Does Acupuncture for Migraines Work? What You Need to Know

Many people come into my office asking if acupuncture for migraines and headaches really works. This is so common because migraines and headaches affect a significant portion of the population (1). For a variety of reasons people come looking for natural relief (2). Additionally people want to know if acupuncture is safe and if it has long-term benefits. Today I am going to answer these questions about using acupuncture for migraines and headaches. We will review the scientific evidence answering the following questions:

1. Does acupuncture for migraines really work?
2. How does acupuncture for migraines work?
3. How many treatments are needed to be effective?
4. Is acupuncture for migraines safe during pregnancy?
5. What are the long-term results of acupuncture for migraines?
6. And what are the other natural treatment options?

If you have been wondering about any of these questions, this article is for you. Let’s dive in and review what science has to say about this topic.

Does Acupuncture for Migraines Really Work?

There is a lot of scientific research that supports acupuncture for migraines and headaches. I found 7 systematic reviews and metanalysis that reviewed 171 randomized control trials with over 20,000 participants (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). They all concluded acupuncture outperforms Western medicine alone in treating migraines. Not only does acupuncture relieve pain more effectively than conventional treatments it also decreases the need for pharmaceuticals, and it has less side effects(2, 4, 6)! .

How Does Acupuncture for Migraines Work?

Multiple randomized controlled trials have looked into how acupuncture for migraines and headaches works. Different studies used heart rate variability analysis (8) ,BOLD-fMRI (9), and fMRI (10) technology before and after acupuncture. They found acupuncture for migraines works by reducing the fight or flight reaction (8) restoring the balance of nerve pathways (9), and regulating the perception of pain(10). Through these and other various mechanisms acupuncture provides long-term relief for migraine sufferers.

How Many Treatments are Needed using Acupuncture for Migraines?

A review of 6 trials that effectively used acupuncture for migraines found protocols ranged between 12 and 20 treatments. Often people received acupuncture between one and five times per week (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

Is Acupuncture for Migraines Safe and Effective During Pregnancy?

Many studies have shown that acupuncture is safe during pregnancy specifically as a treatment for migraines (15, 16, 17). It is also beneficial for related symptoms of nausea and vomiting (18). While certain points should be avoided during pregnancy they have not found any evidence that acupuncture harms the fetus when performed by a trained acupuncturist (19).

What are the Long-Term Results of Acupuncture for Migraines?

I found a study conducted in 2020 which investigated this question. The study had 150 people randomized into three groups: acupuncture, sham acupuncture (this is where they use a non-inserting needles, so this is basically acupressure), and standard care alone (12). Both the acupuncture and acupressure groups received 20 sessions over eight weeks.

By the end of the treatments both groups outperformed standard care alone in pain relief. At the re-evaluation 12 weeks after the last acupuncture session, the acupuncture group showed continued improvement beyond the acupressure group. At this point, they experienced less than half the number of attacks and half the days of headaches compared to both the acupressure and the standard care groups.

As with any treatment for migraines, acupuncture outcomes can vary. Some people achieve complete relief in just a few sessions and others may need regular treatments to control their symptoms. As with any treatment, a few people do not benefit from acupuncture.

What are Alternative Treatment Options

Chinese Medicine is so effective in practice because practitioners are trained to use multiple treatment strategies that relieve headaches and migraines. These include but are not limited to body work such as acupressure, magnet therapy, cupping and gua sha. Some acupuncturists have additional extensive training in herbal remedies and movement therapy.

Acupressure for Headaches & Migraines

As I mentioned, acupressure is almost as effective as acupuncture needles. Personally, I love to use acupressure magnets for people who are nervous about acupuncture. Additionally, many acupuncturists can also provide cupping and scrapping or Gua Sha as a treatment option that are effective for headaches.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Headaches and Migraines

There are multiple Traditional Chinese Herbal formulas that can be helpful for migraine prevention and treatment. Usually, people will have 2 different formulas, one for acute attacks and one for prevention. There are over 20 herbal formulas listed in Chen’s Chinese Herbs and formula’s, so it is important to talk to a trained professional about which is the best for a specific person. If you want to know more about herbal options let me know in the comments and I will create a more in-depth post.

Yoga Therapy for Headaches & Migraines

Additionally, therapeutic movements such as Yoga therapy that is targeted at pain relief can be helpful. Wisely Living, our sister company shared a short yoga class: Relieving TMJ and Headaches with Face and Jaw Exercises and Massage. In the future I will also post a discussion about lifestyle adjustments and dietary recommendations for reducing headaches.

About Dr. Heather Wisely, DAcCHM, L.Ac

Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM), Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), Yoga Teacher, Herbalist

Heather has studied traditional and alternative medicine for 20 years. Her primary focus is on Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has administered 20,000 treatments and taught 5,000 hours of yoga.  Helping relieve migraines is a passion of Heather’s, and she has studied techniques in acupuncture, yoga, herbal remedies, and essential oils. In pursuit of sharing her knowledge she is creating an online wellness course where she will share safe and effective remedies for alleviating migraines naturally. You can find more information at www.WiselyLiving.media

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Disclaimer:

This information is intended solely for educational or entertainment purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a specific health condition and it is not intended to replace the medical advice from your physician

References

Introduction

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