Migraines & Headaches Treatment in Clearwater, FL
Eight or more headache days a month is not normal — and you should not have to choose between a Botox cycle, a CGRP injectable, and another preventive that fogs your brain. Acupuncture is a first-line, guideline-recommended option for migraine prevention.
What we treat
Symptoms of Migraines & Headaches
- Throbbing unilateral head pain
- Light, sound, or smell sensitivity
- Nausea or aura
- Neck and jaw tension that triggers attacks
- Medication-overuse rebound headaches
- Lost workdays and missed family events
The gap
Why Conventional Treatments Often Fall Short
Triptans abort but don't prevent. Beta-blockers, topiramate, and CGRP injectables help some patients but leave others with side effects (brain fog, weight changes, fatigue) that feel as disruptive as the migraines themselves. Cochrane reviews show acupuncture reduces migraine frequency at least as well as prophylactic drugs — without the systemic side effects.
Our approach
How Acupuncture of West Florida Treats Migraines & Headaches
- A 6–8 session preventive protocol timed to your cycle and triggers
- Trigger-point release for neck, jaw, and suboccipital tension
- Lifestyle, sleep, and trigger journaling support
- Coordination with your neurologist when appropriate
The research
Evidence & Guidelines
Cochrane reviews and large RCTs show acupuncture reduces migraine frequency at least as well as prophylactic medications. Recommended by the American Headache Society and the German DGN as a first-line non-pharmacologic option.
Real results
Patient Success Story
"From 8 migraine days a month to 1. I'm running again, sleeping through the night, and I got my weekends back."
Your first visit
What to Expect on Your First Visit
- 1Headache history intake (trigger pattern, prior medications, current frequency)
- 2Cervical and jaw assessment
- 3First acupuncture treatment including auricular points
- 4Written prevention plan and trigger journal
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast will I feel a difference?+
Most migraine patients feel a meaningful drop in frequency by visit 4–6. We re-evaluate at visit 6 and decide whether to taper to monthly maintenance or extend the active phase.
Can I do this alongside my Botox or CGRP shots?+
Yes. Acupuncture is complementary to neurologist-prescribed care and we coordinate where helpful. Many patients are eventually able to reduce or space out injectables, but that is always a conversation with your prescriber.
How many acupuncture sessions does migraine prevention take?+
Our standard migraine prevention protocol at Acupuncture of West Florida in Clearwater, FL runs 6 to 8 sessions over about 6 weeks, then tapers to monthly maintenance once headache days drop. We track headache days in a shared journal so progress is measured, not guessed.
Does acupuncture help tension headaches and neck-related headaches too?+
Yes. Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches often respond faster than migraine because much of the pain is driven by suboccipital, jaw, and upper-trapezius tension, which we release directly with acupuncture and cupping.
Does acupuncture hurt?+
Most patients describe a mild dull ache or warmth at the point — nothing like a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin (about 40x thinner than a vaccine needle), and most people relax deeply during the session.
How many sessions will I need?+
Most patients feel measurable change within 3–6 sessions. Chronic or complex conditions typically follow a 6–12 session plan, after which we transition to maintenance care. Dr. Kim builds a clear, written plan during your consultation.
Do you accept insurance?+
We don't take insurance — Acupuncture of West Florida is a self-pay practice. Treatment visits are around $150; the office will confirm your fee before treatment. We do not accept HSA/FSA cards, but we can provide a superbill to submit to your insurer. Reimbursement depends on your plan and is not guaranteed.
Ready to Feel Better?
Book a consultation with Dr. Kim Windschauer, AP.
Book Consultation 727-490-6060Related Conditions
More care in Clearwater
Serving West Florida
Clearwater · Safety Harbor · Dunedin · Largo · St. Petersburg · Tampa
Related reading
From our article archive
Start with a free consultation
How your first visit works
The initial consultation is free; treatment is separate. We do not accept insurance or HSA/FSA cards. A superbill is available on request for possible insurance reimbursement, which is not guaranteed.
1. Tell us what's going on
Send the form or call 727-490-6060. We'll ask a few questions about your symptoms and history.
2. Free consultation
Talk with Dr. Kim in person or by phone at no charge to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. A consultation is not a treatment visit.
3. Your first treatment
Treatment visits are around $150. The office will confirm your fee before treatment. Your plan depends on your needs and response; benefits are not guaranteed.
These are individual experiences, not evidence of a cure or a prediction of your results.
Discuss your care options with Dr. Kim
Request a free consultation in person or by phone to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. Treatment is separate, with visits around $150; the office will confirm fees and availability. Benefits are not guaranteed.
Related reading
From our article archive
Start with a free consultation
How your first visit works
The initial consultation is free; treatment is separate. We do not accept insurance or HSA/FSA cards. A superbill is available on request for possible insurance reimbursement, which is not guaranteed.
1. Tell us what's going on
Send the form or call 727-490-6060. We'll ask a few questions about your symptoms and history.
2. Free consultation
Talk with Dr. Kim in person or by phone at no charge to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. A consultation is not a treatment visit.
3. Your first treatment
Treatment visits are around $150. The office will confirm your fee before treatment. Your plan depends on your needs and response; benefits are not guaranteed.
These are individual experiences, not evidence of a cure or a prediction of your results.
Discuss your care options with Dr. Kim
Request a free consultation in person or by phone to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. Treatment is separate, with visits around $150; the office will confirm fees and availability. Benefits are not guaranteed.