Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches in Denver
What I treat
Migraine with or without aura, episodic and chronic
Tension-type headache, including the daily afternoon headache from screen work
Cervicogenic headache, which starts in the neck and wraps forward
Menstrual and hormonal migraines
Cluster headache, as support alongside a neurologist's care
Sinus pressure headaches
Medication-overuse headache, where the rescue medication keeps the cycle going
How acupuncture treats headaches
For a tension or cervicogenic headache the work is mostly mechanical, and for migraine the goal is prevention rather than rescue. Colorado adds its own triggers: altitude, dry air, pressure swings before a front and dehydration after a day on the slopes all show up in my patients' headache diaries.
Eases tension headaches
For tension and cervicogenic headaches I sometimes needle the muscles at the base of the skull, the upper trapezius or the jaw, areas that can refer pain into the temples and behind the eyes. People often feel the headache lift while the needles are still in. When the shoulders are part of the problem, I may add cupping across the upper back.
Backed by two Cochrane reviews
A Cochrane review of 22 trials with 4,985 people found acupuncture reduced migraine frequency and did at least as well as preventive medication; frequency at least halved in 41 percent of patients versus 17 percent of controls (Linde et al., 2016). For tension-type headache, 48 and 45 percent saw frequency at least halve, versus 19 and 4 percent of controls.
Prevents migraines
For migraines the goal is prevention, and reduced frequency & intensity. Regular treatment over six to eight weeks lowers the excitability of the nervous system and reduces the muscle tension that sets attacks off. Points on the hands, feet and lower legs do most of this work, so not every needle goes in the head.
Honest about the limits
Both reviews rate the evidence moderate, not perfect. Acupuncture is a strong option and not a guarantee. During a migraine attack, take your medication: in the one emergency-department trial, acupuncture alone did worse than medication for migraine.
Your treatment plan
Your first visit
I take a detailed headache history: pattern, triggers, what helps, what you take and how often. I check your neck and jaw, take your pulse and look at your tongue, and you get a full treatment the same day. Bring your headache diary if you keep one, or start one that week.
Visits that fit the headache
Follow-ups are often 30 or 60 minutes. I book 60 minutes for patients with a lot of muscle tension, which is best worked out by hand or with cupping, depending on the area. We track the diary together so you can see the change in numbers, not just in impression.
How many visits to expect
Tension headaches: 6 to 8 visits. Migraine prevention: 8 to 12 visits over 6 to 8 weeks, then monthly as attacks become less frequent. Lasting change builds over a series of visits, so I do not promise relief after a single one.
When I send you to a doctor first
If I see red flags, I will send you to a physician first. Red flags include:
A sudden, severe headache, or the worst headache of your life
A headache with fever, a stiff neck or a rash
Weakness, numbness, vision loss, confusion or trouble speaking
A new headache after age 50
A headache after a head injury
Headaches that keep getting worse over weeks
A new, severe headache during pregnancy, or with cancer or a weakened immune system
Ready to start? Book online or call or text (720) 285-6251.
Headache patients from across southeast Denver
Easy to reach
The clinic is at 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 150. There’s a parking lot right at the building with plenty of spots, and street parking nearby if you prefer. Patients come from the Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek, Glendale, University Hills and southwest Aurora.
A quiet room
The treatment room is quiet, which matters when you arrive mid-migraine.
Open after work
Many people book on the way home from the Tech Center, since the clinic is open until 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
500+ five-star reviews across Google, ClassPass and Groupon
124 Five Star Google Reviews
He has addressed my issues for sacroiliitis, weak wrists from constant computer use and migraines with needlework (dry and electrical stimulation); tense neck pain with scalp massage; lower back pain from prolonged sitting with cupping; and plantar fasciitis with gua sha and moxibustion sticks. At a recent appointment, ear beads were used to treat anxiety. I am appreciative of holistic alternatives to supplement the care I receive elsewhere. I leave each session feeling refreshed and relieved.
—Cynthia H.
247 Five Star Groupon Reviews
Michael was SO great. I have chronic migraines and suffer from tight sore muscles in my neck and back constantly. One session, and I can already feel the difference and my muscles relaxing. He went above and beyond to help me get to feeling better. I booked my next appointment right then and there!
—Shari
146 Five Star ClassPass Reviews
“Mike is so thorough and knowledgeable. Best acupuncture experience I have ever had. I will definitely be going back!”
“The owner Michael was super nice and very knowledgeable! I had a great experience!”
“This is the first time I’ve ever had acupuncture and cupping, and it was great. Definitely recommend.”
Prices
Payment
I accept cash, all major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Rarely, and never the way an injection does. Acupuncture needles are about the width of a human hair. Most people feel a brief tap, then a dull, heavy or warm sensation that fades in a few seconds. If any point feels sharp, tell me and I will adjust or remove it.
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Migraine prevention takes 8 to 12 visits over 6 to 8 weeks to see a clear drop in frequency, then monthly visits to hold it. Tension headaches usually respond in 6 to 8 visits. Lasting change builds over a series of visits, so I do not promise relief after a single one.
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Acupuncture stimulates specific points with very fine needles. That signals the nervous system to release endorphins, increases local blood flow, calms the stress response and reduces inflammation. In Chinese medicine terms it restores smooth movement of qi and blood where it has stalled. I choose points from your symptoms, history, pulse and exam, so no two plans are identical.
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Yes. Acupuncture works alongside your medication, and most patients find they need rescue medication less often as treatment goes on. Any change to a prescription is a decision for you and your prescribing doctor, and I am glad to share notes with them.
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Sometimes. A visit during a tension headache often takes the edge off, and the room is dark and quiet. For a migraine already under way, take your medication: in the one emergency-department trial, acupuncture alone did worse than medication for migraine. For long-term change, the regular preventive visits are what matter.
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Book online at acusimple.com/access/4476, or call or text (720) 285-6251.
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I do not bill insurance directly, but I provide a superbill after each visit for you to submit. HSA and FSA cards are accepted, along with cash and all major cards.