Acupuncturist Services

Acupuncture for Migraines in Greenville, SC

Acupuncture for Migraines at IHP Greenville. Dr. Hendry, DAOM — NCCAOM-certified, 25+ yrs experience, hospital-credentialed. Call (864) 365-6156.

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that affects over 39 million Americans and is one of the most undertreated painful conditions. Acupuncture is among the best-evidenced non-pharmacological migraine prevention strategies — included in the clinical practice guidelines of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) as a first-line preventive option. At Integrative Health Partners, Dr. Hendry uses a multi-pronged approach to migraine: acupuncture for neuromodulation, Chinese herbal medicine for constitutional correction of the underlying pattern, and functional medicine assessment to identify biochemical triggers.

How Acupuncture for Migraines Works

Migraine treatment acupuncture uses a combination of local (head and neck) points and distal points that regulate the trigeminal-vascular axis. Specific points address the pattern most associated with migraines in Chinese medicine — Liver Yang Rising, which corresponds to the vascular dysregulation and neurogenic inflammation underlying most migraines. Dr. Hendry also identifies and treats the constitutional vulnerability (Liver Blood Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency) that makes patients prone to migraine flares.

Conditions Treated with Acupuncture for Migraines

Your First Appointment

Keep a migraine diary for 2 weeks before your appointment: frequency, duration, severity, location, aura characteristics, and triggers you've identified. Bring information about any migraine medications — acute and preventive. Dr. Hendry may recommend functional medicine testing for magnesium status, hormonal triggers, and inflammatory markers if initial assessment suggests these.

Why Dr. Hendry for Acupuncture for Migraines

Dr. Hendry's neurological research background — including his 2013 publication on neurogenesis — gives him a mechanistic understanding of the neural pathways involved in migraine that most acupuncturists do not possess. This informs his ability to select the precise combination of points and techniques that address the neurological, vascular, and constitutional components simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 2016 Cochrane review of 22 trials (5,000+ patients) found acupuncture at least as effective as prophylactic drug treatment for migraine prevention, with fewer side effects. The evidence is strong enough that the European Academy of Neurology includes acupuncture in its official migraine prevention guidelines.
Acupuncture can reduce migraine severity and duration when applied during the prodrome or early headache phase. It is most effective as a preventive strategy — reducing migraine frequency over time with regular treatment.
Most patients experience meaningful reduction in migraine frequency after 6–8 sessions. The typical treatment course for established migraine prevention is 10–12 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance.
Yes. Through functional medicine assessment, Dr. Hendry investigates common biochemical triggers including magnesium deficiency (found in 50% of migraine patients), hormonal fluctuations (menstrual migraines), food sensitivities, blood sugar instability, and inflammatory mediators.
Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate triptans and other acute migraine medications as acupuncture reduces the frequency and severity of attacks. This transition should be managed collaboratively with the prescribing physician.
Integrative Health Partners, 319 Wade Hampton Blvd, Ste A, Greenville, SC 29609. Call (864) 365-6156.

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