Posted: 01/15/09
Migraines or tension headaches are a source of worry, frustration and pain for many people. Fortunately, two new research studies may have found some relief for sufferers. Thirty-two clinical trials studied the use of acupuncture to relieve migraine pain or chronic tension-type headaches and found adding acupuncture to current care - usually medication - decreased the number, frequency and length of headaches as well as produced fewer side effects. Researchers concluded that acupuncture is a valid option for frequent migraine sufferers.However, it is important to note that targeting true acupuncture points appeared to be no more effective than using blunt needles that do not pierce the skin. Some critics argue that is shows acupuncture to only produce a placebo effect, while others say it indicates other variables besides correct needle location play a role in effectiveness.
Acupuncture has been used for more than 2,000 years in Chinese medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments by connecting to internal pathways that conduct energy, or qi ("chee"), and stimulating them.
Modern research has suggested that acupuncture may help ease pain by altering signals among nerve cells or affecting the release of various chemicals of the central nervous system.
Acupuncture can be expensive. Plus, the inclusion of acupuncture may not be the first thing you think of when considering the coverage of affordable health insurance. Discount plans, however, do make it possible.
Related Links
Medline Plus: Reviews support acupuncture for chronic headache
