ACUPUNCTURE AND MIGRAINE: FINDING A COMBINATION THAT STICKS
When traditional medicine hasn’t helped ease your migraine pain, many migraine patients are eager to explore other methods of treatment.
In general, the harder a medical problem is to treat, the more treatment strategies exist. This observation is certainly true for migraine. Patients and physicians are constantly looking for alternatives to drug therapy, which is effective in the short term but may have severe unwanted effects in the long term.
The role of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine
To help treat headaches, an acupuncturist will place needles in various pressure points, including those on your head and neck. The needles release endorphins and other hormones, stimulating the circulatory system—a part of what helps weaken headache pain.
Migraine treatment: acupuncture proves its worth
Migraine treatment involves long-term use of medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or triptans. They are not without side effects, and are not always effective. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine imported to the West in the 19th century, is an interesting option.
Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for migraine. In 2015, an American researcher compiled the largest and best-conducted studies. This research revealed that this traditional practice delivers results equivalent to conventional drug treatment, without the many side effects. Whether as a preventive or curative measure.
Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines
Evidence suggests that acupuncture may reduce migraine headaches’ frequency or even prevent them from happening. People who use acupuncture along with other treatments have the highest chance of success.
Headache patients are encouraged to have six to eight weekly acupuncture sessions. The acupuncturist might also suggest dietary changes to help relieve headache symptoms.