[Clinical effect of Xuanyang Jieyu Tongluo Zhitong acupuncture on migraine without aura and its influence on serum neurotransmitter levels].

Chinese researchers studied a specific acupuncture approach called "Xuanyang Jieyu Tongluo Zhitong" for treating migraine without aura—the most common type of migraine that occurs without warning signs like visual disturbances. The study involved 60 migraine patients divided into two groups: 40 received real acupuncture at specific points including the top of the head (Baihui), base of the skull (Fengchi), and points on the legs and hands, while 20 received sham acupuncture where needles didn't actually penetrate the skin. Both groups received treatment three times weekly for four weeks. The results showed that both groups experienced fewer headache episodes and less severe pain, but the real acupuncture group had significantly better pain relief and improved emotional well-being. Importantly, these benefits lasted through a 12-week follow-up period after treatment ended. Blood tests revealed that real acupuncture lowered levels of CGRP, a protein known to trigger migraine pain. Patients receiving genuine acupuncture also reported better quality of life, particularly regarding emotional function. This suggests that acupuncture using traditional Chinese medicine principles may help reduce migraine frequency and severity while improving mood and daily functioning. The study supports acupuncture as a potential non-medication option for chronic migraine sufferers. If you're considering acupuncture for migraines, seek a licensed acupuncturist trained in traditional Chinese medicine techniques.

This randomized sham-controlled trial (n=60) evaluated Xuanyang Jieyu Tongluo Zhitong acupuncture for migraine without aura using a 2:1 allocation ratio. The intervention group (n=40) received genuine needle insertion at GV20, bilateral GB20, GB8, GB34, BL60, LI4, and LR3, while controls (n=20) received non-penetrating sham acupuncture at identical points. Treatment consisted of 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3×/week). Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in headache frequency, duration, and VAS scores post-treatment and at 12-week follow-up (P<0.05). The verum acupuncture group showed significantly lower VAS scores and superior MSQ emotional function scores compared to sham (P<0.05). Serum CGRP levels decreased significantly in the acupuncture group only (P<0.05), while 5-HT, DA, and β-EP remained unchanged. The study suggests this protocol reduces migraine burden and improves quality of life, potentially mediated through CGRP downregulation, though the sham response was substantial.