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Acupuncture beats botox and drugs for migraine

Acupuncture is more effective for treating chronic migraine and causes fewer side effects than either botox or drugs, report Iranian researchers. One hundred and fifty patients were randomly allocated to receive acupuncture, botox injections or drug therapy (sodium valproate) for three months. Subjects in the acupuncture group received thirty treatment sessions. The main acupuncture points used were Zulinqi GB-41, Fengchi GB-20, Toulinqi GB-15, Yangbai GB-14, Foubai GB-10, Shiaigu GB-8, Hegu L.I.-4, Taichong LIV-3, Waiguan SJ-5, Baihui DU-20 and M-HN-9 Taiyang, along with individualised points for associated symptoms. During the three months of the study, headache pain severity, number of migraine days per month and need for medication significantly decreased in all three groups, with the greatest reductions in the acupuncture group. The rate and severity of adverse reactions was also significantly lower for acupuncture than for both botox (‘masked face’ and ptosis) and sodium valproate (asthenia, anorexia, weight gain, tremor, somnolence, insomnia, alopecia).

Acupuncture and botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of chronic migraine: A randomized controlled study.
Caspian J Intern Med. 2017 Summer;8(3):196-204.

Quelle: jcm.co.uk