Pregnancy headaches and migraines: Can acupuncture help?

Pregnancy headaches can feel like an unexpected burden on top of all the other changes happening in your body. Whether it’s a dull, constant ache or a sharp, throbbing migraine, these headaches can make you feel irritable, drained, and unable to focus. Many women in Curl Curl, Manly, and across the Northern Beaches report that headaches are one of the most frustrating parts of pregnancy—especially when you’re already juggling the emotional and physical tolls that come with growing a baby.

You might find yourself feeling like a pressure cooker, with tension building in your head and neck, only to have it escalate into a full-blown migraine. Or, maybe you’re dealing with constant, low-level tension in your temples or behind your eyes. You know that certain things trigger your headaches, but with pregnancy hormones swirling through your system, it can be difficult to pinpoint what might offer relief.

What Western medicine says

Western medicine views pregnancy headaches as a result of hormonal changes, dehydration, stress, and muscle tension.

The increase in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can affect blood vessels and the nervous system, triggering headaches. Additionally, blood pressure changes, poor posture, lack of sleep, and the growing weight of the baby can all contribute to tension headaches and migraines.

In terms of treatment, Western approaches often include:

• Over-the-counter painkillers (with limitations for pregnant women).
• Hydration and rest, particularly if dehydration is a factor.
• Gentle stretching or massage for tension headaches caused by tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
• Prescription medications for more severe migraines, though these should always be considered carefully during pregnancy.

Though some of these treatments can help, they may not address the root causes of pregnancy-related headaches and migraines. That’s where other approaches, such as Chinese medicine, can offer a different perspective.

What Chinese medicine says

Chinese medicine sees pregnancy headaches as a manifestation of issues such as Qi stagnation or Blood deficiency. The body’s energy flow (Qi) is disrupted during pregnancy, leading to blockages in certain areas that can cause headaches. Additionally, Chinese medicine often connects headaches to Liver Qi stagnation, which can be exacerbated by emotional stress, or Blood deficiency, which can make the body more susceptible to pain.

Chinese medicine also sees the Kidneys as playing a role in headaches. When the kidneys aren’t nourished, it can affect the flow of fluids and energy in the body, leading to migraines or tension headaches. Unlike Western treatments, Chinese medicine aims to treat the root cause by balancing energy, blood, and fluids, rather than simply masking the symptoms.

In this system, acupuncture and herbal remedies are commonly used to:

• Move Qi and reduce stagnation in the liver and other organ systems.
• Nourish blood and fluids to prevent headaches caused by deficiency.
• Relax the nervous system and relieve stress-induced tension.

How we help

At The Village Healing Centre, we help many women across the Northern Beaches who are experiencing headaches and migraines during pregnancy, providing holistic relief.

Through acupuncture, we can:

• Relieve tension in the neck, shoulders, and head, which is often a trigger for tension headaches.
• Stimulate the body’s natural energy pathways to reduce Liver Qi stagnation and increase Blood circulation.
• Calm the nervous system to ease stress-related headaches.

Our herbal remedies are designed to nourish the blood and fluids in the body, while also reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. We also offer lifestyle recommendations to help reduce triggers, like dietary tips, hydration advice, and relaxation techniques.

Book your appointment

If pregnancy headaches are getting in the way of enjoying your pregnancy, we’re here to help. Together, we can find a solution that’s tailored to your needs and provides long-lasting relief.

If you’re in the Northern Beaches of Sydney and you’re curious about acupuncture for pregnancy, we’d love to support you. Reach out to ask a question or to book your appointment.

Find us in Curl Curl (Sydney Northern Beaches)
📞 Call us at (02) 9938 2182
Book your appointment