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Acupuncture for Migraine: a Review of the Data and Clinical Insights

Current Pain and Headache Reports volume 24, Article number: 32 (2020) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to discuss the current evidence for acupuncture in migraine and to provide insight into which patients may benefit most from acupuncture.

Recent Findings

Multiple studies support acupuncture as a validated modality for the prevention of episodic migraine. While small studies on acupuncture for the prevention of chronic migraine are encouraging, evidence for its benefit is limited. Likewise, the existing studies on acupuncture for acute migraine treatment are insufficient.

Summary

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat migraine and has gained popularity as a validated non-pharmaceutical option. Although the specific mechanisms of acupuncture are not clearly understood, there is evidence for its effectiveness in treating migraine. Results of acupuncture studies are quite variable and depend on multiple factors, including frequency, duration, and consistency of treatments, as well as acupoint selection. A better understanding of the flaws inherent in acupuncture research will help guide the development of future studies.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Center for Headache and Facial Pain, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 E 98th St, 7th Floor, Box 1139, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    Lauren R. Natbony

  2. Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 211 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA

    Niushen Zhang

Authors
  1. Lauren R. Natbony
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  2. Niushen Zhang
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Correspondence to Lauren R. Natbony.

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Lauren R. Natbony and Nuishen Zhang declare no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Psychological and Behavioral Aspects of Headache and Pain

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Natbony, L.R., Zhang, N. Acupuncture for Migraine: a Review of the Data and Clinical Insights. Curr Pain Headache Rep 24, 32 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00864-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00864-w

Keywords

  • Acupuncture
  • Migraine
  • Complementary and integrative medicine