Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture for Migraine

Migraine is a complex and dynamic neurological disorder characterized by fluctuations in attack frequency, duration, severity, and associated symptoms, necessitating timely prevention and effective management strategies. While pharmacological treatments remain the mainstay, their limitations have led to increasing interest in non-pharmacological interventions such as acupuncture. Acupuncture has gained global recognition for its efficacy, particularly in migraine, which is one of the conditions most responsive to this therapy. Supported by strong clinical evidence, acupuncture is considered safe and well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse effects. Guidelines for managing primary headache disorders now advocate a range of complementary approaches, including acupuncture, dietary changes, physical activity, and cognitive behavioral therapy which reflecting a paradigm shift towards integrative care. Clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can significantly reduce migraine frequency, shorten attack duration, and alleviate symptom severity. Mechanistic research suggests acupuncture modulates migraine pathophysiology through neuroimmune and neurotransmitter regulation, although further studies are needed to elucidate its molecular effects, particularly beyond the trigeminovascular system. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, auricular therapy based on stimulating specific points on the external ear aligned with internal organ systems via the "inverted fetus" model offers a simplified, non-invasive modality that activates neural signaling pathways to regulate bodily functions and relieve migraine symptoms. Despite its growing clinical use, further clinical evidence is needed to confirm the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of auricular acupuncture in migraine management.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed as having migraine with aura and without aura according to the diagnostic criteria specified by the ICHD 3;
• Aged between 18 and 65 years old;
• Provided written informed consent;
• Headache lasting for 4 to 72 hours and occur at least 5 times (untreated or poorly treated);
• At least 2 out of 4 criteria must be met (unilateral, pulsatile, moderate to severe pain, headache aggravated by daily physical activity, or avoidance of daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs due to headache);
• At least one of the two criteria must be met (nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia, and fear of sound);
• At least one fully recoverable premonitory symptom (visual, sensory, speech and/or language, motor, brainstem, retina); Onset time more than 5 minutes; (8) No prophylaxis treatments with acupuncture or drugs in the past 3 months; (9) Written informed consent provided.

Exclusion criteria

• All other diagnoses of chronic, tension-type headache, cluster headache and/or secondary headaches;
• History of psychotic disorder(s).;
• Pregnancy or lactation;
• Severe somatic disorder(s);
• History of severe organic psychiatric disorder(s);
• History of other chronic pain condition(s) in the pass 3 months;
• History of addictive disorder(s);
• Visual Aura Rating Scale, VARS≥5 score;
• Taking long-term painkillers for more than 1 month within 3 months.