Acute insight on using acupuncture to alleviate migraines: Key factors to consider
New research suggests that acupuncture could be a valuable addition to traditional migraine treatments, offering significant reduction in migraine frequency and intensity for many sufferers.
In a study published in 2020, researchers followed 249 people with a history of migraine headaches without aura for 24 weeks. The results showed that real acupuncture reduced the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, providing evidence that acupuncture may help manage migraines [1][5].
A systematic review of 22 clinical trials with nearly 5,000 participants, published in 2016, found that acupuncture reduced migraine frequency by about 50% in up to 59% of patients. This effect was similar to that of preventive drugs [1][3].
Furthermore, clinical trials and reviews report that acupuncture can ease associated muscle tension, regulate the nervous system, and improve quality of life for migraine sufferers [1][3]. The mechanisms behind acupuncture's effectiveness may involve stimulating neural structures and triggering the release of endogenous analgesic and anti-inflammatory substances [4].
Compared to traditional migraine treatments, acupuncture is considered safe, with low risk of serious side effects. It may also improve health-related quality of life, reduce reliance on medications, and lower drug-related adverse effects [2]. The costs are generally lower or comparable to medication over time, especially when considering reduction in medication usage and side effects [2].
However, it's important to note that evidence heterogeneity exists, with some large trials finding no significant difference between acupuncture and sham procedures or standard medications, though all appeared effective [2]. There is also no consensus on optimal acupoint selection or treatment protocols, which may affect consistency of outcomes [4].
In summary, acupuncture for migraine prevention and management offers a safe alternative or complement to traditional pharmacological treatments, demonstrating substantial evidence of reducing migraine frequency and intensity while potentially improving quality of life. However, variability in study results and lack of standardized protocols highlight the need for further high-quality research to optimize its use and clarify its comparative effectiveness relative to standard migraine medications.
It's crucial to remember that not all headaches are harmless, and anyone who develops new headaches or a change in their usual headache pattern should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. For those who find medication or acupuncture ineffective, seeking the help of a migraine specialist may be beneficial.
References: [1] Lipton RB, et al. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Headache and Pain, 17(1), 69. [2] Tian J, et al. (2019). Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain Medicine, 20(1), 13-27. [3] Tong J, et al. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Neurology, 23(6), 861-871. [4] Tang J, et al. (2018). The mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine: a systematic review. Neural Regeneration Research, 13(13), 1582-1594. [5] Li J, et al. (2020). True acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for the prevention of migraine: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology, 94(15), e1412-e1420.
- Qulipta, a person affected by migraines, might find acupuncture an effective 'therapies-and-treatments' option, as it significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of their migraines, as per new research.
- In the medical-conditions field, neurological disorders like migraine may benefit from the application of acupuncture, a practice that eases associated muscle tension and improves quality of life for many sufferers.
- Science suggests that the procedure of acupuncture involves stimulating neural structures and triggering the release of endogenous analgesic and anti-inflammatory substances, offering promising results for the management of migraines.
- Migraine sufferers could consider acupuncture as a safer alternative or complement to traditional pharmacological treatments, given its minimal risk of serious side effects, as well as potential positive effects on health-related quality of life.
- In the realm of headache disorders, the value of acupuncture in managing migraines appears significant; however, the lack of standardized protocols and inconsistent results in large trials call for more high-quality research to optimize its use and better compare it with standard migraine medications.
