TCM Researcher Acupuncture works for headaches and migraines

Study showed: Acupuncture helps with chronic headaches and migraines
Headaches and migraines are common in the population. In order to comprehensively treat the complex clinical picture, acupuncture treatment can be an alternative and supplement to the medical treatment of migraine. This was shown by a recent Cochrane review.

Currently, a Cochrane review has been published, which investigates the effect of acupuncture for the prophylaxis of episodic migraine. The review included 22 studies involving a total of 4,985 patients, during which acupuncture was compared to either minimal or sham acupuncture, no treatment or routine care, or conventional (drug) treatment.

The study examined the frequency of migraine attacks and the number of days with headache / migraine.

Acupuncture not only helps against back pain, but may also be used for early-stage dementia. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com)

The treatment with acupuncture in comparison with sham acupuncture or no treatment showed only small effects on the seizure frequency and response rate. However, seizure frequency was significantly reduced in comparison with prophylactic drug treatment, and this positive effect was lost during the follow-up phase.

Compared with prophylactic conventional drugs, acupuncture was as effective as conventional migraine medication. In part, the acupuncture treatment was even more effective. The researchers conclude: Acupuncture may be recommended as sole or concomitant treatment for migraine therapy.