Considering acupuncture for migraine? Acupuncture has gained attention for its potential to alleviate migraine symptoms. This article explores its mechanism, effectiveness in migraine prevention, and comparisons with conventional treatments. Discover whether acupuncture could be a viable option for managing your migraine condition.
Mechanism and Theory
Acupuncture involves inserting small needles into the skin, influencing energy networks in the body according to Asian meridians theory. Recent theories propose that acupuncture can aid in pain control by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Effectiveness for Migraine
Multiple studies have examined acupuncture for migraine prevention. Some studies have compared traditional acupuncture, which follows Asian meridians theory, with sham acupuncture, a placebo procedure where needles are inserted without following these rules. Both methods reduced migraine frequency, with only slight differences between them. Analyses differ on whether these differences are significant, suggesting that the improvement might be due to a strong placebo effect related to needling and the patient-provider relationship. For more information on the placebo effect, please see this post.
Acupuncture for Chronic Migraine
In studies comparing acupuncture to topiramate, an antiepileptic medication used for migraine prevention, in chronic migraine patients, both treatments halved migraine frequency from 20 to 10 days per month. However, acupuncture had fewer side effects, making it a well-tolerated option for chronic migraine management.
Use During Pregnancy
Acupuncture is generally safe during pregnancy, offering an alternative to oral medications. Pregnant women should consult their physician before starting acupuncture. For more information on pregnancy and migraine, please see this post.
Long-term Use
Similar to other preventive treatments (e.g., Botox), acupuncture requires regular sessions (weekly or biweekly) to be effective. Some patients experience lasting relief after a few sessions, while others need ongoing treatment. The decision to use acupuncture long-term depends on individual circumstances and factors such as cost, time, and response to treatment.
For more information on acupuncture, please visit the National Institutes of Health website.
References
- Foroughipour M, Golchian AR, Kalhor M, Akhlaghi S, Farzadfard MT, Azizi H. A sham-controlled trial of acupuncture as an adjunct in migraine prophylaxis. Acupunct Med. 2014 Feb;32(1):12-6.
- Meissner K, Fassler M, Rucker G, Kleijnen J, Hrobjartsson A, Schneider A, et al. Differential effectiveness of placebo treatments: a systematic review of migraine prophylaxis. JAMA Intern Med. 2013 Nov 25;173(21):1941-51.
- Diener HC. Acupuncture prophylaxis of migraine no better than sham acupuncture for decreasing frequency of headaches. Evid Based Med. 2013 Feb;18(1):33-4.
- Li Y, Zheng H, Witt CM, Roll S, Yu SG, Yan J, et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2012 Mar 6;184(4):401-10.
- Yang CP, Chang MH, Liu PE, Li TC, Hsieh CL, Hwang KL, et al. Acupuncture versus topiramate in chronic migraine prophylaxis: A randomized clinical trial. Cephalalgia. 2011 Nov;31(15):1510-21.
- Pickett H, Blackwell JC. FPIN’s clinical inquiries. Acupuncture for migraine headaches. Am Fam Physician. 2010 Apr 15;81(8):1036-7.
- Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Manheimer E, Vickers A, White AR. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009(1):CD001218.
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