Research on acupuncture suggests it may help relieve pain, including from migraine and headaches, and reduce the frequency of migraine episodes.

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves a licensed professional inserting very thin needles into pressure points on the body.

While research and opinion in the medical community on the effectiveness of acupuncture are mixed, research suggests a possible benefit for pain relief.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NICCH) notes that researchers don’t fully understand how acupuncture may work for pain relief but that the benefits may come from an effect on the nervous system.

Continue reading to learn about the possible benefits of acupuncture for migraine and headaches and how to find a licensed acupuncture professional to give it a try.

In Chinese traditional medicine, acupuncture helps restore the flow of positive energy throughout your body and removes stuck or stagnant energy responsible for pain. From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture may stimulate your nervous, immune, and circulatory systems, generating a healing response.

Acupuncture divides your body into a series of zones and pressure points. Acupuncture needles are inserted into different pressure points. The locations of these points are usually near nerves in your body. In acupuncture, specific points are also believed to correspond to specific body areas.

Some research also believes nonspecific effects, such as the placebo effect, may be partially responsible for acupuncture’s positive effects.

According to the NCCIH, acupuncture tends to have a greater positive effect in studies when compared to no treatment rather than when compared to sham acupuncture. Sham acupuncture can include fake acupuncture or acupuncture that doesn’t penetrate the skin.

Research has found acupuncture superior to sham acupuncture control groups, which suggests its effects cannot only be explained by the placebo effect. However, more recent research doesn’t always consider sham acupuncture an effective control.

However, though more studies on acupuncture are still needed, current research still points to a possible benefit with little safety risk.

A 2024 review of research suggests that acupuncture may have the following benefits on migraine:

  • reducing the frequency of migraine episodes
  • reducing the length of migraine episodes
  • reducing pain
  • preventing headaches from recurring
  • having fewer side effects than conventional treatments for migraine, such as medication

A 2022 review of studies comparing acupuncture and sham acupuncture determined that acupuncture had a greater positive effect on reducing migraine frequency and intensity.

Treatment for migraine typically includes medication to stop a migraine episode. It may also include medication to prevent future episodes. Medications for migraine can cause side effects and lead to rebound headaches. According to the above research, researchers found acupuncture as effective as medication, with fewer side effects in clinical trials.

Other studies have also found it has a positive effect on reducing chronic pain over time, including migraine.

Acupuncture carries little risk when performed by a licensed practitioner. However, some people may have bruising, fatigue, and soreness after an acupuncture appointment, especially the first time.

According to the NCCIH, acupuncture performed by someone other than a licensed practitioner may risk exposure to substandard or dirty equipment and pose serious health risks. Acupuncture needles are regulated by the FDA and are intended for single use.

Only licensed professionals should perform acupuncture. You can find one through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Acupuncture by itself might not be enough to treat chronic headache pain.

Migraine, tension headaches, and cluster headaches that impair your daily life may require medical treatment.

There’s no special preparation before an acupuncture treatment appointment. If it’s your first time, you may want to bring a list of questions. Your practitioner can advise you how many treatments they recommend to reduce your headache frequency or pain.

A review of research from 2020 suggests a minimum of six to eight sessions.

While some people may feel tiny pricks when the needles are inserted, others may not feel anything at all. Speaking with your practitioner about any concerns you have may help you feel more calm before your acupuncture sessions.

While some insurance companies may cover acupuncture treatments for specific causes, not all do.
It’s best to check the details of your plan to find out what you may have to pay for acupuncture.

You may be able to relieve pain from migraine and reduce the frequency of attacks with lifestyle management. This can include:

Acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of migraine in some people, but some headaches require immediate medical attention.

Speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing concerning symptoms along with headache, especially if you do not have a diagnosis of migraine. Symptoms can include:

Some headaches can result from underlying causes, like concussion or allergic reactions, that require emergency medical attention. This can include headaches that:

  • begin or worsen after a head injury
  • keep getting worse
  • are unusually severe
  • occur in people without a diagnosis of migraine
  • are frequent
  • do not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) treatment

If you have a diagnosis of migraine, it’s best to talk with your treating physician about alternative treatments that may benefit you.

Research suggests that acupuncture performed by a licensed professional has benefits for pain relief, including from migraine. It’s best to talk with a doctor to find out if acupuncture may be safe and effective for you.

It may reduce the severity and frequency of migraine episodes and have few side effects compared to conventional treatments.

Some insurance plans may even cover acupuncture for certain medical conditions, such as back pain.

If you are considering acupuncture, choose a licensed acupuncture professional. You can find one through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).