Acupuncture vs. Medication for Migraines

Is acupuncture as effective as medication for migraines? Have large peer-reviewed studies examined this question? Read on to learn more about the latest information.

Anyone who's suffered a migraine appreciates anything that could reduce its intensity and/or duration. According to a new research review and meta-analysis, which included 23 RCTs comparing acupuncture to flunarizine hydrochloride (brand name: Sibelium, among others), acupuncture (total of 785 adult patients among the 23 studies reviewed) achieved a greater reduction in headache intensity and headache duration compared to flunarizine (763 total patients).

The acupuncture group also reduced the frequency with which they took painkillers for their migraine pain compared to the flunarizine group; and experienced "the alleviation of paroxysmal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting" to a greater extent than the flunarizine group.

Considering the acupuncture group experienced only mild adverse reactions (localized pain, drowsiness, dizziness, etc.), acupuncture holds promise as a potential option to reduce migraine pain and reliance on medication (all of which come with their own side effects).

If you take flunarizine for migraines, why not see if acupuncture reduces or eliminates their need for it and/or pain relievers?

Source: Min J, et al. [Systematic review and Meta-analysis on randomized controlled trial of efficacy and safety for acupuncture versus Flunarizine in treatment of migraine.] Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 2020 Nov;45(21):5083-5092.