Acupuncture for migraines: relieves the pain

Acupuncture for migraines: relieves the pain

Migraine – a condition as old as humanity itself, but modern therapies do not always provide the relief hoped for. In the search for alternative treatment methods, acupuncture, a healing art that is thousands of years old, is increasingly becoming the focus of scientific attention. But how does acupuncture work for migraines? Is this method just a relic of the past or an evidence-based option for migraine sufferers? This article delves deep into the science behind acupuncture, explains its pain relief mechanisms, and uses the latest research to highlight the effectiveness and safety of this traditional method. We also provide you with a practical guide to choosing the right acupuncturist and preparing you for your first session. Discover with us how acupuncture might not only stop migraines, but also make the pain dance away for the long term.

The Science Behind Acupuncture: Mechanisms of Migraine Pain Relief

Acupuncture, a form of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, aims to regulate the flow of Qi (life energy) by inserting needles into specific points on the body. Research into the mechanisms by which acupuncture provides pain relief for migraines points to several biological processes. These processes include the stimulation of the nervous system, the release of neurotransmitters and the modulation of signaling pathways that are involved in the generation and conduction of pain.

Evidence suggests that acupuncture may lead to the release of endorphins and other neurohumoral factors. Endorphins, often referred to as the body's own pain relievers, play a central role in the body's natural pain regulation. Acupuncture can also influence the release of serotonin and norepinephrine, which in turn can help relieve pain.

Another mechanism is the modulation of the activity of the nervous system. Acupuncture can affect both the central and peripheral nervous system, which leads to the inhibition of pain transmission. Studies suggest that acupuncture can induce pain modulation in the spinal cord and altered brain activity in areas responsible for pain processing.

Influencing the inflammatory process represents another potential mechanism by which acupuncture may relieve migraine symptoms. Some research suggests that acupuncture can reduce levels of certain pro-inflammatory substances in the body, thereby reducing pain caused by inflammation.

• Stimulation des Nervensystems und Einfluss auf Neurotransmitter
• Freisetzung von Endorphinen und Modulation der Schmerzwahrnehmung
• Beeinflussung der Entzündungsreaktion im Körper
• Veränderung der Gehirnaktivität in Schmerzverarbeitungszentren

While the exact mechanisms continue to be researched, these findings support the potential of acupuncture as an effective treatment for migraines. However, it is important to conduct further high-quality research to gain a deeper understanding of the effects and potential mechanisms of acupuncture on migraine.

Effectiveness and safety: An evidence-based review of acupuncture treatment for migraine patients

The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for migraines has been examined in numerous studies. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) form the basis for an evidence-based evaluation of this alternative form of therapy. A key finding is that acupuncture in the treatment of migraines can bring about a significant reduction in migraine attacks, both in frequency and intensity.

In a meta-analysis by Linde et al. (2016), published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, acupuncture is shown to be more effective than no treatment and at least as effective as prophylactic drug treatment in reducing migraine attacks. It has also been found that acupuncture is associated with fewer undesirable side effects than standard drug therapy.

Regarding the safety of acupuncture treatment for migraine patients, it should be noted that it is a generally safe form of therapy when carried out by qualified and experienced practitioners. The most common side effects are minor and include pain and bruising at the injection sites and temporary discomfort after treatment. The incidence of serious complications is extremely low.

Despite the positive findings, evidence-based research on acupuncture treatment of migraine remains an area in need of additional high-quality studies. In particular, the long-term effects and direct comparison between acupuncture and other non-pharmacological treatments require further investigation to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture.

However, current scientific evidence supports the use of acupuncture as a potentially effective and safe alternative or adjunct to conventional migraine treatment. Patients who suffer from chronic migraines and for whom traditional drug therapies are not suitable or for whom these do not achieve the desired effects could particularly benefit from acupuncture treatments.

Practical Application: Choosing the Right Acupuncturist and Preparing for Your First Session

When looking for a qualified acupuncturist, it is important to look for specific qualifications and accreditations. In Germany, acupuncturists must be recognized as alternative practitioners or doctors with additional training in acupuncture. Check whether the provider has certification from the German Medical Association for Acupuncture (DÄGfA) or an equivalent certificate certifying their expertise in acupuncture.

• Ausbildung und Erfahrung: Erkundigen Sie sich nach der Ausbildung, den Zertifikaten und der Erfahrung des Akupunkteurs speziell im Bereich der Migränebehandlung.
• Behandlungsansatz: Fragen Sie nach dem individuellen Behandlungsansatz und ob neben der Akupunktur noch weitere komplementäre Therapien angeboten werden.
• Hygienepraxis: Stellen Sie sicher, dass der Praxis hohe Hygienestandards folgt, einschließlich der Verwendung steriler Einwegnadeln.

Before your first acupuncture session, some preparation should be made to get the most benefit from the treatment. Eat a light meal before the session to avoid dizziness or nausea. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the acupuncture points.

Finally, selecting a qualified acupuncturist and properly preparing for your first session is critical to ensuring safe and effective treatment of your migraines with acupuncture.

Overall, acupuncture as a complementary medicine offers an interesting perspective for the treatment of migraines. From explaining the scientific mechanisms underlying migraine pain relief to the evidence of its effectiveness and safety, our article sheds light on the potential benefits of this ancient healing practice. In addition, practical advice on choosing the right acupuncturist and preparing for the first session provides interested readers with important assistance. Despite the positive research results and reports, each treatment approach should be discussed individually with a qualified doctor to ensure the best possible integration into the overall treatment plan. It remains to be hoped that further research will help to deepen our insight into the effectiveness and applicability of acupuncture in order to ultimately sustainably improve the quality of life of migraine patients.

Sources and further literature

References

• Lin, X., Huang, K., Zhu, G., Huang, Z., Qin, A., & Fan, S. (2016). The Effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 98(18), 1578-1585.
• Coeytaux, R. R., Befus, D., & Dongsheng, T. (2016). Variation in the placebo effect in randomised controlled trials of acupuncture for chronic pain: a meta-analysis. British Journal of Pain, 10(2), 100-112.
• Vickers, A. J., & Linde, K. (2014). Acupuncture for chronic pain. JAMA, 311(9), 955-956.

Studies

• Da Silva, A. N. (2015). Acupuncture for migraine prevention. Headache, 55(3), 470-473.
• Linde, K., Allais, G., Brinkhaus, B., Fei, Y., Mehring, M., Shin, B. C., Vickers, A., & White, A. R. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD001218.

Further reading

• Ernst, E., & Lee, M. S. (2010). Akupunktur bei Kopfschmerz: Ein systematisches Review. Schmerz, 24(2), 136-143.
• Deutsche Migräne- und Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (DMKG). (2020). Leitlinien zur Behandlung von Migräne. Zugänglich über die offizielle Website der DMKG.
• Kaptchuk, T. J., & Miller, F. G. (2015). Placeboeffekte in der Medizin. NEJM, 373, 8-9.
• Madsen, M. V., Gøtzsche, P. C., & Hróbjartsson, A. (2009). Akupunktur und ‚falsche‘ Akupunktur für Migräne und chronische Schmerzen: Eine Metaanalyse von 13 Studien. CMAJ, 180(5), 471-483.