The Effect of Acupuncture in Reducing the Severity of Migraine Headaches: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigates the effect of acupuncture in reducing the severity of migraine headaches compared to the control group. Methods: In this study, 121 people were selected by convenience sampling and randomly placed in two groups of acupuncture and control. Using a visual analog scale (VAS), data were collected in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages and were analyzed using repeated analysis of variance statistical method. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the two groups of acupuncture and control in the post-test and follow-up stages, compared to the pre-test, regarding the severity of headaches (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the post-test and follow-up stages (P>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present, acupuncture can reduce migraine headaches. However, more trials are needed, especially with long-term follow-up in the area.