Acupuncture for migraines: the pain stabs away

Acupuncture for migraines: the pain stabs away

migraines - a condition, as old as humanity itself, but modern therapies do not always offer the hoped -for relief. In the search for alternative treatment methods, acupuncture, a millennia -old healing art, is becoming increasingly the focus of scientific consideration. But how does acupuncture work for migraines? Is this method just a relic from the past or an evidence -based option for migraine patients? This article immerses deep into science behind acupuncture, explains its mechanisms of pain relief, and using the latest research results in the effectiveness and safety of this traditional method. In addition, we offer you a practical guide to choose the right acupunctor and prepare for your first session. Discover with us how acupuncture may not only stand out, but also let the pain dance away.

science behind acupuncture: mechanisms of pain relief for migraines

Acupuncture, a form of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, aims to regulate the flow of Qi (life energy) by stinging needles into specific points on the body. Research on mechanisms, as acupuncture in migraines, offers pain relief to several biological processes. These processes include the stimulation of the nervous system, the distribution of neurotransmitters and the modulation of signal paths that are involved in the development of pain and line.

Findings indicate that acupuncture can lead to the release of endorphins and other neurohumoral factors. Endorphins, often referred to as "the body's pain reliever", play a central role in the natural pain regulation of the body. In addition, acupuncture can influence the release of serotonin and noradrenaline, which in turn can contribute to pain relief.

Another mechanism is modulation of the activity of the nervous system. Acupuncture can affect both the central and the peripheral nervous system, which leads to the inhibition of pain secondary management. Studies indicate that acupuncture can induce pain modulation in the spinal cord and a changed brain activity in areas that are responsible for pain processing.

The influence of the inflammatory process represents another potential mechanism through which acupuncture can alleviate migraine symptoms. Some research results indicate that acupuncture can reduce the concentrations of certain inflammatory substances in the body and thus alleviate inflammation -related pain.

• stimulation of the nervous system and influence on neurotransmitter
• release of endorphins and modulation of pain perception
• influencing the inflammatory reaction in the body
• Change of brain activity in pain processing centers

While the exact mechanisms are further researched, this findings support the potential of acupuncture as an effective method of treatment for migraines. However, it is important to do further high -quality research in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the effects and potential mechanisms of acupuncture in migraines.

Effectiveness and security: An evidence -based consideration of acupuncture treatment for migraine patients

The effectiveness and security of acupuncture as a treatment method for migraines was examined in numerous studies. Systematic reviews and meta-analyzes that rely on randomized controlled studies (RCTS) form the basis for an evidence-based assessment of these alternative form of therapy. An essential finding is that acupuncture in the treatment of migraines can achieve a significant reduction in migraine attacks, both in frequency and intensity.

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

With regard to the safety of acupuncture treatment for migraine patients, it should be noted that it is generally a safe form of therapy if it is carried out by qualified and experienced practitioners. The most common side effects are slightly and include pain and bruises at the puncture areas as well as temporary discomfort after treatment. The incidence of serious complications is extremely low.

Despite the positive knowledge, evidence -based research on the acupuncture treatment of migraines is still an area in which additional high -quality studies are required. In particular, the long-term effects and the direct comparison between acupuncture and other non-pharmacological treatments need further investigation in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness and security of acupuncture.

The current scientific findings, however, support the use of acupuncture as a potentially effective and safe alternative or supplement to conventional migraine treatment. Patients who suffer from chronic migraines and are not suitable for traditional drug therapies or where they do not achieve the desired effects could benefit in particular from acupuncture treatments.

Practical application: Selection of the right acupunctor and preparation for your first session

When looking for a qualified acupunctor, it is important to pay attention to certain qualifications and accreditations. In Germany, acupfunkers must be recognized as alternative practitioners or doctors with additional training in acupuncture. Check whether the provider has a certification of the German medical center for acupuncture (Dägfa) or an equivalent certificate that certifies its expertise in acupuncture.

• training and experience : Inquire about the training, the certificates and the experience of the acupuncture, especially in the field of migraine treatment.
• treatment approach : ask about the individual treatment approach and whether further complementary therapies are offered in addition to acupuncture.
• hygiene practice : Make sure that the practice follows high hygiene standards, including the use of sterile disposable needles.

Before your first acupuncture session, some preparations should be made to draw the greatest possible benefit from the treatment. Eat a slight meal before the session to avoid dizziness or nausea. Wear comfortable clothing that enables easy access to the acupuncture points.

Finally, the selection of a qualified acupunctor and the correct preparation for your first session is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment of your migraines with acupuncture.

In the review, acupuncture as complementary medicine offers an interesting perspective for the treatment of migraines. By explaining the scientific mechanisms on which the pain relief is based on migraines, right up to the evidence of its effectiveness and security, our article illuminates the potential advantages of this year -old medicine. In addition, practical advice on the selection of the right acupunctor and to prepare for the first session of interested readers provide important help. Despite the positive research results and experience reports, each treatment approach should be discussed individually with a qualified doctor in order to ensure the best possible integration into the overall treatment plan. It remains to be hoped that further research will contribute to deepening our insight into the mode of action and applicability of acupuncture in order to ultimately be able to 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 randomized contrials of acupuncture for chronic paint: 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 literature

• Ernst, E., & Lee, M. S. (2010). Acupuncture in headache: a systematic review. pain , 24 (2), 136-143.
• German migraine and headache company (DMKG). (2020). Guidelines for the treatment of migraines. Accessible via the official website of the DMKG.
• Kaptchuk, T. J., & Miller, F. G. (2015). Placebo effects in medicine. nejm , 373, 8-9.
• Madsen, M. V., Gøtzsche, P. C., & Hróbjartsson, A. (2009). Acupuncture and 'false' acupuncture for migraines and chronic pain: a meta -analysis of 13 studies. cmaj , 180 (5), 471-483.