Migraine prevention may be possible with a few modalities you may have heard of but haven’t tried yet, acupuncture and dry needling. Multiple high quality studies show acupuncture can reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines.
- BMJ (British Medical Journal) Review: Found acupuncture as effective and sometimes more effective than conventional medications for migraine prevention.
- Cochrane Review: Patients receiving acupuncture reported fewer headache days compared to control groups.
- JAMA Network: In this 24 week, randomized clinical trial that included 249 patients with migraine without aura, acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of migraine attacks.
How It Works from a Medical Perspective
- Nervous System Regulation: Calms overactive pain pathways.
- Improved Blood Flow: Reduces muscle tension in the neck and scalp.
- Neurochemical Changes: Boosts endorphins and serotonin, reducing pain perception.
Integrating Acupuncture with Modern Migraine Care
As both a licensed acupuncturist and an Registered Nurse (RN), I often work with physician and allied providers to create complementary care plans for migraine patients. This may include:
- Preventive acupuncture sessions
- Lifestyle changes to reduce triggers
- Coordination with medications when needed
Migraines Takeaway
Acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and effective option for migraine prevention without the side effects of long term medication use.
