Course Overview

This class explores the latest research on migraine and headache disorders from a Western medical perspective, including topics such as rebound headaches, medication overuse headaches, cluster headaches, hormonal headaches, and muscle tension headaches. The course combines modern research with practical clinical application, focusing on treatment strategies using acupuncture, moxibustion, and bodywork. Students will learn effective acupuncture point protocols, along with practical methods for evaluating headaches based on location and symptom presentation. In addition to practitioner-based treatments, the class includes practical at-home self-care strategies that clinicians can teach patients, including simple bodywork and supportive work to improve outcomes. The course also reviews recent research on Asian medical modalities and their application in migraine treatment, bridging Eastern and Western perspectives on headache disorders. Students will learn fast and effective clinical evaluation methods designed to help practitioners measure treatment outcomes and make quick adjustments in practice. This engaging course includes videos to help illustrate treatment types and clinical applications. As always, the class is presented in Dr. Bishop’s signature style—clear, relaxed, practical, and filled with immediately useful clinical insights.

Course Objectives

• Identify the major types of migraine and headache disorders, including rebound headaches, medication overuse headaches, cluster headaches, hormonal headaches, and muscle tension headaches.
• Explain current Western research on migraine disorders and how it informs clinical treatment strategies.
• Apply acupuncture, moxibustion, and bodywork in the treatment of migraine and headache disorders, including the use of effective acupuncture point protocols.
• Evaluate headache presentations based on symptom patterns and location in order to develop appropriate treatment approaches.
• Implement practical patient education strategies, including at-home self-care and bodywork, and use simple clinical evaluation methods to measure treatment outcomes.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minDefinitions and characteristics of rebound headaches, medication overuse headaches, cluster headaches, hormonal headaches, and muscle tension headaches.

30 min - 45 minReview of recent scientific findings and clinical understanding of migraine disorders.

45 min - 1 hrsPractical methods for assessing headaches based on location, symptoms, and clinical presentation.

1 hrs - 1.25 hrsAcupuncture point protocols and moxibustion treatment approaches for migraine and headache disorders.

1.25 hrs - 1.5 hrsReview of current research and traditional approaches from Asian medical systems.

1.5 hrs - 1.75 hrsPractical home work clinicians can teach patients to support treatment outcomes.

1.75 hrs - 2 hrsFast and practical methods for measuring treatment effectiveness in clinical practice.