Migraines can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of daily life with their intense pain and other symptoms. As traditional treatments might not work for everyone, many are turning to acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, for relief. Recent research indicates that acupuncture could offer significant benefits for those suffering from migraines. Here’s what you need to know about how acupuncture can help alleviate this condition.
How Acupuncture Helps with Migraines
Reducing Migraine Frequency
Acupuncture has shown promising results in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. In a comprehensive review of several studies, true acupuncture was found to significantly decrease the number of migraine attacks experienced by patients. Specifically, participants receiving true acupuncture experienced an average reduction of 1.4 to 2.0 fewer attacks per month compared to those in control groups (Linke et al., 2020). In contrast, sham acupuncture (a placebo treatment) resulted in a smaller reduction of 0.5 to 1.0 attacks per month (Linke et al., 2020).
Alleviating Migraine Severity
Not only does acupuncture help in reducing the number of attacks, but it also lessens the severity of migraines. Patients undergoing true acupuncture reported a significant decrease in the intensity of their migraine symptoms. This contrasts with the results from sham acupuncture and no treatment controls, which did not show as substantial a reduction in migraine severity (Linke et al., 2020).
Comparison with Other Treatments
When compared to sham acupuncture and waiting-list controls, true acupuncture demonstrated clear advantages:
- True Acupuncture vs. Sham Acupuncture: True acupuncture led to a mean difference of 1.1 fewer attacks per month compared to sham acupuncture (95% CI, 0.4-1.9) (Linke et al., 2020).
- True Acupuncture vs. Waiting-List Group: Participants receiving true acupuncture experienced a mean difference of 1.8 fewer attacks per month compared to those on the waiting list (95% CI, 1.1-2.5) (Linke et al., 2020).
- Sham Acupuncture vs. Waiting-List Group: Sham acupuncture did not show a significant difference from the waiting-list group, with only a 0.7 attack reduction per month (95% CI, -0.1 to 1.4) (Linke et al., 2020).
Why Consider Acupuncture?
Acupuncture offers a natural and holistic approach to managing migraines. With its ability to reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, it provides a valuable alternative for those who might not find relief with conventional treatments. By addressing the root causes and balancing the body’s energy, acupuncture can improve overall well-being and quality of life for migraine sufferers.
If you’re struggling with migraines and are seeking an alternative treatment, acupuncture might be worth considering. Its effectiveness in reducing attack frequency and severity, as supported by recent studies, makes it a promising option for many.
References
Linke, C., Han, J., Hsu, M.C., Liu, Y.H., & Tsai, P.S., 2020. Acupuncture for migraines: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Headache and Pain, 21(1), pp.1-12. Available at: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40120-020-00216-1.pdf [Accessed 2 Sep. 2024].
