Conditions · Migraines & headaches
Does this sound familiar?
The TCM view
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the location and character of a headache — temples, forehead, behind the eyes, the back of the head — helps identify the pattern. Triggers like stress, the menstrual cycle, sleep and food are considered part of the picture.
The medical view
Migraine is a neurological disorder. Acupuncture is studied as a preventive treatment — reducing how often attacks occur — and is used alongside, not instead of, care from your physician or neurologist.
Your care at Seven Medicine
How long care usually takes
Preventive studies commonly use a series of treatments over 6–12 weeks. We typically assess using your headache diary after a defined initial course.
01
The goal is reducing frequency and intensity over time, using a regular course of treatment.
02
We use your headache log to evaluate whether treatment is helping — the most honest measure we have.
03
Sleep regularity, meals, hydration, screen and posture habits, stress — reviewed together and adjusted.
04
Gua sha or cupping may help when muscular tension is part of the pattern.
Research
Reviewed October 2026. Research describes groups of people, not guarantees for any individual. Explore the research →
A 2016 Cochrane review of 22 trials found acupuncture reduces how often migraines occur, appearing at least similarly effective to preventive medications with fewer side-effect dropouts. Its advantage over sham acupuncture was small.
A Cochrane review concluded acupuncture is effective for frequent or chronic tension-type headache, based on moderate- to low-quality evidence.
Patient experiences
Individual experiences vary. Testimonials reflect personal experiences, not typical or guaranteed results.
Meet your practitioner
DAcCHM, M.CM, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Dr. Kristina completed her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine as valedictorian, summa cum laude, after earning master’s degrees in both acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her clinical training spans hospital and rehabilitation settings in Minnesota and clinical study in Zhengzhou, China.
She explains your care in both TCM and familiar medical terms, so you understand what she’s seeing, why she recommends what she does, and how you’ll know if it’s working.
Dr. Kristina holds a clinical doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist, not a medical physician (MD/DO), and works alongside — not in place of — your medical team.
FAQ
Some patients do, but the primary focus is prevention between attacks. If you have a sudden severe 'worst-ever' headache, a headache with fever, weakness, confusion or vision loss, seek emergency care.
No. Never change medications without your prescribing physician. Acupuncture is used alongside your existing plan.
Still have questions?
or call(507) 258-7771
