Migraine is more than just a headache. Attacks can last for hours or days, affecting your concentration, sleep, work and ability to enjoy everyday life. We understand how disruptive recurring headaches and migraines can be.
NICE guidance includes acupuncture as an option for preventing chronic tension-type headaches and, in certain circumstances, migraine. Acupuncture is often worth exploring as part of a wider approach to managing recurring headaches.
We combine acupuncture with dietary and lifestyle support, a natural and drug-free approach aimed at easing head pain and supporting your wellbeing long term. Using pulse and tongue diagnosis alongside a look at your diet and lifestyle, we build a treatment plan around what may be driving your headaches and migraines, not the symptoms alone.
Not sure where to start? Take our free 2-minute health assessment for personalised recommendations. When you’re ready, book your first appointment online. This includes a full consultation and treatment, looking at your symptoms, lifestyle and health history.
At The Get Well Clinics we offer affordable acupuncture at £42 a session.
★★★★★
“I had constant migraines, the medication was no longer working, but after a few sessions I was myself again. The treatment had a profound effect. Helpful advice about nutrition and exercises.” Viviane
★★★★★
” I no longer get headaches or migraines and my general health feels miles better. I can’t recommend them highly enough!! ” Roxane
★★★★★
“Headaches seemed to take over my life. From first treatment up to now, several weeks down the line, I have only had one headache, which for me is amazing.” Isabel
★★★★★
” I was suffering with terrible headaches. I had an MRI and was given tablets. My daughter suggested acupuncture. I feel great—my headaches have nearly gone, and it is now my weekly fix.”Jean
Individual patient experiences. Results vary.
What Causes Headaches & Migraines?
Headaches and migraines have different mechanisms, and treating them well starts with telling them apart. Tension-type headache is usually driven by muscular tension and stress.
Migraine is a neurological condition, with its own triggers and warning signs.
What Usually Causes It
- Stress and sustained tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw
- Hormonal change, including periods, the pill and perimenopause
- Disrupted or irregular sleep
- Skipped meals, dehydration and caffeine withdrawal
- Screen use, posture and eye strain
- Weather change, alcohol and specific dietary triggers
What You May Be Feeling / Experiencing
- A tight band of pressure around the head, or one-sided throbbing
- Nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual aura, tingling or difficulty with words beforehand
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Needing a dark, quiet room to get through it
Please speak to your GP urgently if a headache comes on suddenly and severely, follows a head injury, or comes with fever, a stiff neck, weakness or confusion.
Acupuncture works well alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Source: NHS, Headaches and migraine; NICE guideline CG150.
How Acupuncture Works for Headaches & Migraines
In Chinese medicine, headaches and migraines are viewed as a sign of imbalance in the body.
We consider where the pain occurs, what it feels like, alongside factors such as stress, sleep, digestion, diet and hormonal changes.
This is why two people with migraines may receive different treatments. Acupuncture aims to restore the free flow of qi and blood and release physical and emotional tension associated with the pain.
The science is beginning to catch up with the results we see in clinic. A 2023 study found greater reductions in migraine frequency and severity than placebo (Linde K, et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016). A 2022 review in The BMJ found acupuncture to be safe and comparably effective to some prescription medicines for chronic headache, with similar findings from a 2024 network meta-analysis (Zhang N, et al. Journal of Pain Research. 2024).
Research suggests acupuncture may ease headaches and migraines through several mechanisms:
- Releasing endorphins: research points to the release of endogenous opioid peptides, including endorphins, the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals (Han, Neuroscience Letters, 2004; Pomeranz & Chiu, Life Sciences, 1976).
- Easing muscular tension: a systematic review found acupuncture increased local blood flow in muscle and skin, particularly in muscular pain conditions (Kim et al., 2016). Tension-type headache is largely driven by held tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw.
- Calming the nervous system: stress keeps the nervous system in alert mode, and a meta-analysis of 9 randomised trials found acupuncture affected heart-rate variability and parasympathetic activity, the measures used to track that shift (Hamvas et al., 2023).
- Changing how pain is processed: a review of the descending pain inhibitory system, the pathway running from the brainstem down to the spinal cord, examined acupuncture’s effects on serotonin and noradrenaline in dampening pain signals (Lv Q, et al. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience. 2019;13:38). Much of this work is laboratory-based, so these remain proposed mechanisms rather than settled conclusions.
Individual results vary. These findings are not a guarantee of outcome for every patient.
Diet, Hormones and Lifestyle Support
We guide you through gentle changes that make a big impact. Alongside treatment, we also offer support through:
- Dietary support: some people find certain foods, or caffeine and dehydration, act as triggers. We help you identify and work around your own.
- Hormonal awareness: many women notice a clear menstrual trigger, so we take hormonal migraines into account, not just generic triggers.
- Lifestyle adjustments: better sleep, regular meals and light daily movement such as stretching or qigong are widely recommended as part of headache management (NHS, Headaches).
- Stress management tools: mind-body practices such as breathing techniques and meditation may help reduce the tension that contributes to headaches.
Flavio Cabral
3 months ago
The service I received was unhurried, kind, personal, as well very educative from both treatments I had on full body and head only (ear). I strongly recommend it.
Mdm Pleguebyrne
3 months ago
I first came to the Gate Well Clinic last year, and it was a fantastic experience. I'm now back again to help get myself back on the healthy path I was on before.
I feel that we live in a very different world compared to a couple of generations ago. Life moves at such fast pace, and much of our food has been depleted of its nutrients or replaced with ultra-processed alternatives, making it increasingly difficult to maintain good health.
Coming back to the clinic is helping me regain control of my health. The acupuncture treatment with George, together with the guidance and natural supplements he recommends, have given me the support I need to feel better, more balanced, and more in tune with my body.
I'm truly grateful for the care, knowledge, and support that George and the whole team provide. I would highly recommend the Gate Well Clinic to anyone looking to take a more natural approach to improving their overall health and well-being.
Tom Tom C
5 months ago
I have been seen by the fantastic Luke Warburton for a year for acupuncture & bodywork. He combines both skills in treatment at the get well clinics in Paddington. His knowledge really helps me maintain my health conditions like Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and anxiety. The get well clinics is my go to comfort zone for well being. Tom
Vincent Crooks
5 months ago
It's so good to have a place like the getwell clinic which for me is acceptable,affordable, clean and pleasant, with experience and professional practioners ,with the knowledge to read and diagnose ailments,
Vincent Crooks.
Emma Williamson
6 months ago
Marion is an excellent acupuncture therapist - I have really benefited from her treatment and highly recommend her.
Daria
9 months ago
Very good services at affordable prices. Acupuncture treatments have been helping me to balance my energy - either to bring it up or down depending on how I was feeling. Sheree is very helpful.
Fiona Blakeman
9 months ago
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough and I’m very grateful that this service is available in my local community. I’ve had a lot of experience receiving acupuncture, and despite the heavily discounted cost, the level of care, attention, and quality of treatment is exceptional.
The initial consultation is carried out privately, with treatments taking place alongside other patients. The setting is calm and peaceful, and I felt very safe and supported by both the practitioner and the environment overall.
Lucy Brook
11 months ago
This was a first time trying acupuncture, in a welcoming and tranquil space that's affordable to have professional treatment in a community clinic. I have several issues with my spine and I came initially with my sciatica pain at a 10 so severe for months struggling to walk and cope with daily functioning using mobility aids. I felt a major difference in pain relief after the first treatment and by the third session it has drastically reduced to a 2 and sometimes no pain on good days.
George is excellent and I feel so thankful, his knowledge and recommendations has been helpful and I've slowly been implementing. I come away from the sessions feeling relaxed and able to sleep better. I look forward to continuing my journey of pain relief, health and wellbeing, plus getting some normality slowly back in my daily life and functioning.
Elisa R
11 months ago
I went for several sessions this year to help with an extra heartbeat caused by stress. I also changed my lifestyle slightly, but acupuncture definitely made a difference. It takes time and trusting the process, and since I’m not used to slowing down, having this dedicated ‘me time’ was exactly what I needed.
John and Marion are knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely take the time to listen. I love how welcoming the community clinic is, and I always felt in very good hands.
Thank you to both of them, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for support with stress or overall well-being.
Lucia Krupova
6 months ago
If you are preparing for IVF or struggling with back pain, you need to book an appointment with John.
I was a little bit worried about sharing room with other people but the place is incredibly peaceful which is exactly what you need when dealing with the stress of fertility treatments.
I came in for fertility support and a bad back, and I am amazed at how quickly it worked.
It only took a few sessions for my back pain to disappear entirely, and my periods are now perfectly on schedule. It has given me so much peace of mind and physical comfort heading into my IVF cycle.
Camilla Cooper
8 months ago
Get Well Community Acupuncture clinic is absolutely incredible. I’ve had really healing and helpful treatments with both Phil and Luke who are both exceptional & extremely caring practitioners. I can’t recommend this clinic enough for all your Community Acupuncture needs.
Maria del Mar Arranz Martin
11 months ago
Excellent service and professionals
John Watson
12 months ago
Very sympathetic and thoughtful treatment from Marion. I like the no-nonsense (and affordable) approach of having a communal treatment room. You still get plenty of attention and then lie and relax with the needles in whilst other people are attended to.
Vicki Zhang
1 year ago
Marion is super attentive and skilful - would highly recommend her to anyone considering acupuncture.
Sehr schön
2 years ago
I landed at Paddington location in Marion Rolling’s magical hands at the end of Jan 25.
I had high anxiety, heart palpitations and frequent migraines. I was always on high alert expecting a catastrophe at every corner and on the verge of tears at all time.
After a few Acupuncture sessions with Marion, my anxiety is manageable , I have more energy and I go for days without my previous symptoms. Also have not had a migraine since then.
I’m looking forward to seeing Marion a few more times this spring to help me with my hayfever.
Can’t recommend them enough. Thank you 🙏
Isabel Pitcaithly
2 years ago
Recently I attended The Get Well Clinic in Paddington where I had 3 accupuncture sessions a week apart with the very knowledgeable Marion Rollings. I did my homework before choosing Marion who has trained extensively including 7 years in China. I was impressed with how she managed to remember all I had told her in pre treatment forms and lying there relaxing with the needles in place ( completely painless) I could tell she remembered all about her other patients. I felt very relaxed and well cared for.
I had a problem with my ankle/foot which was very debilitating and this has greatly improved. I am so pleased as I was afraid to go out in case I suddenly couldn't walk any more. I no longer have this problem.
I was also concerned about headaches which seemed to take over my life. I can honestly say since the first treatment up to now several weeks down the line I have only had one headache which for me is amazing !!
To anyone considering a treatment with Marion go ahead. You will not be disappointed !!!
I plan on further treatments for my back when I have finished work in the garden. Isabel 76
Common Questions Answered
Commonly reported triggers include stress, disrupted sleep, skipped meals, dehydration, hormonal change and certain foods (NHS, Migraine). Triggers differ from person to person, so we help you identify your own.
Acupuncture is intended to work alongside the care your GP or neurologist provides, not to replace it. Never stop or change prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first, and do tell us what you are taking so we can plan your treatment around it.
Lasting change often comes from small shifts alongside treatment, which we support through diet, lifestyle, and stress-management coaching.
Acupuncture works by building change slowly over time, small shifts that add up, rather than one big fix. Everyone is different, but most patients start to notice a difference after several regular sessions rather than a single visit.
Why Choose Our Low Cost Acupuncture Clinics in London?
Expert
Our highly qualified acupuncturists, without the private clinic price tag.
Whole-body approach
We use traditional acupuncture diagnostic principles to look at your symptoms in the context of your whole health, not just the area that hurts
Convenient locations
Our clinics in Camberwell and Paddington are close to bus, train, and Tube lines, so getting here is simple.
Acupuncture Articles
You don’t need to understand how acupuncture works for it to work. But if you’re curious about the science, we’ve linked some articles below, with more on Traditional Chinese Medicine in our Articles section.
Acupuncture can be difficult to study. Researchers use sham acupuncture as a control, with needles placed away from recognised acupuncture points, but these “fake” points can still have an effect. Many studies are also small because research funding is limited. This means some conditions have not yet been studied at the scale needed for firm conclusions. That is not the same as acupuncture being tested and failing.
Where high-quality, large-scale research has been carried out, the evidence is much stronger.
Does acupuncture work for migraines?
Acupuncture and its role in the treatment of migraine headaches. Neurology and Therapy. 2020;9(2):375-394. See also Linde et al., Cochrane, 2016 (Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migrane) and NICE guideline CG150.
An Overview of the Systematic Reviews
C Yang et al. Acupuncture for migraine: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2024;83:103073.
Acupuncture for tension headaches
Tao QF, et al. (2023). Efficacy of acupuncture for tension-type headache prophylaxis: systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Journal of Neurology. 270:3402–3412.