A Chinese Medicine Approach to Migraines in NYC

May 24

By Marc J. Gian, L.Ac., LMT | MJG Acupuncture & Massage

Migraines are the leading cause of disability worldwide — and for many New Yorkers, they interfere with work, family, and daily life. If you’ve ever had to push through a migraine while commuting on the subway, sitting in front of a computer in a Flatiron office, or trying to unwind after a long day in Brooklyn, you know just how debilitating they can be.

Migraine Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Migraines don’t usually arrive without warning. Many people notice “prodrome” symptoms a day or two before the full migraine sets in:

Fatigue and thirst
Neck stiffness (often one-sided)
Constipation or digestive upset
Frequent urination
Sensitivity to light and sound
Visual aura: floaters, flashing lights, zig-zag lines
Speech or coordination issues

For busy New Yorkers, it’s easy to ignore these signs — until the pain hits and brings life to a standstill.

A Western Medicine View on Migraines

From a biomedical perspective, migraines are seen as a complex condition involving the nervous system, hormones, blood vessels, and metabolism. Some contributing factors include:

Genetics: Migraines often run in families.
Hormones: Fluctuations in estrogen (such as during menstruation or menopause) are strongly linked to migraine episodes.
Neurological factors: Overactivation of pain pathways in the brain.
Vascular changes: Constriction or dilation of blood vessels in the brain.

While medications like triptans, beta-blockers, or Botox injections are commonly prescribed, they often come with side effects or provide only temporary relief.

A Chinese Medicine Perspective on Migraines

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a broader approach, looking at patterns of imbalance in the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Migraines can be triggered by both external and internal factors:

External factors: environmental stressors such as wind, cold, heat, or dampness.
Internal factors: diet, stress, lack of rest, and emotional imbalance.

All of the yang channels of the body converge in the head. When qi or blood becomes obstructed, or when internal organ systems are out of balance, migraines may result.

Common TCM Patterns for Migraines

1. Liver Yang Rising

Triggered by stress, frustration, or overwork.
Symptoms: throbbing headaches, irritability, dizziness, high blood pressure.
Treatment: anchor yang, nourish yin, calm the Liver.

2. Qi Stagnation

Triggered by emotional stress and long hours of sitting (hello, NYC desk jobs).
Symptoms: tension headaches, chest tightness, mood swings.
Treatment: move qi, release constraint, restore emotional balance.

3. Blood Deficiency

Triggered by overwork, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition.
Symptoms: dull headaches, fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion.
Treatment: nourish blood, strengthen the Spleen, calm the mind.

4. Phlegm & Dampness

Triggered by diet (too much dairy, fried food, or alcohol) and sluggish digestion.
Symptoms: heavy, foggy headaches, nausea, sluggishness.
Treatment: transform phlegm, strengthen digestion, clear the head.

By identifying the root pattern, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be precisely tailored to each person.

Acupuncture for Migraine Relief in NYC

Acupuncture has two main benefits for migraine sufferers:

Immediate relief during an attack: Needles at specific points help move qi and blood, reduce pain, and calm overstimulated nerves. Channels commonly addressed include the Gallbladder, Bladder, and San Jiao.
Long-term prevention: Regular treatments regulate organ systems, reduce stress responses, and decrease both the frequency and severity of migraines.

Relaxation is part of the treatment itself. Many of my patients tell me they begin to feel calmer, lighter, and clearer before the session even ends. Migraines are often linked to tension and overstimulation — acupuncture gives the body permission to release both.

Chinese Herbs for Migraines

Acupuncture works hand-in-hand with herbal medicine in TCM. One of the most respected formulas for migraines is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction).

Used for patterns of Liver Yang rising and internal wind.
Addresses headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and hypertension.
Combines Tian Ma (Gastrodia) and Gou Teng (Uncaria) with herbs that calm the Liver, anchor yang, nourish yin, and invigorate blood.

While Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is a classic, Chinese herbs are never one-size-fits-all. A licensed herbalist will customize formulas for your body’s unique constitution, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Acupressure for At-Home Relief

Between acupuncture sessions, you can try gentle acupressure at home to ease symptoms:

GB 20 (Wind Pool): At the base of the skull, behind the ears.
Taiyang (Supreme Yang): At the temples, midway between the eye and hairline.
UB 2 (Drilling Bamboo): At the inner corners of the eyebrows.

Press each point for about 30 seconds, repeat a few rounds, and take deep breaths. For added relief, a drop of peppermint or lavender essential oil can provide a cooling sensation.

Acupuncture vs. Conventional Migraine Treatments

Conventional options:

Painkillers (temporary relief, possible rebound headaches).
Triptans (effective for some, but can cause side effects).
Botox injections (expensive, requires repeat treatments).

Acupuncture and TCM:

Treat both the root cause and the immediate symptoms.
No dependency or long-term side effects.
Improve overall wellbeing: sleep, digestion, stress levels.
Relaxing and restorative — not just clinical.

For many New Yorkers, acupuncture provides a more sustainable approach. Instead of managing pain once it strikes, it helps prevent migraines from controlling your life in the first place.

Insurance Coverage for Migraine Acupuncture in NYC

The good news: many NYC insurance plans cover acupuncture. Patients at my Flatiron and Brooklyn locations are often surprised to find they pay little to nothing out of pocket.

Plans that may cover acupuncture include:

NYSHIP
Cigna
Aetna
United Healthcare
BlueCross BlueShield

💡 I personally verify out-of-network benefits for my patients so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for Migraines

Can acupuncture really help migraines?
Yes. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraines. In Chinese medicine, treatment addresses both immediate relief and the underlying imbalances that cause recurring headaches.

Which Chinese herbs are used for migraines?
A well-known formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction), which calms rising Liver Yang and helps with headaches, dizziness, and internal wind. An herbal prescription is always customized by a licensed practitioner.

Is acupuncture for migraines covered by insurance in NYC?
Yes. Many New York insurance plans such as NYSHIP, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, and BlueCross BlueShield cover acupuncture for migraines. Most patients at our Flatiron and Brooklyn offices pay little to nothing out of pocket.

How many acupuncture sessions are needed for migraine relief?
Many patients begin to notice improvement within the first few sessions. For chronic migraines, weekly treatments are often recommended at first, followed by maintenance visits once or twice a month.

Where can I get acupuncture for migraines in NYC?
Marc J. Gian, L.Ac., LMT offers migraine acupuncture treatments in Manhattan’s Flatiron District near Union Square and Gramercy, as well as in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

A NYC Patient’s Experience

Don’t Let Migraines Control Your NYC Life

Migraines don’t have to define your workdays, weekends, or personal life. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer safe, natural, and effective options for migraine relief and prevention.

Many insurance plans cover acupuncture — many NYC patients pay little or nothing out of pocket.

Book Your Acupuncture Session Today

Serving:

Flatiron District, Union Square, Gramercy (Manhattan)
Crown Heights (Brooklyn)

Marc Gian