Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects more than one in three Americans, but most people may not even know they have it. Since hypertension can lead to heart attacks and other life-threatening health problems, it’s very important to learn all you can and take action to lower your risk.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a safe, natural, and pain-free way to keep your blood pressure in check.

What is hypertension?

Blood pressure is the actual force of blood flowing against your artery walls. Getting your blood pressure tested is a quick, simple process. It’s measured in two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered high if your systolic pressure is at or above 140 mm Hg, and/or your diastolic pressure is at or above 90 mm Hg.

Often called “the silent killer,” hypertension doesn’t usually cause symptoms until it gets severe enough to lead to major health problems such as heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and metabolic disorders. It has also been linked to dementia and cognitive impairment.

What causes hypertension?

More than 90% of cases of high blood pressure are known as “essential hypertension” and have no identifiable cause. “Secondary hypertension,” on the other hand, is caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease or certain medications.

The risk factors for essential hypertension include age (the risk is higher after age 35), race (African Americans are at higher risk), and a family history of the condition. While you can’t control those factors, there are many you can control, including:

• Being overweight
• Being stressed
• Consuming too much salt
• Drinking heavily
• Not exercising
• Using tobacco

How can acupuncture and TCM help?

Fortunately, there are many ways to lower your blood pressure. Typical Western treatments includes controlling your risk factors and taking medication if needed. By incorporating acupuncture and TCM into your treatment plan, you can treat your hypertension and improve your overall health and well-being.

Acupuncture and TCM practitioners take a holistic, or “whole body,” approach for the treatment of hypertension, and take into account inharmonious conditions of the whole system than can involve the function of the liver, kidneys, digestive system and heart.

Treatment is based upon the idea of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy that flows through pathways called meridians, providing nourishment for all of the body’s organs and protecting it from illness. When the flow of Qi becomes diminished or blocked, disease and illness result.

The goal of treatment is to find and address the underlying imbalance(s) affecting the flow of Qi, leading to the elevated blood pressure and various symptoms. By addressing the root cause of your high blood pressure, TCM can help your body regain its natural balance. In doing so, you’ll also be strengthening your health and reducing the risk of future health conditions.

Acupuncture and TCM have proven effective against a wide variety of health concerns. Studies have found that a special form of acupuncture called electro-acupuncture, which uses electrical stimulation, may be particularly helpful in lowering blood pressure. By working together with your practitioner, you’ll be on your way to successfully treating your hypertension and improving your health, for today and the days ahead. Similar to healthy eating and regular exercise, consistent acupuncture treatments should be considered for the greatest long-term results.

References:
High Blood Pressure. American Heart Association. March 20, 2008. Link
High Blood Pressure. MayoClinic.com. June 5, 2007. Link
Hypertension. Acupuncture.com. Accessed April 20, 2008. Link
Williams T; Mueller K; Cornwall MW. Effect of acupuncture-point stimulation on diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Physical Therapy. 1991 Jul, 71(7):523-9.
Wood, Shelley. Blood Pressure Changes with Acupuncture Comparable to Those with ACE Inhibitor Monotherapy. Medscape, Medical News. 2007, June, 15.

Acupuncture For Headaches, Migraines, & head Pain | Big Easy Acupuncture, Metairie LA

Acupuncture Care for Head Pain, Pressure, and Tension in Metairie, LA

Does acupuncture help headache and migraine sufferers? 

Yes. Acupuncture has been widely studied and is commonly used in clinical settings for headache and migraine care. Acupuncture helps to decrease the number of times during the year and also the intensity of headaches and migraines.

Headaches and migraines can slow your day down or stop it completely.

Some people feel a dull, tight ache.
Others feel sharp pain, pressure behind the eyes, or pounding on one side of the head.
For some, light, sound, or smells make things worse.

At Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in Metairie, we help people understand why their headaches happen and support the body so they happen less often and feel less intense.

Headaches and Migraines: What’s the Difference?

Headaches and migraines are related, but not the same.

Common headaches often feel like:

• Tightness around the forehead or temples
• Pressure across the head
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Pain that builds slowly through the day

Migraines often include:

• Strong pain on one side of the head
• Throbbing or pulsing pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Vision changes or aura

Many people have both, and can have some overlap.

Common Reasons for Headaches and Migraines

Head pain rarely comes from just one cause.

We often see headaches and migraines linked to:

• Tight neck, jaw, or shoulder muscles
• Poor posture or long hours at a desk
• Stress and nervous system overload
• Poor sleep or irregular sleep times
• Dehydration
• Skipped meals or blood sugar swings
• Hormone changes
• Sinus pressure or congestion

For migraines, triggers may also include:

• Certain foods or additives
• Strong smells
• Bright screens or lights
• Sudden schedule changes

Our job is to help identify your pattern. 

How Acupuncture Helps Headaches and Migraines

Acupuncture works by supporting the nervous system, circulation, and muscle tension balance.

Acupuncture helps headaches and migraines by:

• Reducing muscle tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders
• Improving blood flow throughout the body, including the head and face
• Improving nerve signaling 
• Helping calm an overactive and stressed nervous system
• Supporting natural pain-relief chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins
• Reducing pressure and tightness

These changes can lead to:

• Shortening how long headaches last
• Reducing how often migraines show up

Some people feel relief after the first visit. Others notice gradual improvement over a series of visits. 

What to Expect During Treatment

At your visit, we will:

• Review your health history and symptoms
• Talk about mood, stress, and energy patterns
• Check areas of physical tension
• Perform mobility and strength assessment
• Create a care plan that fits your needs
• Begin treatment

Treatment may include:

• Acupuncture
• Gentle bodywork
• Cupping or gua sha when helpful
• Herbal Medicine
• Lifestyle change recommendations

Whole-Body Care, Not Just the Head

Head pain often starts outside the head.

During care, we may also work on:

• Neck and upper back tension
• Jaw and facial muscles
• Shoulders and posture
• Abdominal tension that affects breathing
• Stress patterns that keep the body “on edge”

Herbal Medicine for Headaches and Migraines

Herbal medicine can be used alone or alongside acupuncture.

Custom herbal formulas help:

• Reduce head pressure and body tension 
• Improve blood circulation
• Calm nervous system irritation
• Support sleep and recovery
• Address sinus or digestive triggers

Formulas are chosen based on your symptoms, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

How Many Treatments Are Usually Needed?

The number of treatments depends on a few factors:

Your Symptom Stage (Relief → Correction / Root Cause → Maintenance)

• Relief: calming pain, tension, or nerve irritation
• Correction / Root cause: correcting movement, strength, or structural issues
• Maintenance: preventing flare-ups and supporting long-term function

Acute conditions:

If you’re dealing with recent injuries or sudden issues within the last few months, you may notice significant improvement after just a few sessions. Typically acute conditions require only 1–5 treatments compared to long-term issues.

Chronic conditions: 

Chronic issues or long-term systemic conditions usually require more sessions. A typical plan involves 2 visits per week for the first 2–3 weeks, with treatments spreading out as you progress. Chronic issues often need more total sessions and may benefit from follow-up or maintenance care.

Long Standing Issues: 

May require initial evaluation sessions + longer course of care. % improvement is assessed for long standing issues to determine progression between sets of visits.

Maintenance:

Many patients choose occasional visits to keep pain from returning and to support active lifestyles.

We’ll regularly reassess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as you improve.

With Headaches, This depends on:

• How long you’ve had headaches or migraines
• How often they occur
• How strong they are
• How your body responds early on

Many people start with a short evaluation plan to see how their body responds before deciding on longer care. Pre-existing health conditions can also affect how quickly your body responds to care.

Acupuncture as Standalone Care or Combined Support

Acupuncture can be an effective standalone treatment for headaches and migraines.

Many of our patients are professionals, athletes, or active adults who want relief without relying only on medication.

Some patients choose acupuncture because:

• Medications have not helped enough
• Side effects are difficult to tolerate
• They want a non-drug option
• Headaches are closely linked to muscle tension, stress, or nervous system overload

For others, acupuncture works best as part of a broader care plan.

It is often used alongside:

• Primary care or neurology care
• Physical therapy or corrective exercise
• Massage or manual therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Counseling or therapy for stress, anxiety, or trauma-related tension

Counseling and therapy can help people process emotional stress and build coping tools. Acupuncture also supports stress reduction by helping calm the nervous system and release tension patterns that can trigger or worsen head pain.

Our goal is to support your whole system, whether acupuncture is your main form of care or one part of a larger plan.

Lifestyle Support

Alongside treatment, we may recommend:

• Tracking triggers and sensitivity as we move through treatment
• Improving sleep timing
• Take home or gym recommended exercises
• Staying hydrated
• Consistency in meals
• Reducing jaw or neck strain with exercises
• Adjusting desk or screen setup
• Managing stress more effectively

These changes help support longer-lasting results.

🚩When to Seek Hospital Care First (Red Flags)🚩

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• A sudden, severe headache unlike any before
• Head pain after a head injury
• Headaches with fever, confusion, weakness, or vision loss

Acupuncture supports many headache patterns, but safety always comes first.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture may be a good fit if:

• You want fewer headaches or migraines
• Medications are not helping enough
• You want care that looks at the whole body
• Stress or tension plays a role in your symptoms

Schedule a Visit

If this is your first time trying acupuncture, these pages may help you feel more prepared:

• First Visit Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions

If headaches or migraines are affecting your work, sleep, or quality of life, care can help.

📞 Call or text 504-650-0027
💻 Schedule online anytime: bigeasyacu.janeapp.com

Feel Right. Move Free. Live Easy.

Fibromyalgia affects about 3-6% of the world’s population, an estimated 200-400 million people worldwide, with higher numbers among women than men.¹ People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, pain, stiffness, aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders and intestinal and bowel troubles.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be confirmed when eleven out of eighteen specific points on the body are tender to pressure. Interestingly, some of these tender points closely correspond to the location of ancient acupuncture points.²

How acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help.

According to
the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, an imbalance in the flow of Qi can create symptoms and signs that reflect a Western diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates and supports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians,
and provides nourishment
for the entire body.

When Qi is abundant and freely circulating throughout the body, there is health and pain-free living. When Qi becomes “blocked,” or the supply is inadequate, pain, stiffness
and other symptoms related to fibromyalgia can appear.

What does an acupuncturist do?

An acupuncturist will take a complete health history in order to find out where Qi has become blocked, and/or why the amount of Qi within the body has changed. He or she will then develop a treatment plan tailored to address the meridian pathways that are out of balance. The goal of such a plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances.

What is out-of-balance?

The body constantly strives to maintain a healthy balance of Qi traveling through the meridian pathways. When the flow of Qi has been disrupted, or the supply of Qi has changed, the body becomes unbalanced and the meridians cannot properly nourish the body. This is when signs and symptoms appear.

Most cases of fibromyalgia fit into the Chinese diagnosis of a Liver, Spleen, and/or Heart disharmony. This does not mean that these organs have a problem, it means that the functions of these organ/meridian pathways according to Chinese medical diagnosis are out of balance.

Liver. The functions related to the Liver organ, according to Chinese medicine, are to control the smooth flow of blood, Qi, and emotions and to nourish the tendons. When the Liver meridian becomes blocked there will be an inadequate supply of blood and Qi flowing throughout the body. The tendons and muscles will not be properly nourished, leading to stiffness and pain. Other symptoms of a blocked Liver are depression, anger, anxiety, and insomnia. A Liver imbalance may be caused by improper diet, stress, deep, unexpressed anger, drugs, and alcohol.

Spleen. The Chinese function of the Spleen is to transform the food that we ingest into Qi and blood. The health of the Spleen is affected by diet, over-concentration, and worry. An unbalanced Spleen can result in fatigue, digestive troubles, muscle stiffness, and pain.

Heart. When there is an insufficient amount of Qi and blood produced by the Spleen, the Heart organ will be affected. The role of the Heart is to pump blood throughout the body. It is also considered to be the home of the Spirit. If the Spleen cannot generate enough blood to nourish the Heart, the Heart Qi does not have enough control to properly house the Spirit. Symptoms can include anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, and emotional unrest.

A study conducted in 2010, suggests that acupuncture treatment is effective in relieving pain and improving quality of life for fibromyalgia patients.³ Not only can Acupuncture treat the pain and discomfort, but it can also address the underlying problems that have caused the imbalance.
In other research, subjects who received acupuncture experienced an overall improvement in fatigue, anxiety and the hypersensitivity associated with fibromyalgia.⁴

References

1. National Fibromyalgia Association.
2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia-symptoms/AR00054.
3. Itoh K, Kitakoji H. Effects of acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia: A preliminary randomised controlled trial. Chinese Medicine Journal. 2010, 5(1):11.
4. Sletten, C., Berger, I., et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings Report, June 2006.

The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.

Studies reported by The American Pregnancy Association suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions. However, conception does sometimes occur without traditional medical interventions when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used alone.¹

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed recent studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall.
• Reduce anxiety and stress. The hormones that are secreted during stressful situations can significantly decrease fertility.
• Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility.
• Regulate menstrual cycle.²

In a 2007 study, researchers found that acupuncture may improve the quality of life in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). It was also found that women receiving acupuncture reported significantly
less abdominal pain, other pain, nausea, and stress two hours after
oocyte aspiration (egg collection) compared to women receiving conventional analgesia.³

In 2008, the British Medical Journal published research which
concluded that acupuncture can be offered as a significant, clinically relevant adjunct to IVF, relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow
for the successful implantation of an embryo within the uterine lining.⁴

An acupuncturist’s approach to fertility.

According to the theories of acupuncture and TCM, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi (pronounced “chee”) and blood affecting the healthy functioning of one or more of the organ systems. When Qi, also known as our vital energy, and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and can function well. Acupuncture and TCM can raise the fertility potential of women by effecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and blood (keep in mind that the organs described reflect Chinese medical theories and philosophies).

Kidney Organ System. The release of an ovum is controlled by the kidneys. The kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind, and pregnancy. If an imbalance exists within the kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and may be a cause for infertility. Chinese herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, can nourish and support Jing Qi and overall kidney health.

Spleen Organ System. An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman’s body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. Disharmony within the spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood in order to promote a healthy flow
of blood to the uterus.

Liver Organ System. In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. The liver is in charge of facilitating this function. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and blood. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and increased possibility of infertility.

Acupuncture and TCM provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating
  the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
• Acupuncture and TCM are completely natural. No drugs are ever used. Invasive procedures and drug therapies that are used in the Western treatment of infertility can cause undesirable side effects and accumulated toxicity in the body.
• Acupuncture and TCM can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, therefore can increase the effectiveness of other procedures.

Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by diabetes. It’s an increasingly common condition—one that approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with this year alone. While it is generally a long-term condition, diabetes can be managed through self-care, nutrition, and medication. Another safe, effective approach to managing diabetes and its symptoms is acupuncture. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) help promote health and well-being. Both can be used safely along with your current medical treatment to provide the best results for you.

Understanding a complex condition

The body gets its energy from food through the process of digestion. Food is broken down into glucose (or sugar) which passes into the bloodstream. Then the glucose is moved into muscle, fat, and liver cells by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. However, if you have diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin, or doesn’t respond to it properly, and this leads to high levels of sugar in the blood.

Uncontrolled blood-sugar levels can cause serious complications if left untreated, including blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage.

There are two main types of diabetes

Type I diabetes: Usually diagnosed during childhood, type I is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. Symptoms usually come on suddenly, and treatment includes daily injections of insulin.

Type II diabetes: This type accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases, and is usually diagnosed during adulthood. Major risk factors include family history, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol and being overweight and sedentary.

Since symptoms may be mild, many people don’t know they have diabetes, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly, especially after age 45. Testing can also detect pre-diabetes, where blood sugar is high, but not yet at diabetic levels. With early detection and treatment, it is far easier to stop the disease from progressing, control your symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatments often include regular blood-sugar monitoring and medications to control blood sugar, as well as diet and exercise.

A natural approach that works

The good news is that certain types of diabetes respond very well to acupuncture along with other holistic health care choices and lifestyle changes—sometimes even making medications unnecessary.

Acupuncture and TCM can help put you on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Since diabetes has an impact on every part of your body, it makes sense to try a therapy that takes a holistic, or whole-body, approach to health.

According to TCM, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. Qi flows through pathways called meridians and provides nourishment to all of the body’s organs and glands. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, symptoms associated with diabetes may appear.

According to TCM, diabetes is known as “Xiao Ke” or “wasting and thirsting disease”, caused by an imbalance of Qi and Yin. This produces heat which drains and consumes the body’s fluids. That is why symptoms related to heat appear—excessive thirst, irritability, itchy skin, dry mouth and red, swollen gums.

During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted in specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways in order to restore the flow of Qi and nourish Yin. This can ultimately relieve symptoms, improve pancreatic function and control blood sugar levels. Your acupuncturist will also work to resolve other imbalances or concerns that may be complicating your condition, and can help with common symptoms such as pain.

In addition to acupuncture care, your practitioner may offer recommendations for dietary changes, exercise plans, and herbal remedies.

Acupuncture and TCM address each patient’s individual needs in eliminating symptoms and potentially reduce the need for medication. The best approach to controlling your diabetes is to work with a team of health care providers who can address the many aspects of diabetes. Including an acupuncturist to your team—and working together to manage your diabetes—can have lasting benefits and help you live a healthy, active life.

Choate, C. Diabetes Mellitus From Western and TCM Perspectives. Accessed 2/10/2007.
Diabetes. U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Encyclopedia. 2/8/2007.
Diabetes Overview and Facts. WebMD. Accessed 6/9/2007.
Treating Diabetes with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Acufinder.com. Accessed 6/4/2007.