Many people are familiar with the physical act of acupuncture, the act of inserting needles into the skin for the purpose of relaxation and natural healing. Acupuncture goes much further than needles in the skin. The Chinese used acupuncture to re-align one's Chi, which is an energy of universal life that is believed to flow through all people. When the Chi is blocked and unable to flow freely, health is affected. Now, researchers are investigating the role of acupuncture for migraine reduction and treatment. Read below for more on how acupuncture for migraine reduction works.



The Studies

Two publications have published studies with strong conclusions on the effectiveness of acupuncture for migraine relief. The Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA, published "Acupuncture for Patients with Migraine." In this study, scientists used 302 patients, most of them women who suffered from migraine headaches. Patients were administered acupuncture, sham acupuncture and a waiting list control. Researchers concluded that sham acupuncture was no less effective than regular acupuncture, though both had much more of an effect on migraines than did the wait list control.

Another study, published by Blackwell Synergy, one hundred sixty women were run through a controlled study examining the effects of acupuncture for migraines versus flunarizine for migraines. Group A was administered acupuncture weekly for 2 months and then once monthly for 4 months. Flunarizine was given to the patients every day for two months and then twenty days out of the month for four months. The conclusion was profound: acupuncture won the contest for the most effective treatment out of the two.

Getting Past The Fear

The first thing to look for when seeking out a professional acupuncturist is to make sure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified, depending on the state in which you live. Most acupuncturists will walk you through their sterilizing procedures, and most use disposable needles. If you cannot get past the fear of acupuncture needles, the acupuncturist will probably provide alternatives for you. These include herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups that can be taken for similar results.

When you go to the acupuncturist, be sure you know what you are seeking treatment for, and have as much medical information as possible. This will help the acupuncturist decide what acupuncture for migraine techniques are right for you.