Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines: Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an old practice that originated from a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice. TCM is a system that prevents, diagnoses and treats disease. TCM believes the body's energy, called qi (pronounced chi), flows along specific channels or meridians. If the qi is balanced, the person is healthy. But when the qi is not in balance, any disease may occur. Qi can be blocked, causing an imbalance between the yin and yang. This therapy says the human body has over 2,000 acupuncture points linked through the various meridians. Using acupuncture on specific points within the meridians improves the flow of blocked or stagnant energy. Acupuncture can unblock these meridians, restore the movement of qi, and improve health.

The actual practice of acupuncture involves placing thin needles into the skin on specific meridian points. The provider's hands or electrical stimulation activates these points. Studies have shown that acupuncture works well for many conditions.

How Acupuncture Works for Headaches and Migraines?

Migraine headaches are draining, and patients can find them challenging to manage without prescription medication from a healthcare professional. Whereas opting for acupuncture may help relieve the pain associated with migraine.

Migraine relief is one reason patients visit acupuncturists. Studies suggest that acupuncture may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches or even prevent them from happening. Patients who try acupuncture also get good results, as this method takes a holistic approach. Tiny needles are inserted into different pressure points or trigger points in the body, leading to relief from pain, anxiety, and stress. This technique is also useful in muscle relaxation.

Though the exact mechanism of acupuncture is not known, it provides relief in the following ways;

1. Acupuncture causes the relaxation of the neck muscles and reduces muscle spasms.

2. Acupuncture is known to reduce complications like stress, anxiety, and depression, which are responsible for migraine headaches.

3. Acupuncture improves blood flow to the brain, neck, and neck muscle regions, reducing migraine symptoms through adequate oxygenation.

4. Pressure applied to the trigger points stimulates the nerve fibers and reduces migraine symptoms.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches?

The idea of acupuncture is to change the energy flow through the body, balance it, and make it flow in harmony.

It may also benefit in the following ways -

• Improved blood circulation.

• Producing chemicals that help to reduce the pain.

• Relaxing the muscles and removing muscle tension.

Choosing acupuncture for migraine and headaches involves the following benefits:

• Prevention of migraine headaches or a decrease in the frequency of the attacks is even considered adequate against other therapies and medications.

• Migraine therapies can be expensive, and certain insurance policies may cover the cost.

• Some patients may experience side effects after taking medications. Acupuncture therapy has a lesser chance of side effects.

What Is the Scientific Evidence Supporting Acupuncture?

Research on acupuncture for migraine headaches mainly explores its role in prevention rather than treatment. Multiple studies indicate that acupuncture may be a practical option.

Review of Clinical Studies on Migraine and Headache

A study where 22 trials were done stated that 57 percent of patients got acupuncture therapy for migraine, almost 50 percent got relief, and 46 percent of the patients got relief from medication.

A 2016 Cochrane review of 22 trials found that acupuncture outperformed fake acupuncture, no treatment, and standard migraine medications. After three months, 57 percent of those receiving acupuncture had at least a 50 percent reduction in migraine attacks, compared to 46 percent of those on medication. This increased to 59 percent for acupuncture recipients after six months versus 54 percent for the medication group.

To understand the benefits of acupuncture, a trial was conducted on 480 patients in 2012, and it resulted in significant improvements after 13 to 16 weeks compared to the fake acupuncture group. Similarly, a study was conducted on 249 individuals for 24 weeks, which helped in understanding the real benefits of acupuncture.

While these findings suggest that acupuncture may help manage migraines, the sham group (a controlled group that got fake treatment or inactive treatment) also showed symptom reduction, indicating a possible placebo effect.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Acupuncture for Headaches?

Any treatment comes with pros and cons, the same way acupuncture for migraine headaches comes with some risk factors -

• Needling can cause injuries. Sometimes, needle insertions go wrong, leading to infection or wounds on the skin. It is highly recommended that disposable needles be used.

• Not all headaches are migraines; it is essential to get a correct diagnosis to start with acupuncture therapy.

• Sometimes, short-term symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, can also be seen.

Comparing Acupuncture to Other Migraine and Headache Treatments

Consider talking to your healthcare professional, who can suggest you to a learned and experienced acupuncturist. Before attending a session, check the reviews and sanitary practices and how they minimize adverse reaction risks. It is recommended that patients avoid acupuncturists who claim to diagnose medical conditions or who encourage patients to bypass medical care.

While opting for other treatment options like medications, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. The medication indicated for migraine headaches comes with certain side effects. However, they help in getting quick relief and reduce the frequency of attacks.

Other physical therapy and chiropractic methods are also popular non-drug treatments for migraines. A chiropractic session may improve spinal alignment, which can help treat headaches. However, it is unsuitable for everyone, especially those with spinal problems. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility to reduce headache triggers such as tension and poor ergonomics.

All these approaches are different from each other and non-pharmacological.

What Are the Other Natural and Lifestyle Remedies for Headaches?

Along with acupuncture, other therapies like natural and lifestyle approaches may help treat headaches.

Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most common ways to avoid triggers. It is highly recommended that you drink enough water.

Practice yoga and breathing exercises to reduce tension and avoid triggering factors.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is an old practice with many benefits. It can also help treat many other problems, such as arthritis, muscle pain, knee pain, cramps, and others. Opting for acupuncture for migraines can help reduce pain and prevent further attacks.

Key Takeaway From iCliniq

iCliniq is here to spread awareness about all the treatment options available for migraine and headaches, whether it's a new medication, ancient practices, or non-pharmacological. Acupuncture for migraine provides an entirely natural alternative with fewer side effects.

Migraine is not easy to deal with. We are here for you.