Physicians tend to like to classify headaches in one of the above categories. In reality, patients suffer a variety of headaches. Very few patients have one type of headache only, and one type of headache can "trigger" another type. For example, a facial headache which originates from the sinuses can trigger a vascular, "migraine" type headache. Tension type headaches, often found at the base of the skull, can also lead to a migraine. Some headaches are associated with changes in hormone levels, and are more accurately seen as complications of premenstrual or menopausal imbalances. As with many other pain syndromes, headache can cause a variety of symptoms which are not in the head. Digestive disorders, fatigue, interruption of sleep and mood changes can also be addressed at the same time as treatment of the headache. Natural treatment with acupuncture avoids the common problem of many doctors treating different areas of the body with conflicting drugs. Drug therapy also creates the risk of developing "rebound" headaches which occur when the drugs wear off. These can be very difficult to treat, as the patient must be withdrawn from the headache drugs. As most physicians have nothing other than more drugs to offer, an endless cycle of complications is the result.

Acupuncturists can accurately localize the affected channels which lead to headache, and apply specific acupuncture to more effectively treat the problem. Associated symptoms will be included in the treatment, as correction of a channel disorder always affects other areas of the body as well as the emotional balance. With time, the headaches become less frequent and less severe, with the goal of eliminating them altogether.

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