What are migraines?
Migraines are a common type of headache characterised by intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. They can last from a few hours to several days and are often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
There are several recognised types of migraines:
Migraine without aura
The most common type, occurring without warning signs.
Migraine with aura
Involves visual or sensory disturbances before the headache, such as flashing lights or tingling sensations.
Chronic migraine
Occurs on more than 15 days per month.
Hemiplegic migraine
A rare type that may cause temporary weakness or sensory changes on one side of the body.
Retinal migraine
Involves temporary visual disturbances or vision loss in one eye.
Diagnosis usually involves consultation with a GP, keeping a headache diary, and sometimes referral to a neurologist. This process may take several weeks depending on the individual situation.
How migraines differ from other headaches
Migraines are often confused with other types of headaches, but they have distinct features.
Migraine
Pain is typically intense, throbbing, and often one-sided. It may last hours to days and is commonly associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Tension headache
Usually presents as a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head. It is often described as a tight band around the head and typically does not involve nausea or sensory sensitivity.
Cluster headache
Characterised by severe, piercing pain, usually around one eye. These headaches occur in cycles over weeks or months and may be associated with tearing or nasal congestion.
Sinus headache
Causes a deep, constant pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or nose area, often linked to sinus infection with congestion or a runny nose.
What research suggests about acupuncture for migraine
Acupuncture has been studied as a possible option for managing migraines, particularly for prevention.
A Cochrane review found that acupuncture may help reduce the frequency of episodic migraines and may be comparable to some preventive medications, with fewer reported side effects (Klaus Linde et al., 2016).
A review by Ivan Urits et al. (2020) suggests that acupuncture may help reduce migraine frequency, intensity, and duration, with a generally favourable safety profile.
In a large clinical trial, Hans-Christoph Diener et al. (2006) found that acupuncture reduced migraine frequency and severity, with effects lasting several months in some patients.
It is important to note that while these findings are encouraging, results can vary, and limitations such as study design and sample size should be considered.
Where acupuncture may fit
Acupuncture is used in Chinese Medicine to support the body’s overall balance.
Some research suggests it may influence factors relevant to migraines, including:
- Nervous system regulation
- Pain modulation
- Muscle tension
- Stress response
Because migraines are often influenced by multiple factors, acupuncture is typically considered as part of a broader management approach rather than a standalone solution.
References
Diener, H. C. et al. (2006). Efficacy of acupuncture for the prophylaxis of migraine: a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. The Lancet Neurology, 5(4), 310–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(06)70382-9
Urits, I. et al. (2020). Acupuncture and its role in the treatment of migraine headaches. Neurology and Therapy, 9(2), 375–394. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-020-00216-1
Linde, K. et al. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(6), CD001218. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3