Research has shown that acupuncture may be effective in relieving migraines and headaches. This type of alternative medicine, which is part of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting thin needles into the body. Western medicine has included acupuncture in the treatment of several health conditions, including chronic pain, since the 1970s.
Acupuncture may complement other migraine treatments to reduce the frequency and duration of flare-ups. Learn about the benefits and risks of acupuncture for migraines, and tips to keep in mind.
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Research has found that acupuncture may be an effective complementary and alternative treatment for migraines. There are a number of small studies that speak to its value, as well as some decent-sized reviews.
A review published in 2019 looked at seven clinical trials with a total of 1,430 participants. Researchers compared acupuncture to standard medication for migraine. Clinical trials have suggested that acupuncture may be more effective than standard migraine treatments.
Still, the test methods are so different from each other that you can’t see all of the results as a whole. Experts say researchers need larger studies comparing acupuncture with conventional treatments to test its effectiveness.
People commonly use acupuncture to reduce pain and reduce the frequency of migraines. Acupuncture can be an effective alternative to or complement to traditional treatments.
Migraine treatments can take some time to work, and not all treatments are effective. Remember that acupuncture works for some people and not for others.
Almost no side effects
Acupuncture may have better results than other treatments. Some of the most common migraine drugs can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, chest tightness, diarrhea, and fatigue. In contrast, acupuncture rarely causes serious complications.
Shown to reduce migraine intensity
Acupuncture may reduce pain and reduce the duration of migraine attacks. Acupuncturists insert thin needles into the skin to stimulate the central nervous system. As a result, your body releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.
Migraine headaches usually last about 4 to 72 hours. In contrast, some evidence suggests that acupuncture may reduce migraine intensity within 2 hours. Still, more research is needed to find out how quickly acupuncture works.
May prevent migraines
There is no cure for chronic migraine. Still, there is some evidence to suggest that acupuncture may prevent recurrence. A review published in 2016 found that more than half of people who received acupuncture experienced a 50% reduction in headache frequency after six months.
Another study published in 2020 divided 148 people with episodic migraine into two groups. The first group was treated with 12 sessions of acupuncture, and the second group was treated with medication. The researchers found that patients in both groups had similar reductions in migraine frequency after four months.
In general, acupuncture is safe for most people when visited by a certified and skilled health care provider. You may experience some pain and some minor bleeding or bruising. Additionally, since acupuncture needles penetrate the skin, there is a risk of infection. Still, standard practice uses single-use, disposable needles, which reduces the risk of infection.
You may need to avoid acupuncture if:
- have a bleeding disorder
- have a pacemaker (i.e. if acupuncture uses electrical pulses)
- take blood thinners
There is also evidence to suggest that acupuncture during pregnancy may be unsafe. Research shows that the treatment can cause bleeding and pain. Still, further research is needed. If you are pregnant and considering acupuncture, please talk to your health care provider.
Robert Cowan, M.D., clinical professor of neurology and neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine, said acupuncture is not a single medical procedure, but part of a larger therapy. health. There are several types of needle placement and manipulation, often depending on the treatment.
Here are some tips to keep in mind before undergoing acupuncture treatment.
- Continue other treatments. Acupuncture may also be used to complement other treatments. Talk to your health care provider before stopping any medications you are taking to manage migraines.
- Choose your acupuncturist carefully. You want to trust that he will choose the best treatment for your needs, says Dr. Cowan. Don’t want your acupuncturist to train only her one method.
- Ask for advice: Some people seek acupuncture for specific reasons, such as infertility, orthopedics, gastrointestinal issues, and even trauma. However, some people may be unsure of how acupuncture is best to treat them. Ask them to advise you on what is best for you.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific areas of the body and moving the needles in specific ways to treat health conditions. This type of alternative medicine may effectively reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. Still, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
Talk to your health care provider before trying acupuncture for migraines. They may advise you to use acupuncture in addition to other migraine treatments. You may need to avoid acupuncture if you have certain health conditions, so it’s important to consult with your health care provider and certified acupuncturist to determine the best treatment option for you.
