An Introduction to Acupuncture - Episode 23 - Spotlight on Migraine

Summary

In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, Dr. Mariah Stump, a women's health internal medicine doctor and certified medical acupuncturist, discusses the benefits of acupuncture as a non-pharmacologic treatment for migraine relief. She explores the history and science of acupuncture, explaining its evidence-based effectiveness in treating migraines and tension headaches. Dr. Stump also compares acupuncture to other treatments like Botox and discusses its safety, highlighting how acupuncture can be an effective adjunct therapy in managing migraine symptoms alongside traditional medications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles (16 times smaller than typical injection needles) into the skin to help manage migraine and other conditions.
• 😀 The practice of acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years across various countries, including China, India, Japan, and Korea, based on the concept of meridians or energy pathways.
• 😀 Acupuncture is gaining recognition in the U.S., partly due to a 1971 article by James Reston in the New York Times, which highlighted its use in post-operative pain management in China.
• 😀 Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s innate energy system, triggering opioid receptors in the brain and producing anti-inflammatory responses.
• 😀 Scientific research shows acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins, which contribute to pain relief through acupuncture.
• 😀 MRI and fMRI studies show that acupuncture can reduce pain perception and affect brain regions associated with emotional responses to pain, such as the limbic area.
• 😀 Acupuncture has been proven effective in reducing migraine frequency, with studies showing it as more effective than sham acupuncture and even some medications.
• 😀 Acupuncture is considered a safe, non-pharmacological adjunct therapy for migraines, and it can complement other treatments like Topamax or Imitrex, allowing for potentially lower medication dosages.
• 😀 Research indicates acupuncture might be more effective and have fewer side effects than treatments like Botox for migraine management.
• 😀 Community acupuncture centers, offering affordable acupuncture, can be a great alternative for patients, as individual treatments can cost $80–$100 per session in clinics.
• 😀 Ear acupuncture, especially in the context of treating anxiety and PTSD, has shown effectiveness for migraine relief, though it differs from ear piercings, which are not considered the same as acupuncture.

Q & A

What is acupuncture, and how does it differ from other needle-based treatments?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body. These needles are much smaller than those used for injections or flu shots, and their purpose is not to cause pain. Unlike treatments such as steroid injections or flu shots, acupuncture needles are designed to stimulate the body's energy systems without significant discomfort.

How does acupuncture work to alleviate pain, especially for migraines?

Acupuncture works by stimulating opioid receptors in the brain and fascia, which helps reduce inflammation and trigger the release of endogenous opioids like endorphins and enkephalins. This process can help manage pain, as acupuncture stimulates these receptors, leading to a decrease in pain perception and inflammation.

What is the significance of meridians in acupuncture?

Meridians are energy pathways in the body, running from head to toe. In acupuncture, needles are inserted at specific points along these meridians, which correspond to organs in the body. These pathways are thought to harbor energy, and acupuncture helps to balance and stimulate this energy to improve health and alleviate pain.

Why is acupuncture considered a valid treatment for migraines?

Acupuncture is backed by evidence showing its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Several studies, including randomized control trials, have demonstrated that acupuncture can significantly reduce migraine occurrences compared to sham acupuncture and other treatments like waiting lists.

Is acupuncture safe for migraine patients?

Yes, acupuncture is considered very safe, especially when performed by trained professionals. While side effects like minor bruising or redness at the needle site may occur, the risks are minimal compared to those associated with medications used for migraines, such as painkillers or Botox.

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Although both techniques use needles, acupuncture focuses on treating conditions by stimulating specific energy points along meridians, whereas dry needling targets musculoskeletal issues by inserting needles into trigger points in the muscles. Acupuncture is often recommended for migraines, while dry needling is typically used for muscle pain or tension.

How does acupuncture compare to other migraine treatments like Botox or medications?

Acupuncture has shown to be more effective and have fewer side effects than Botox in certain studies. While Botox may be used to treat chronic migraines, acupuncture serves as a safer, non-pharmacologic adjunct therapy that can also reduce the need for medications. Many patients experience reduced medication doses with acupuncture.

Can acupuncture be used alongside migraine medications?

Yes, acupuncture can be used as an adjunct therapy alongside migraine medications. It doesn't require patients to stop their current treatments, and in fact, it may help reduce the need for certain medications over time, making it a useful complementary option.

What role does acupuncture play in managing other conditions like anxiety or PTSD?

Acupuncture is also effective for conditions like anxiety and PTSD. Auricular (ear) acupuncture, in particular, has been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve emotional well-being, making it a versatile treatment option for both physical and mental health issues.

What are the barriers to accessing acupuncture treatment for migraines?

One barrier to acupuncture treatment is cost, as acupuncture sessions can be expensive, ranging from $80 to $100 per session. However, some clinics offer community acupuncture centers where the cost may be lower, making the treatment more accessible for people who may not have insurance coverage or cannot afford higher fees.