decisions in my personal life.
I felt disempowered and helpless in my own life
I had been experiencing chronic migraine for years which meant my having to use emergency rescue medication most days. I had tried acupuncture previously and my migraines reduced significantly. So wanted to give it a go again.
I chose kimberleys practice based upon googled recommendation. I was not disappointed. Kimberley is highly professional yet open which immediately put me at ease.
Kimberley was very thorough in her assessment and asked appropriate questions. Her skills in prescribing treatment was clearly seen and evidenced in her carefully thought out rationales for treatment. Kimberly passed everything by me before treating, encouraging me to try other methods of treatment which would complement the acupuncture therapy. I loved attending every two weeks in the end and cherished my time I gave myself.
My migraines reduced in severity but did not cease but I did increase a sense of self and began to take care of my own well-being which helped me to make life changing decisions for the better that impacted me positively emotionally.
I accessed a treatment with Kimberly and experienced an aha moment mid therapy. I felt a cloud had been lifted. Despite me going for migraines I suddenly realised that Kimberly was actually treating my inner well being. The two are co dependant yet my inner wellbeing is the actual primary condition. A massive learning moment!!! – Would you recommend acupuncture, your practitioner and Life + Lemons Clinic?
Absolutely. Despite me not being able to continue with my treatments due to my personal circumstances ( treatment outcome risk) I would fully recommend kimberlys practice. She is an utter font of knowledge and has a way about her that enables a deeper understanding of self which I never would have u sers-toi had I not accessed the therapy that was designed in such a bespoke way. I miss my therapy very much. – If you could sum up your experience of acupuncture treatment in three words, what would they be?
Life changing
Calm
Surprising
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IT’S A FACT…
Here is some useful information about how acupuncture works to combat migraines…
Acupuncture is now offered on the NHS for migraines (NICE) as it has been proven to be significantly better than no treatment/basic care for managing migraine, and appears to be at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy, with no contraindications or unpleasant side effects.
NICE concludes that acupuncture is the only proven method to prevent tension-type headaches and migraine and that doctors should prescribe a course of up to ten sessions over 5–8 weeks.
As well as prevention it may also be used to alleviate symptoms in acute attacks. New evidence also shows that acupuncture can increase coping mechanisms as well as relieve the primary migraine symptoms. Acupuncture is widely known for its effectiveness in the treatment of pain. Its unique role in reducing suffering in patients experiencing pain is one of the main reasons it has become so popular around the world.
The research is plentiful on the effects of acupuncture on specific painful conditions, as can be seen throughout this website. For acute pain, a systematic review of 13 trials found that acupuncture was more effective than both sham needling and injection with painkillers.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR MIGRAINES + TENSION HEADACHES
The mechanisms underlying how acupuncture is so effective for treating pain have been researched extensively for over 60 years. While there is still much left to learn about acupuncture mechanisms and the human body in general, the neural pathways from acupuncture point stimulation, to the spinal cord to the deactivation of the pain centers in the brain have been mapped. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to activate a number of the body’s own opioids as well as improving the brain’s sensitivity to opioids. A number of other biochemicals involved in pain reduction have been found to be released or regulated by acupuncture stimulation.
In the context of ineffective and often dangerous pharmaceutical options for pain, acupuncture represents a safe and effective alternative with a long track-record of successful use.
ACUPUNCTURE VS MEDICTATION TO TREAT PAIN
Today, opioid pain medications are prescribed globally at alarmingly high rates for pain management. Opioids include pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and others. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. with 47,055 overdoses in 2014. 18,893 of those overdoses were related to prescription pain relievers, and 10,574 were attributed to heroin.
Acupuncture has consistently proven to be a reliable and safe alternative to traditional pain reliever prescription treatments. Some of the reasons are listed below-
- Self-Healing is the Goal. There is evidence showing that it is medically effective. Acupuncture stimulates the body to provoke innate self-healing mechanisms. For centuries our bodies did not rely on prescription drugs for healing purposes, so we are equipped with the ability to heal naturally. Acupuncture is a great tool used to help the body tap into those resources.
- Evidence for Effectiveness. Chronic pain can make life unbearable. People will visit doctors that are willing to simply write prescriptions for pain relievers that may pose a threat to someone’s well-being. However, the Archives of Internal Medicine has documented research compiled by international experts spanning 29 studies and 18,000 participants. The results of these controlled studies concluded that acupuncture relieved common forms of pain up to 50%. In addition, there is less risk associated with acupuncture treatments compared to prescription medications.
- Beneficial for Multiple Conditions. From cancer to severe menstrual cramps to anxiety, acupuncture can make a noticeable difference in well-being and overall health. I’m a firm believer that no matter what the condition is, everyone can benefit from receiving acupuncture treatments.
- Opioids Exacerbate Pain. In the long run opioids, morphine specifically, have been shown to have detrimental effects. A study published earlier this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences provided evidence to suggest that even a mere five days of morphine treatments caused chronic pain lasting for months.
- Morphine vs Acupuncture. In addition, a study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine sought to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture compared to morphine. The study of 300 participants showed that the acupuncture group had 92% success rate compared to the 78% rate in the morphine group. Those who were receiving morphine treatments also reported 85 counts of side effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting. In conclusion, it can be said that acupuncture is safer than morphine treatments, and is at least as effective at pain relief as morphine.
- Acupuncture for Opioid Addiction.For those who are currently struggling with opioid dependence, acupuncture can provide relief during the withdrawal process, both physically and mentally. Given the evidence that opioids pose a threat to physical health and well-being, those seeking pain management therapies owe it to themselves to try an alternative that poses no risks.
TESTIMONIALS...
Yet more success stories from the people who matter the most…our patients…
I suffer with migraines that are related to peri menopause and whilst I have no wish to sound dramatic, the frequency and nature of them was literally ruining my life. At their worst I was taking a week off work every month and was unable to function day to day, spending long periods of time in bed, sleeping in a darkened room and relying on medication to ease my symptoms.
I began suffering with migraines in 2015 but around that timewas under a great deal of stress at work and attributed them to that. Initially they were isolated events, but over time developed into cluster migraines, lasting over a period of three days, leaving me drained and struggling to function for at least the next day or so after they ceased. I had been taking Sumatriptan for a while but because of the increase sought further medical intervention. The GP commenced prophylactic medication which I took twice daily, with significant success for a good few months. Unfortunately, the migraines returned, and it was agreed to stop the prophylactic.
The true cause of the migraines became apparent once I had changed job roles and had the head space to join the dots, working out that the attacks were linked to my menstrual cycle and fluctuating hormone levels related to peri menopause. I had continued to take Sumatriptan but knew that an alternative method of managing my symptoms was called for as this was now a long term situation.
Whilst there had been some limited success with medication, this was not something I wanted to pursue again and began to research alternative methods of managing my health. I came across Kim after reading a review online by someone who had also suffered with migraines and spoke positively about the impact of treatment provided by her. I had never had acupuncture before so was a little nervous but felt that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so booked a consultation.
My first visit was hugely significant as I knew that this was someone I could trust with my health. Kim was (and is) professional in every sense, taking a detailed history, listening when needed, prompting, and encouraging me to discuss my symptoms so she could formulate a treatment plan. The process of acupuncture itself was not at all what I had anticipated, and Kim talked me through every stage, offering support and reassurance as needed. I left that day feeling more confident in the management of my migraines than I had in a long time.
As treatment progressed, I noticed an interruption in the cycle of migraines and a reduction in frequency. Weekly treatments were reduced to fortnightly and then to once every three weeks as my symptoms began to settle as a result of the intervention. I was no longer having time off work every month and was able to function day to day. I went for nearly a year without a migraine, which was more than I could have every hoped for given their previous severity.
Since commencing acupuncture, I have recommended it to practically everyone I meet for many conditions (but particularly migraines) as I am a true convert! I love coming for treatment, as it is so much more than “a treatment” from a conventional practitioner/therapist. Kim is a friendly, caring professional and I feel reassured by her, knowing that she will always do her best. The atmosphere in clinic is such that I canrelax and so obtain the full benefit of the treatment, which I also see as “down time” and an investment in my health. If I could recommend Kim more than 100%, I would do!
Three words to sum up my experience of acupuncture? Absolutely life changing!
I can’t thank you enough Kim xx
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I started acupuncture with Kim about 3 to 4 years ago. I was having migraines which lasted for days and were recurring most weeks. I was concerned about the amount of medication I was taking, so when Kim was recommended to me I thought I would give acupuncture a try.
Kim was very professional and I felt very comfortable with her.
Since then I have visited Life and Lemons frequently, which is a really lovely place.
I still suffer with migraine but not at all like the attacks were before acupuncture. I sometimes forget how bad my migraines were before I had acupuncture. Its all thanks to Kim, such a lovely lady
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I have gone from feeling debilitated by them to being able to manage them. Some weeks I don’t have any headaches at all now which is miraculous compared with how they were before I started acupuncture at Life + Lemons.
Highly recommend!
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About Kimberley
Kimberley, Acupuncturist and Clinic Director at Life + Lemons, is a registered TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical) Acupuncturist, passionate about helping women reclaim their feminine edge. After graduating with a First Class Honors in York, she has undertaken specialist training in the area of pain management, natural conception, IVF support, menopause + pelvic pain (endometriosis/dysmenorrhea).
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