Dr. Weyrich's Naturopathic Functional Medicine Notebook is a collection of information on topics of interest to Dr. Weyrich that may be of interest to the world wide audience. Due to limitations of time, not all information that Dr. Weyrich knows or would like to further research is published here. Dr. Weyrich welcomes financial contributions to support specific research topics, as well as copies of non-free access journal articles for him to review on a topic. Constructive criticism is also welcome.

Overview of Headaches and Migraines

Complimentary and alternative treatments for headaches and migraines that are considered below include:

  • Neuro-Gen High Performance Neuromodulation (HPN)
  • Conventional Neuro-feedback
  • Acupuncture
  • Neurotransmitter Balancing

Etiology of Headaches and Migraines

Headaches have been associated with hypothyroid conditions [DeGroot1996], [Starr2005, pg 126]. Also consider factors such as sinus infections, muscle tension, estrogen or progesterone deficiencies, adrenal dysfunction, yeast dysbiosis, and mercury or lead toxicity [Starr2005, pp 154, 156].

The menstrual cycle often interacts with hypothyroidism to produce cyclical headaches. Most of these patients (95%) respond to treatment of hypothyroidism [Barnes1976], [Starr2005, pg 156].

Differential Diagnosis of Headaches and Migraines

Treatment of Headaches and Migraines

Please see conventional, complimentary and alternative medical treatments for important background information regarding the different types of medical treatments discussed below.

Naturopathic, Complimentary and Alternative Treatments

Neuro-Gen High Performance Neuromodulation (HPN)

HPN has been reported to be useful for treating migraines, cluster, and tension headaches [Snook]. Dr. Weyrich has been trained in the use of Neuro-Gen High Performance Neuromodulation system by it's inventor, Corey Snook. However, Dr. Weyrich has not treated any cases of headaches with this technique.

Please see What is Neuro-Gen High Performance Neuromodulation? for more information.

Conventional Neuro-feedback

Neuro-feedback and bio-feedback have been shown to be useful for tension headaches. Dr. Weyrich has been certified in Neuro-feedback since 2008, and more recently completed an additional residency training program at ADD Clinic of Scottsdale, AZ. While at the ADD clinic, he treated several cases of headaches.

Please see What is Neurofeedback? for more information.

Acupuncture

  • For frontal headache: EX-HN-3, UB-2, Du-23, St-44 [Backer2010, pg 128].
  • For templar headache: EX-HN-5, GB-8, SJ-20, SJ-5, GB-41 [Backer2010, pg 128].
  • For occipital headache: UB-10, Du-16, UB-60, UB-67 [Backer2010, pg 128].
  • For vertex headache: EX-HN-1, Du-20, Liv-3 [Backer2010, pg 128].

Neurotransmitter Balancing

Neuro Research [Hinz2015] reports that tension headaches can be benefited by balancing neurotransmitter levels in the body.

Dr. Weyrich has been trained in neurotransmitter balancing protocols, but has not treated tension headaches using this technique.

Please see What is Neurotransmitter Balancing? for more information.

References for Headaches and Migraines