Efficacy of Acupuncture for Migraine Relief
Acupuncture is a safe and effective modality utilised in the management of migraines — and the research backs it up.
Understanding What Causes a Migraine
The cause of a migraine can be very wide, so considering the causational factors can help guide the prescription and application of acupuncture as a non-traditional approach to pain relief in any one session. Key factors include:
Genetics
Muscular factors
Vascular factors
Neurogenic factors
The Western vs. Eastern Approach
Usually in medical practice, the first line of treatment for an acute migraine is to employ the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and sometimes beta blockers — of which there are many types. This is a standard Western medicine approach.
Since we are discussing the Eastern medicine approach, this is where acupuncture intervention comes in — targeting the modification of pain in the brain.
"Acupuncture targets the modification of pain in the brain — working with the body's own systems rather than relying solely on medication."
What the Research Shows
A 2020 clinical trial conducted by Chen Y.Y. et al. in China compared the beta blocker Propranolol with acupuncture for migraine management. The findings were compelling — acupuncture was shown to be helpful in reducing:
↓
Number of migraine days
↓
Frequency of migraines
↓
Occurrence of adverse effects
What to Expect in a Session
The actual acupuncture session is meant to be a calming one, employing the senses. Needles are introduced at specific points to affect the pain gate of the brain — a principle central to acupuncture's effectiveness for pain management.
Recommended treatment
A prescription of at least ten sessions is recommended to properly assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for each individual.
2. Sessions are spread over the course of eight weeks, allowing enough time to observe meaningful changes in migraine frequency and intensity.
3. At the end of the course, results are reviewed to determine the ongoing suitability of acupuncture for your specific needs.
References:
Y.Y. Chen, J. Li, M. Chen, L. Yue, T.W. She, H. Zheng. Acupuncture versus propranolol in migraine prophylaxis: an indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis. J Neurol., 267 (2020), pp. 14–25. doi: 10.1007/s00415-019-09510-x | Medline
