Can acupuncture be used to prevent migraines?

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Migraines are one of the top conditions we treat at our clinic. Call today, (425) 686-4498 to set-up your initial migraine consultation.

Can acupuncture be used to prevent migraines?

Acupuncture and chronic migraines

If you suffer from chronic migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. Chronic migraines are defined as occurring 2-8 times per month. Each person may experience similar but more diffuse symptoms, often debilitating.

Most migraine sufferers report missed work, fatigue, and sleep disturbance from migraine symptoms and episodes. It is thought that about 38% of migraine sufferers need preventative therapy to counter frequent attacks. This is often pharmaceutical interventions but more recently studies are looking at how acupuncture can work to prevent chronic migraine attacks.

Read our previous post on how we can help chronic migraines here.

Let’s see what the research says.

In a recent study in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. They were looking at that exact question.

“What is the long-term efficacy of acupuncture for prophylaxis of migraines?”

This study was a 24-week randomized clinical trial looking at acupuncture, “sham” acupuncture, or control group. The criteria for inclusion in the study were participants with diagnosed migraine without aura, having migraine 2 to 8 times per month, based on criteria set by the International Headache Society. The participants received 4 weeks of treatment, every day for 5 days consequently. The control group did not receive acupuncture. The participants recorded daily diaries to record progress and symptoms.

What the results found:

The results showed that the participants who received acupuncture reported a reduction in frequency of attacks. Researchers concluded that acupuncture may be associated with long-term reduction in migraine recurrence.

At Starting Point Acupuncture, we are often the “last resort, with the best results.” This is especially true for our chronic migraine patients. We use a comprehensive approach and individualized treatment plans to address your specific concerns.