Understanding Migraines: A Comprehensive Overview


Migraines are a debilitating type of headache that can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. They are typically characterized by intense, throbbing pain, usually localized to one side of the head. Migraines often come with additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. These episodes can last anywhere from several hours to several days, and their severity can disrupt daily activities.

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, inadequate sleep or food intake, and sudden exposure to light. In many cases, a migraine may be preceded by a phenomenon known as an “aura,” which includes visual disturbances, tingling sensations, or even temporary speech or muscle impairment. Understanding the underlying causes and triggers of migraines can help manage and reduce their frequency and severity.


Migraine Symptoms and Triggers

Migraines often present with the following symptoms:

  • Intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head.
  • Nausea and vomiting, often accompanying the headache.
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell, which can exacerbate the discomfort.
  • Aura symptoms, such as visual disturbances (flashing lights or blind spots), tingling sensations, impaired speech, or muscle weakness, which occur before the headache begins.

While the precise mechanisms of migraine onset are still being studied, identifying triggers and symptoms early can help mitigate their effects and improve overall management strategies.

Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for migraines.

Commonly used formula: Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan, Tong Qiao Huo Xue Wan, Yue Ju Wan


Research

Acupuncture seems to be at least as effective as conventional preventative medication for migraine and is safe, long lasting, and cost-effective (citing Witt et al 2008) (Da Silva 2015 – Narrative review of large high quality RCTs)(1)

Acupuncture reduces migraine frequency. Acupuncture superior to sham and may be as effective as prophylactic drugs; subgroup analysis showed larger effect size when 16 or more treatments given (Z = 4.06) compared to 12 treatments or less (Z = 2.32); Moderate quality evidence (Linde 2016 – Cochrane SR of 22 RCTs of at least 8 weeks duration)(2)

Acupuncture superior to sham in effectiveness and reduced risk of recurrence; Moderate to high quality evidence (Yang 2016 – SR of 10 RCTs)(3)


References

1. Da Silva AN. Acupuncture for migraine prevention. Headache. 2015 Mar;55(3):470-3.

2. Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Vertosick EA, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016(6):Cd001218.

3. Yang Y, Que Q, Ye X, Zheng G. Verum versus sham manual acupuncture for migraine: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Acupunct Med. 2016 Apr;34(2):76-83.