【case feedback】headache 3 yrs｜did more therapy | pain around eyes and in temple | Acupuncture Auckland clinic

Steve, a plumber in Auckland, had suffered from headaches for three years.

It wasn’t stabbing pain or migraine attacks.
It felt like a thick towel was tightly wrapped around his head all day, making it hard to breathe.

“I’m like an old ox pulling a broken cart—no choice in the matter. Parents to care for, kids to raise, business to run.”

Life had lost all joy.

One of his employees, who had been treated successfully at my clinic, told him:
“Go try acupuncture.”
• After the 1st session: “Feels like it loosened a bit.”
• After the 3rd session: “No pain in the last two days.”
• After the 5th session: smiling “Haven’t felt this light in ages.”

Later he wrote:

“The towel around my head has finally been untied. I can breathe fresh air again.”

My experience treating headaches:

1️⃣ Differentiate intracranial vs. extracranial
• Intracranial: Often need Western medical imaging & treatment.
• Extracranial (psychogenic, neurogenic, myogenic): Acupuncture is highly effective.

2️⃣ For extracranial headaches, identify the type
• Neurogenic: Acupuncture / local nerve release.
• Myogenic: Herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture.
• Vascular: Promote blood circulation, unblock meridians.

3️⃣ Always check the cervical spine first
Poor posture is a major cause and aggravating factor.

4️⃣ Choose points based on type
• Myogenic: Fengchi (GB20), Tianzhu (BL10), Wangu (GB12)
• Neurogenic: Fengchi (GB20), Tianchuang (SI16), Tianyou (SJ16)
• Psychogenic: Trust and rapport with the patient are essential.

Takeaway
Headaches may not be a “disease,” but they can feel like they’re killing you.
Even if you’ve had them for 10 or 20 years—don’t give up.
There’s always a way to help.