Acupuncture & TCM Articles

Acupuncture for Migraine Should Be Considered by the NHS

Acupuncture for Migraine Should Be Considered by the NHS

Acupuncture can help patients with chronic headache and is relatively cost effective, according to new research. The authors suggest that expansion of NHS acupuncture services should be considered.

This study will be available on bmj.com on Monday 15 March 2004.

Researchers identified 401 patients who reported several days of headache every week. Most of the patients reported migraine type headaches. Patients were randomly allocated to receive up to 12 acupuncture treatments over three months or to a control group offering usual care.

All patients completed a diary of headache and medication use for four weeks at the start of the study and then again at three months and one year.

Patients receiving acupuncture experienced 22 fewer days of headache per year, used 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to their GP, and took 15% fewer days off sick than controls.

In a separate cost effectiveness analysis, acupuncture improved health related quality of life at a small additional cost. The authors conclude that acupuncture is relatively cost effective compared with a number of other interventions provided by the NHS.

This is the first large scale study to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture under "real" conditions, say the authors. They suggest that expansion of NHS acupuncture services for chronic headache, particularly migraine, should be considered.