2025 Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Stimulating Baihui and Fengchi may relieve migraine by jointly suppressing inflammatory signalling and oxygen-stress pathways identified through network-based biological analysis.
Acupuncture for Headache & Migraine
Headache and migraines are very common and debilitating, yet many people remain undiagnosed or untreated until their symptoms become unbearable.
Apart from commonly experienced tension, migraine and sinus headaches, there are also many medical conditions that cause headache which can make diagnosing and treating the underlying cause a challenging task.
A sudden onset and severe headache with fever or sore neck may be a sign of meningitis which requires immediate medical diagnosis and treatment.
What is our clinical experience?
Based on feedback collected from over 1,342 initial appointments for Headache & Migraine, 78% of our surveyed patients reported improved quality of life after their first 4 appointments. See our detailed benchmarking statistics.
InitialConsults
1,342
AverageAppointments
4
ImprovedQuality of Life
78%
Refer Family &Friends
90%
Who have we treated with this condition?
The age groups and genders we see most frequently with this condition. Note: this chart only represents the people who seek treatment at Ping Ming Health clinics for this condition.
- Female (77%)
- Male (22%)
| Age | Female % | Male % |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 0.07 | 0 |
| 12 | 0.07 | 0.13 |
| 14 | 0.07 | 0 |
| 15 | 0.07 | 0 |
| 16 | 0.13 | 0.07 |
| 17 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 18 | 0.13 | 0.13 |
| 19 | 0.2 | 0.07 |
| 20 | 0.33 | 0.13 |
| 21 | 0.13 | 0.13 |
| 22 | 0.26 | 0.2 |
| 23 | 0.53 | 0.33 |
| 24 | 0.33 | 0.13 |
| 25 | 0.4 | 0 |
| 26 | 1.26 | 0.13 |
| 27 | 1.13 | 0.26 |
| 28 | 0.99 | 0.2 |
| 29 | 1.13 | 0.26 |
| 30 | 1.72 | 0.26 |
| 31 | 0.93 | 0.66 |
| 32 | 1.85 | 0.66 |
| 33 | 1.66 | 0.13 |
| 34 | 1.66 | 0.46 |
| 35 | 2.19 | 0.66 |
| 36 | 2.38 | 0.33 |
| 37 | 2.72 | 0.73 |
| 38 | 2.12 | 0.73 |
| 39 | 2.19 | 1.13 |
| 40 | 2.45 | 0.66 |
| 41 | 2.52 | 0.86 |
| 42 | 2.45 | 0.53 |
| 43 | 2.05 | 0.53 |
| 44 | 2.12 | 0.79 |
| 45 | 1.99 | 0.53 |
| 46 | 2.12 | 0.66 |
| 47 | 2.98 | 0.66 |
| 48 | 2.38 | 0.66 |
| 49 | 1.59 | 0.33 |
| 50 | 1.99 | 0.2 |
| 51 | 1.46 | 0.79 |
| 52 | 1.26 | 0.53 |
| 53 | 1.46 | 0.26 |
| 54 | 1.85 | 0.4 |
| 55 | 1.52 | 0.26 |
| 56 | 1.32 | 0.6 |
| 57 | 0.99 | 0.4 |
| 58 | 0.93 | 0.66 |
| 59 | 1.32 | 0.66 |
| 60 | 1.13 | 0.13 |
| 61 | 1.46 | 0.2 |
| 62 | 0.73 | 0.2 |
| 63 | 1.06 | 0 |
| 64 | 0.6 | 0.26 |
| 65 | 0.86 | 0.07 |
| 66 | 0.93 | 0.07 |
| 67 | 1.39 | 0.26 |
| 68 | 0.53 | 0.33 |
| 69 | 0.73 | 0 |
| 70 | 0.79 | 0.33 |
| 71 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 72 | 0.2 | 0.07 |
| 73 | 0.46 | 0.2 |
| 74 | 0.2 | 0 |
| 75 | 0.26 | 0.13 |
| 76 | 0.33 | 0.2 |
| 77 | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| 78 | 0.2 | 0.07 |
| 79 | 0.26 | 0.07 |
| 81 | 0.13 | 0.07 |
| 82 | 0.33 | 0.07 |
| 83 | 0.13 | 0 |
| 84 | 0.07 | 0 |
| 85 | 0.07 | 0 |
| 86 | 0.13 | 0.07 |
| 88 | 0.13 | 0 |
| 89 | 0.13 | 0 |
| 97 | 0.07 | 0 |
| 98 | 0 | 0.07 |
How many sessions of treatment?
The average number of appointments that patients attend for this condition. Some conditions respond quickly while others may require ongoing treatment.
Which types of treatments?
The types of treatments that are most frequently provided for this condition. Some treatments may be used in combination at the same time.
What does the research say?
The following insights are obtained from systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for headache & migraine.
Summary of Recent Research
Recent research from Australia and internationally highlights the effectiveness of Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, in treating headaches and migraines. A 2022 review in the Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics found a 6-week course of acupuncture to be as effective as 6 months of drug prophylaxis for migraines, suggesting that specific point selection and stimulation depth are less critical than previously thought. Additionally, a 2022 randomised controlled trial in Neurology demonstrated that true acupuncture significantly reduces the frequency of chronic tension-type headaches over eight weeks, offering a safe and effective treatment alternative.
Further support for acupuncture is evident in its comparability to pharmacological treatments, with a 2021 trial in Frontiers in Neurology showing similar efficacy in migraine prevention, but with improved patient compliance and fewer adverse events. These findings are consistent with earlier systematic reviews, such as those published in Neurology and Therapy (2020) and Pain Research & Management (2020), which confirm acupuncture's safety and effectiveness in reducing headache frequency and severity. Collectively, this body of research advocates for the integration of acupuncture into standard migraine management protocols, providing a well-tolerated and efficacious treatment option for migraine sufferers.
2024 Brain Circulation
Electroacupuncture relieved migraine-like pain in rats by restoring mitochondrial quality control and reducing oxidative damage in the brain.
2023 Brain Sciences
Electroacupuncture reduced migraine-like pain in rats by calming brain immune cells and dampening inflammatory signalling in a key facial pain-processing region.
2022 Brain Sciences
Electroacupuncture reduced migraine-like facial pain in rats by suppressing immune-cell-driven inflammation within a brainstem pain-processing region.
2022 Neurology
True acupuncture over an eight-week period is effective for reducing the frequency of chronic tension-type headache.
2022 Pain Medicine
True acupuncture treatment according to traditional Chinese medicine consistently improved migraine outcomes more than just medication or mock treatments.
2022 Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
A 6-week course of acupuncture proves as effective as 6-month drug prophylaxis for migraines, with specific Chinese point selection and stimulation appearing less important.
2021 Frontiers in Neuroscience
Electroacupuncture reduced migraine-like pain by suppressing serotonin receptor seven signalling that heightens pain sensitivity in trigeminal pathways.
2021 Frontiers in Neurology
Acupuncture could be as effective as pharmacological drugs for migraine prevention, with improved patient compliance and fewer adverse events.
2021 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Cupping therapy has beneficial therapeutic effects and could be effective for the treatment of migraine.
2020 Brain Research
Electroacupuncture may rapidly relieve migraine pain by suppressing pain-signalling nerve activity in a brainstem and upper spinal cord pathway.
2020 Journal of Pain Research
Electroacupuncture at two specific acupuncture points reduced migraine-like pain more effectively than one point by dampening inflammation-related immune activity.
2020 Journal of Pain Research
Electrical acupuncture at a specific neck point prevented migraine-like pain in rats by reducing excessive activity in a key brainstem pain-processing pathway.
2020 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine seems to be as effective as flunarizine in reducing the frequency of migraines in adults.
2020 Frontiers in Neurology
Based on moderate certainty of evidence, we conclude that acupuncture is mildly more effective and much safer than medication for the prophylaxis of migraine.
2020 Pain Research & Management
Acupuncture reduced more headache days and the times of using painkiller and was more effective in reducing the frequency and degree of headache than western medicine and sham acupuncture.
2020 Frontiers in Neurology
Compared with the sham acupuncture group, the acupuncture group had greater improvements in the frequency of migraine attacks, VAS score, and treatment efficiency.
2020 Neurology and Therapy
In many studies, acupuncture has been shown to be a safe, efficacious and readily available alternative therapy which may be beneficial to certain migraine patients.
2019 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
No research insight is provided because the text only announces a correction to a previously published article.
2019 Acupuncture in Medicine
Electroacupuncture at a migraine-related acupuncture point reduced pain sensitisation in rats by suppressing serotonin receptor activity in descending pain-control pathways.
2019 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Electroacupuncture at two acupuncture points reduced migraine-like pain more effectively than one point by limiting release of blood-vessel-active nerve chemicals.
2019 Frontiers in Pharmacology
The traditional Chinese medicine combination, GU, alleviates migraines by modifying gut microbial structures and metabolism, with potential metabolic and microbial clues pinpointed.
2019 Pain Research & Management
Acupuncture has the advantage for acute and preventive treatment of migraine in pain improvement and safety.
2019 World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion
The results of this meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is more effective and safer than medication for migraine.
2019 Headache
There is growing evidence that acupuncture is just as effective and has fewer side effects than many of the standard pharmaceutical agents that are currently used.
2017 Neural Regeneration Research
Electroacupuncture reduced migraine-related skin sensitivity in rats by suppressing calcitonin gene-related peptide activity in the trigeminal pain pathway.
2017 The Journal of Pain
Acupuncture has a clinically relevant effect on chronic pain that persists over time. Referral for acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for chronic pain patients.
2016 Acupuncture in Medicine
Electroacupuncture reduced migraine-like behaviours in rats by dampening abnormal activation across brainstem circuits that regulate pain.
2016 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Electroacupuncture may reduce migraine-like pain by restoring serotonin signaling between the bloodstream and brain regions that regulate pain.
2016 Neural Regeneration Research
A 14-session course of needling at Fengchi is relatively safe for treating posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo.
2016 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
The available evidence suggests that a course of acupuncture consisting of at least six treatment sessions can be a valuable option for people with frequent tension-type headache.
2016 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
The available evidence suggests that adding acupuncture to symptomatic treatment of attacks reduces the frequency of headaches.
2001 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
The existing evidence supports the value of acupuncture for the treatment of idiopathic headaches.
Seek personalised healthcare and advice
Although well-conducted clinical research can help members of the public to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare, we cannot claim that any particular treatment may be effective for any individual person.
When you consult with our Chinese medicine practitioners, you’ll receive personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Research papers
Browse our collection of scientific clinical research on acupuncture for headache & migraine.
It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.
2025, Jun
Systematic acupuncture explains acupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Fengchi (GB20) targeting the inflammatory response to regulate migraine
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine The China Association of Chinese Medicine & Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Baihui (GV20) and Fengchi (GB20) can regulate migraine by modulating inflammatory factors and changes in heme oxygenase 1, protein kinase B, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 within the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling, signaling by interleukins, and inflammatory response pathways.
Yu M, Meifeng Z, Ju S, Zetong P, Zhixian C, Xiaohua H Full Article
2024, Apr
Restoring brain health: Electroacupuncture at GB20 and LR3 for migraine mitigation through mitochondrial restoration
Brain Circulation
Electroacupuncture at GB20 and LR3 may treat migraine by alleviating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing pain-related behaviors, modulating migraine-associated mediators, and mitigating mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species accumulation.
Luo J, Feng L, Wang L, Fang Z, Lang J, Lang B Full Article
2023, Mar 24
Electroacupuncture at Fengchi(GB20) and Yanglingquan(GB34) Ameliorates Paralgesia through Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in a Rat Model of Migraine
Brain Sciences
Electroacupuncture ameliorated paralgesia in repetitive inflammatory soup-induced migraine-like rats by reducing microglial activation and microglia-mediated inflammatory responses, potentially through regulation of the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway.
Zhou M, Pang F, Liao D, He X, Yang Y, Tang C Full Article
2022, Aug 18
Effect of Electroacupuncture at Fengchi on Facial Allodynia, Microglial Activation, and Microglia–Neuron Interaction in a Rat Model of Migraine
Brain Sciences
Electroacupuncture at Fengchi could ameliorate migraine facial allodynia by inhibiting microglial activation and the subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis.
Pei P, Cui S, Zhang S, Hu S, Wang L, Yang W Full Article
2022, Jun 22
Acupuncture for Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache
Neurology American Academy of Neurology
The 8-week true acupuncture (TA) treatment was effective for the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH).
Zheng H, Gao T, Zheng QH, Lu LY, Hou TH, Zhang SS, Zhou SY, Hao XY, Wang L, Zhao L, Liang FR, Li Y Full Article
2022, Sept 14
Traditional Acupuncture in Migraine: A Controlled, Randomized Study
Pain Medicine American Academy of Pain Medicine
Traditional acupuncture (TA) was the only treatment able to provide a steady outcome improvement in comparison to the use of only Rizatriptan, while RMA showed a transient placebo effect at T1.
Facco E, Liguori A, Petti F, Zanette G, Coluzzi F, De Nardin M, Mattia C Full Article
2022, Sept
Role of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
The review suggests that acupuncture should be integrated into existing migraine therapy protocols.
Endres HG, Diener HC, Molsberger A Full Article
2021, Jun 07
Determining 5HT7R’s Involvement in Modifying the Antihyperalgesic Effects of Electroacupuncture on Rats With Recurrent Migraine
Frontiers in Neuroscience
The study indicates that the 5-hydroxytryptamine 7 receptor mediates the antihyperalgesic effects of electroacupuncture on inflammatory soup-induced migraine pain by regulating protein kinase A and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling in the trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal nucleus caudalis.
Liu L, Xu XB, Qu ZY, Zhao LP, Zhang CS, Li ZJ, Lyu TL, Wang XF, Jing XH, Li B Full Article
2021, Jan 15
A Randomized Clinical Trial on Acupuncture Versus Best Medical Therapy in Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis: The ACUMIGRAN Study
Frontiers in Neurology
Our trial is the first one comparing acupuncture with the more appropriate pharmacological treatment for migraine prophylaxis. Data suggested that acupuncture could be adopted as migraine prophylaxis and seem to be slightly superior to pharmacological treatment in compliance and rate of adverse events.
Giannini G, Favoni V, Merli E, Nicodemo M, Torelli P, Matrà A, Giovanardi CM, Cortelli P, Pierangeli G, Cevoli S Full Article
2021, Mar 25
Cupping Therapy for Migraine: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Cupping therapy could be effective for the treatment of migraine. However, the qualities of the evidence were low, so well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm the effectiveness of cupping.
Jihye Seo, Hongmin Chu, Cheol-Hyun Kim, Kang-Keyng Sung, Sangkwan Lee Full Article
2020, Mar
Electro-acupuncture inhibits C-fiber-evoked WDR neuronal activity of the trigeminocervical complex: Neurophysiological hypothesis of a complementary therapy for acute migraine modeled rats
Brain Research
Electro-acupuncture at GB8 rapidly reduced C-fiber-evoked wide dynamic range neuronal discharges in the trigeminocervical complex, providing evidence that diffuse noxious inhibitory controls may underlie its analgesic effect during migraine attacks.
Qu Z, Liu L, Yang Y, Zhao L, Xu X, Li Z, Zhu Y, Jing X, Wang X, Zhang CS, Fisher M, Li B, Wang L Full Article
2020, Jan
Electroacupuncture Inhibits Hyperalgesia by Alleviating Inflammatory Factors in a Rat Model of Migraine
Journal of Pain Research American Society of Pain & Neuroscience
Electroacupuncture inhibits dural electrical stimulation-induced hyperalgesia by reducing dural mast cells, macrophages, and serum inflammatory factors, with electroacupuncture at GB20 and GB34 showing greater effects than electroacupuncture at GB20 alone.
Zhao L, Liu L, Xu X, Qu Z, Zhu Y, Li Z, Zhao J, Wang L, Jing X, Li B Full Article
2020, Jan
Prophylactic Electroacupuncture on the Upper Cervical Segments Decreases Neuronal Discharges of the Trigeminocervical Complex in Migraine-Affected Rats: An in vivo Extracellular Electrophysiological Experiment
Journal of Pain Research American Society of Pain & Neuroscience
The study demonstrates that pre-electroacupuncture at GB20 prevents migraine-like pain and mechanical cephalic cutaneous hypersensitivity in rats by increasing periorbital mechanical pain thresholds and reducing abnormal neuronal discharges in the trigeminocervical complex.
Qu Z, Liu L, Zhao L, Xu X, Li Z, Zhu Y, Zhang C, Jing X, Wang X, Li B, Zhang CS, Fisher M, Wang L Full Article
2020, Dec 28
Oral Chinese Herbal Medicine as Prophylactic Treatment for Episodic Migraine in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) appeared to be comparable with flunarizine in reducing the frequency of episodic migraine attacks in adults at EoT and EoFU and well-tolerated by participants, regardless of the treatment duration, follow-up duration, and dosage of flunarizine.
Lyu S, Zhang CS, Guo X, Zhang AL, Sun J, Lu C, Xue CC, Luo X Full Article
2020, Dec 15
Acupuncture vs. Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Migraine: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Frontiers in Neurology
Based on moderate certainty of evidence, we conclude that acupuncture is mildly more effective and much safer than medication for the prophylaxis of migraine.
Giovanardi CM, Cinquini M, Aguggia M, Allais G, Campesato M, Cevoli S, Gentili F, Matrà A and Minozzi S Full Article
2020, Mar 23
Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Pain Research & Management
We found high quality of evidence indicated that the effective rate of acupuncture was superior to western medicine in treatment of migraine. Besides, acupuncture reduced more headache days and the times of using painkiller and was more effective in reducing the frequency and degree of headache than western medicine and sham acupuncture. Based on high quality of evidence, we concluded that acupuncture may be an effective and safe therapy for migraine.
Li YX, Xiao XL, Zhong DL, Luo LJ, Yang H, Zhou J, He MX, Shi LH, Li J, Zheng H, Jin RJ Full Article
2020, Jun 30
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture on Migraine
Frontiers in Neurology
This systematic review study showcased that acupuncture reduced the frequency of migraine attacks and reported to have less pain intensities. Patients in acupuncture group showed higher effectiveness compared with medicated group. The transcranial doppler brain ultrasound also showed improvements in blood circulation in migraine patients. Overall, acupuncture has a significant impact on faster decreased rate after acupuncture than after drug therapy.
Ou MQ, Fan WH, Sun FR, Jie WX, Lin MJ, Cai YJ, Liang SY, Yu YS, Li MH, Cui LL, Zhou HH Full Article
2020, Oct 1
Acupuncture and Its Role in the Treatment of Migraine Headaches
Neurology and Therapy
The current research analysis revealed that 41% of patients who received acupuncture had a reduction in migraine frequency. Results found that 57% of patients who received true acupuncture had a reduction in migraine frequency by at least half compared with 46% who received medication. Overall, acupuncture helped improve quality of life and reduction in medication
Urits I, Patel M, Putz ME, Monteferrante NR, Nguyen D, An D, Cornett EM, Hasoon J, Kaye AD, Viswanath O. Full Article
2019, Jul 14
Erratum to “Effect of Electroacupuncture on Hyperalgesia and Vasoactive Neurotransmitters in a Rat Model of Conscious Recurrent Migraine”
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The corrected article provides an updated DOI record for the publication.
Xu X, Liu L, Zhao L, Li B, Jing X, Qu Z, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Fisher M, Cairns BE, Wang L Full Article
2019, Feb
Electroacupuncture exerts an anti-migraine effect via modulation of the 5-HT7 receptor in the conscious rat
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society
Electroacupuncture at GB20 may ameliorate central sensitisation in migraine by inhibiting activation of 5-HT 7 receptors in the descending pain pathway in a rat model of migraine.
Pei P, Liu L, Zhao LP, Qu ZY, Tang CY, Wang LP, Yang W Full Article
2019, May 14
Effect of Electroacupuncture on Hyperalgesia and Vasoactive Neurotransmitters in a Rat Model of Conscious Recurrent Migraine
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Electroacupuncture exerts antihyperalgesic effects in a rat model of conscious recurrent migraine, possibly by modulating vasoactive neurotransmitters, and targeting multiple acupuncture points is more effective than targeting a single point in reducing hyperalgesia.
Xu X, Liu L, Zhao L, Li B, Jing X, Qu Z, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Fisher M, Cairns BE, Wang L Full Article
2019, Dec 17
Metabolomics and 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing Analyses of Changes in the Intestinal Flora and Biomarkers Induced by Gastrodia-Uncaria Treatment in a Rat Model of Chronic Migraine
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Gastrodia elata Blume and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil. treatment modulates gut microbial community structure and function, alters host amino acid and other metabolic pathways, and may alleviate migraine through microbiota-mediated regulation of host metabolism.
Wen Z, He M, Peng C, Rao Y, Li J, Li Z, Du L, Li Y, Zhou M, Hui O, Feng Y, Yang S Full Article
2019, Oct 29
An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture Treating Migraine
Pain Research & Management
We found that acupuncture on treating migraine has the advantage for pain improvement and safety, but the quality of SR/MAs of acupuncture for migraine remains to be improved.
Xia-tian Zhang, Xin-yi Li, Chen Zhao, Ye-yin Hu, Yi-yi Lin, He-qing Chen, Zhao-feng Shi, Xiao-yu Zhang, Hong-cai Shang, Gui-hua Tian Full Article
2019, Mar
Acupuncture for migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis
World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies
The results of this meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is more effective and safer than medication for migraine. Patients in acupuncture group found acupuncture to be better than medication for migraine treatment and prophylaxis
SHEN, Feng-jiao AU - XU, Jia AU - ZHAN, Yi-jun AU - FU, Qin-hui AU - PEI, Jian PY Full Article
2019, Dec 24
Systematic Review: Acupuncture vs Standard Pharmacological Therapy for Migraine Prevention
Headache American Headache Society
This systematic review of randomised controlled trials articles showed that acupuncture is just as effective for treating migraine. It also has fewer side effects than many of the standard modern pharmaceutical agents. Patients also reported to use less pharmacological drugs after treatments.
Niushen Zhang, Tim Houle, Nada Hindiyeh, & Sheena K. Aurora Full Article
2017
Electroacupuncture at Fengchi (GB20) inhibits calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in the trigeminovascular system of a rat model of migraine
Neural Regeneration Research
Electroacupuncture at Fengchi (GB20) ameliorates migraine pain and associated cutaneous allodynia by modulating the trigeminovascular system ascending pathway, at least partly through inhibiting calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in the trigeminal ganglion.
Wang L, Zhao L, Liu L, Pei P, Qu Z, Zhu Y Full Article
2017, Nov 30
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
The Journal of Pain American Pain Society
Acupuncture has a clinically relevant effect on chronic pain that persists over time. The effect of acupuncture cannot be explained only by placebo effects. Factors in addition to the specific effects of needling are important contributors. Referral for acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for chronic pain patients.
Vickers, Andrew J. et al. Full Article
2016, Apr
Effect of Electroacupuncture Pretreatment at Gb20 on Behaviour and the Descending Pain Modulatory System in a Rat Model of Migraine
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society
Electroacupuncture pretreatment ameliorates behavioural changes in a rat model of recurrent migraine, possibly by modulating brainstem descending pain pathways.
Pei P, Liu L, Zhao L, Cui Y, Qu Z, Wang L Full Article
2016, Jan
Electroacupuncture Pretreatment at GB20 Exerts Antinociceptive Effects via Peripheral and Central Serotonin Mechanism in Conscious Migraine Rats
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Electroacupuncture pretreatment exerts antinociceptive effects in a rat model of recurrent migraine, possibly by modulating the serotonin system.
Liu L, Pei P, Zhao LP, Qu ZY, Zhu YP, Wang LP Full Article
2016, Sept 6
Safety of different acupuncture manipulations for posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo
Neural Regeneration Research
Our results indicate that a 14-session course of needling at Fengchi is relatively safe for treating posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo.
Wen Y, Zhang C, Zhao Xf, Deng Sz, He S, Huang Lh, Tian G, Meng Zh Full Article
2016, Apr 19
Acupuncture for the prevention of tension‐type headache
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane
The available results suggest that acupuncture is effective for treating frequent episodic or chronic tension‐type headaches. Patients in acupuncture group reported to have at least 50% reduction of headache frequency compared to placebo group.
Klaus Linde,Gianni Allais,Benno Brinkhaus, Yutong Fei,Michael Mehring,Byung‐Cheul Shin,Andrew Vickers,Adrian R White Full Article
2016, Jun 28
Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane
The available evidence suggests that adding acupuncture to symptomatic treatment of attacks reduces the frequency of headaches. Contrary to the previous findings, the updated evidence also suggests that there is an effect over sham, but this effect is small. The available trials also suggest that acupuncture may be at least similarly effective as treatment with prophylactic drugs. Acupuncture can be considered a treatment option for patients willing to undergo this treatment.
Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Full Article
2001, Jan 22
Acupuncture for idiopathic headache
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane
Overall, the existing evidence supports the value of acupuncture for the treatment of idiopathic headaches.
Melchart D, Linde K, Berman B, White A, Vickers A, Allais G, Brinkhaus B Full Article
It is by virtue of the twelve channels that human life exists, that disease arises, that human beings can be treated and illness cured. The twelve channels are where beginners start and masters end.