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Medical researchers at Duke University examined data from more than 30 studies on acupuncture as a method of preventing chronic headaches and determined that more patients have success with it than have success with medication.
Acupuncture Offers Relief Over Medication
The studies included nearly 4,000 patients who reported migraines (17 studies), tension headaches (10 studies) and other forms of chronic headaches with multiple symptoms (four studies).
In 17 studies comparing acupuncture to medication, the researchers found that 62 percent of the acupuncture patients reported headache relief compared to only 45 percent of people taking medication. These acupuncture patients also reported better physical well-being compared to the medication group. In 14 studies that compared real acupuncture to sham therapy, 53 percent of acupuncture patients responded to treatment compared to 45 percent receiving sham therapy.
To find a qualified practitioner in your area, visit AcuFinder.com.
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Acupuncture Shown to Aid Migraine Prevention
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Content by Diana E. Lee.
4 comments:
I was very excited to hear about this study. As a licensed acupuncturist in Chicago I often treat people with headaches. While I think acupuncture is great for many things, in the treatment of headache pain acupuncture really shines.
www.chicagoacupuncture.blogspot.com
I'm so glad to see more "objective" data supporting other types of treatment - complementary care as it's called.
As someone who has seen an acupuncturist regularly for 20 years, I clearly see the benefits.
BUT - I offer this caveat. As in all things: BUYER BEWARE. Because we're so desparate for help, we can pour thousands of dollars into treatments that don't work FOR US.
I've had bad sinusitis/headaches for about 5 years and my acupuncturist can offer me only temporary relief. I get better relief from the steroid sprays which keep it at bay for longer.
I only say this because I've had clients who refuse western medicine -- and put all of their hopes into a complementary medicine and ignore the evidence when it's not helping. They'll give it months and spend money they don't have.
I think we have to try all solutions - and be discriminating about assessing what works FOR US.
Rosalind's comment is very apt - we need to be careful and measure for ourselves what is working. I am also excited to see some empirical data on an alternative treatment.
I think most Migraineurs will find that they need an array of help, traditional and non-traditional, to reduce their Migraines. Acupuncture will not cure them, but may help reduce frequency and severity. And if it can keep the head pain from being chronic, that is a great advantage!
Diana,
Thank you SO much for the link to finding an acupuncturist in my area! I have been considering acupuncture as "next" on my list but just didn't know how to go about finding one.
You really helped me out a lot! Thank you.
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