Headache is a common health problem. Almost everyone has had a headache. The most commonly seen in the clinic is the tension headache. Other types include migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches and trigeminal neuralgia.

Tension headache is due to tighten up of muscles in the shoulder, neck and head. Such muscle tension is often related to stress, depression or anxiety. Those who work too much and miss meals too often, and whose who suffer from poor sleep are more likely to get tension headaches.

Learning ways to relax is a positive approach to manage headache, and many people do feel better by making lifestyle changes.

Sometimes headaches reflect a very serious medical problem such as a stroke, meningitis or encephalitis. If you have a headache along with following symptoms, you should go for emergency care:

•  Confusion or trouble understanding speech

•  Fainting

•  High fever

•  Numbness or weakness on one side of the body

•  Stiff neck

•  Trouble seeing

•  Trouble speaking

•  Nausea or vomiting

Clinic researches have suggested that Acupuncture is effective in treating tension headache and migraines.

Acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a qualified and competent practitioner using sterile needles.