Acupuncture For Migraines-Effective or Not?
By Anna Hart
Migraine. Just the thought of it causes dread for millions of sufferers.
Many have learned to expect and live with migraine pain, but they would rather
not think of the next episode.
Acupuncture for Migraines – What Is Involved?
Acupuncture is a type of alternative or complementary medicine, derived from
traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment for pain involves insertion of
fine needles into particular points in the body known as "acupuncture
points". The needles are then gently manipulated.
Acupuncture for Migraine Prevention - Between Attacks
If you decide to try acupuncture for migraines between your migraine
attacks, and have an acupuncturist who distinguishes between prevention and
treatment, you may receive SES acupuncture for migraines.
You will receive your SES treatment in a sitting position. Fine acupuncture
needles will be inserted very shallowly into your skin. The acupuncture points
chosen for SES will usually be on your forearms and lower legs. The needles
will then be gently manipulated, pushed back and forth, by hand while you
exhale.
Acupuncture for Migraine Treatment - During Attacks
If you decide to try acupuncture for migraines during a migraine attack, and
receive a typical treatment, fine needles will be inserted into acupuncture
points all over your body. The needles will then be gently pushed back and
forth. As it is moved, each needle will cause small blood vessels around itself
to dilate. This will increase the blood flow throughout your body’s tissues.
Your acupuncturist may take a different approach, however. Since your
migraine pain is generally believed to be linked to blood vessel dilation in
your head, he or she may not want to insert needles in the head and neck area.
To do so might make your pain worse temporarily. Instead, your acupuncturist
may use only the acupuncture points on your arms and legs.
Research on Acupuncture for Migraines
* On 15 March 2004, four British newspapers reported on a study that found
acupuncture helpful to people with migraines.
* The four papers based their stories on a randomized, controlled trial.
That trial studied the effects of using acupuncture for migraines along with
more common types of care. The trial was conducted in twelve (12) different
areas of
involved 401 patients in all. It reported results for 301 of those patients.
* Patients treated with acupuncture for migraines had less severe headaches
than those who received more common treatments. The patients treated with
acupuncture for migraines also had fewer days off work, took less medication,
and visited the doctor less often than did patients given only standard care.
Research on Acupuncture for Migraines
Two publications in the
States
to strong, positive conclusions on the effectiveness of acupuncture for
migraine relief.
1. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Under the title, “Acupuncture for Patients with Migraine,” JAMA published a
study involving 302 patients. Most of the patients were female. Patients were
grouped into those who received acupuncture for migraines, those who received
sham acupuncture for migraines, and a wait-list control.
The researchers concluded that sham acupuncture was no less effective than
regular acupuncture. Both acupuncture for migraines and sham acupuncture,
however, had much greater positive effect on migraines than did the wait-list
control.
2. Blackwell Synergy
In this study, 160 women were studied to determine if acupuncture for
migraines was effective or not. This study pitted acupuncture for migraines
against the use of Flunarizine for migraines.
* Group A received acupuncture for their migraines every week for two
months. After that, they received acupuncture once monthly for four months.
* Group B was given Flunarizine every day for two months. After that, they
received the medication twenty days out of the month for four months. The
study’s conclusion was profound. Acupuncture for migraines won as the more
effective treatment of the two.
Acupuncture for Migraines – Does It Hurt?
You may be among those migraine sufferers who see acupuncture for migraines
as a choice between the pain of the headache and the pain of needles. You may
be among those who have an intense fear of needles. How can you get past the
fear?
1. FIRST: Seek out a well-qualified, professional acupuncturist. Get
recommendations, if possible. Be sure the acupuncturist is licensed and
certified according to the law in your area.
2. SECOND: Visit the acupuncturist before making an appointment. Ask
to see needle-sterilizing procedures. Ask if they use disposable needles.
3. THIRD: If you still fear the needles, ask if there is an
alternative. Some offer magnetic needles, ear cups, and/or herbal methods.
4. FOURTH: Make an appointment.
When you go for your appointment, be sure you explain exactly the problem
you are having, its frequency, and intensity. Provide as much medical
information as possible. This will help the acupuncturist provide the
acupuncture for migraines treatment that is best for you.
NOTE: It is wise to keep your primary health care provider aware that you
are using acupuncture for migraines in addition to or in place of any treatment
he or she may advise.
2007© Anna Hart. As sister to a migraine sufferer, Anna can sympathize with
your problem. Read more of her articles about migraine headaches and their treatment at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com
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