Headache & Migraine Relief In Whistler

Drug-free relief that actually addresses the cause.
If you’re constantly chasing tension headaches or sidelined by migraines, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with it.

Whether the issue starts in your neck, nervous system, or somewhere else entirely, we’ll help figure it out and treat what’s driving it. The goal: fewer flare-ups, less intensity, and a clearer path forward.

Is This You?

  • You carry stress in your neck, shoulders, or jaw and it always ends in a headache

  • You’ve tried painkillers, heat packs, or massage—but it keeps coming back

  • You get migraines around your period or when stress hits hard

  • Screen time, noise, or poor sleep easily trigger your symptoms

  • You’re looking for a natural, lasting way to feel clear-headed again

If any of this feels familiar, you’re in the right place.

Understanding Headaches vs. Migraines

While they can overlap, headaches are often caused by muscular tension or joint dysfunction—especially in the neck and upper back. They may feel like pressure, tightness, or a dull ache.

Migraines are a neurological condition that often include throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, and visual changes. They can be triggered by stress, hormone shifts, food sensitivities, or nervous system dysregulation.

Both can disrupt your life. Both can be treated more effectively when we stop chasing symptoms and look at the full picture—your posture, stress load, movement patterns, and nervous system.

Common Causes We See in Clinic

Movement + Muscle Factors

  • Suboccipital tightness from forward head posture

  • Deep neck flexor weakness or inhibition

  • TMJ / jaw tension contributing to facial or temple pain

  • Shoulder or thoracic dysfunction that feeds neck overload

  • Nervous system sensitivity and poor regulation of the pain response

Lifestyle & Load Factors

  • Long hours on screens, poor posture, or desk ergonomics

  • High-stress work or lifestyle (even the fun kind)

  • Poor sleep or skipped meals

  • History of concussions or whiplash

  • Hormonal shifts or cycle-related migraines

How We Assess Headaches & Migraines

Your initial visit starts with a deep dive into your history—because what triggers your headaches matters. We’ll cover your stress levels, digestion, sleep, cycle patterns, and any past injuries or concussions to get the full picture.

From there, we move into targeted testing to figure out what’s actually driving your pain—not just treating the symptoms.

What we may do:

  • Mobility tests – neck, jaw, shoulders, thoracic spine

  • Muscle testing – especially deep neck flexors, jaw, traps, and postural stabilizers

  • Palpation – checking for trigger points, fascial restriction, joint irritation

  • Cranial nerve and neuro screen – if migraines, dizziness, or vision changes are present

  • Functional testing – if appropriate, we assess how your whole system moves together

You’ll leave with clarity on what’s causing your pain—and a plan to change it.

How Our Integrative Approach Helps

This is not a one-size-fits-all protocol. We combine evidence-based techniques that work together to relieve tension, regulate the nervous system, and prevent recurrence.

We use a blend of orthopedic acupuncture, dry needling, electroacupuncture, and manual therapy to reduce pain, restore proper movement, and support long-term change. Depending on what we find, your session may include:

  • Motor Point Acupuncture – Activates inhibited muscles and restores proper function using a quick flash of e-stim to the motor point.

  • Dry Needling – Targets tight bands and trigger points to reset muscle length, restore elasticity and improve blood flow.

  • Electroacupuncture (E-Stim) – Adding gentle pulses of electricity to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and calm pain responses.

  • Distal (Channel-Based) Acupuncture – Supports systemic regulation or targets the issue from a distance when the area is too irritated for local work.

  • Manual Therapy, Gua Sha, or Cupping – Frees up fascia, restores glide, and reinforces joint movement when needed.

    Want the full breakdown? See how we treat at Mend

What a Session Looks Like

Initial Assessment + Treatment (~60 min)
If your new around here, this ones for you. History, assessment, targeted treatment, and plan design.

Follow-Up Acupuncture – Standard (~40 min)
Focused progress session. Re-test key movement(s), treat what changed, reinforce activation. Ideal for ongoing care.

Follow-Up Acupuncture – Extended (~60 min)
Same focused approach plus extra hands-on time (manual therapy, guasha, cupping, more dry needling) when you need deeper tissue work or multi-area care.

Recommended Visit Frequency

Everyone’s unique—but here’s what works best for most:

  • Reset Phase: 2x/week for 2–3 weeks to calm pain + restore activation.

  • Correct Phase: 1x/week for 3–6 weeks to correct patterns + build durability.

  • Maintain Phase: Every 4 weeks (or around training blocks) to stay ahead of flare-ups.

Progress moves faster when visits are closer together early on. We’ll tailor this to your goals, schedule, and sport.

5 At-Home Tips for Headache & Migraine Relief

Simple strategies to support your recovery between sessions:

1. Chin Tuck + Suboccipital Release
Gently tuck your chin to lengthen the back of your neck. Pair with a release using a peanut ball or towel roll under the base of your skull.

2. 90/90 Breathing
Feet up on a chair, knees and hips at 90°. Exhale fully through pursed lips and breathe into your lower ribs. → Reduces bracing and calms the nervous system.

3. Jaw Relaxation with Tongue Positioning
Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. Breathe gently through your nose. → Helps reduce jaw clenching and facial tension.

4. Gentle Upper Back Mobility (Cat/Cow or T-Spine Openers)
Improves thoracic mobility and takes pressure off the neck.

5. Keep Blood Sugar & Hydration Stable
Headaches love skipped meals and dehydration. Prioritize whole foods, stable energy, and plenty of water.

!! When Acupuncture Isn’t the First Step

Please seek medical attention first if you notice:

  • Sudden or severe headache unlike anything you've had before

  • Headache with vision changes, dizziness, nausea, or slurred speech

  • Persistent or worsening headache after a head injury or fall

  • Loss of consciousness or difficulty with speech/movement

Once cleared, we’re here to support you.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms or a medical emergency, please seek appropriate medical attention.

Ready to Clear Your Head?

If you’ve been powering through pain and tension that keeps coming back, it’s time to shift the pattern. We’ll uncover what’s driving your symptoms and create lasting change—together.


Serving Whistler, Pemberton & the Sea to Sky Corridor.