Migraines are neurological events that can interrupt work, family time and daily activities. Patients may consider acupuncture as complementary care while continuing appropriate evaluation and treatment with their medical providers.
Acupuncture has been studied for migraine prevention. A 2016 Cochrane review found that adding acupuncture to usual care reduced headache frequency in the included studies. A 2020 randomized trial of people with migraine without aura also reported fewer migraine days after a 20-session protocol. These group results do not predict an individual patient’s response.
At Spectrum WellCare, Dr. Ajay Purohit selects acupuncture points after reviewing migraine history, triggers, symptoms, medication use and relevant Chinese medicine findings. Personalized Chinese herbal medicine may be considered when appropriate after reviewing medications, supplements and possible interactions.
Here is what the research shows and what patients at our MetroWest Orlando clinic actually experience.
Acupuncture for migraines in Orlando — what the research shows and what patients experience
Migraines are more than headaches. They are neurological events that can completely derail a person's life — disrupting work, relationships, and the ability to function on a basic level. Many of my migraine patients at Spectrum WellCare have been managing their condition for years, sometimes decades, with varying degrees of success using conventional medications.
The question they bring to our clinic is not whether acupuncture might help — most of them have already researched this. The question is whether it will help them, given their specific pattern, their medication history, and the severity of their condition.
The honest answer requires an individual evaluation and a monitored plan with realistic goals.
What the research actually says
A 2016 Cochrane systematic review evaluated 22 trials involving 4,985 participants. The authors concluded that adding acupuncture to symptomatic treatment reduced headache frequency and that acupuncture may be considered for people willing to use it.
A 2020 randomized controlled trial published in BMJ studied 20 sessions of manual acupuncture for episodic migraine without aura and reported fewer migraine days compared with sham acupuncture and usual care. The study does not establish that every patient will receive the same result or that acupuncture should replace prescribed migraine care.
Several biological mechanisms have been proposed, but a clinic page should not claim that one confirmed neurological mechanism explains an individual patient’s response.
The TCM understanding of migraines
Beyond the neurological mechanisms, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a framework for understanding why different people get migraines for different reasons — and why the same treatment doesn't work for everyone.
In TCM, migraines most commonly arise from one of several patterns. Liver Yang Rising is the most common pattern — characterized by throbbing, one-sided headaches that worsen with stress, anger, or emotional triggers. These patients often have a wiry pulse and a slightly red tongue, particularly at the sides. Treatment focuses on subduing Liver Yang, nourishing Liver Yin and Blood, and calming the nervous system.
Blood Deficiency migraines are common in patients who are fatigued, anemic, or who experience migraines around their menstrual cycle. These tend to be duller, less severe headaches that improve with rest and worsen with exertion. Treatment focuses on building Blood and Qi.
Understanding which pattern is driving a patient's migraines allows me to select acupuncture points with precision — using points that specifically address the underlying mechanism rather than simply targeting the painful area.
When the Harmonize herbal system may be considered
For some patients with chronic migraines, Dr. Purohit may combine acupuncture with a personalized Harmonize herbal formula. Whether herbs are appropriate depends on the patient's symptoms, history, medications and Chinese medicine pattern.
For Liver Yang Rising migraines, classical formulas like Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction) provide a foundation that is then modified based on the patient's specific pulse and tongue findings. For Blood Deficiency patterns, formulas building on Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) nourish Blood and calm the Liver.
These formulas require professional review and should not be selected from an article. Ingredients may be adjusted or avoided based on the patient’s presentation, medications, supplements and safety considerations.
How response is monitored
There is no session count that predicts an individual result. Dr. Purohit may ask patients to track migraine frequency, duration, severity, possible triggers and medication use, then reassess whether the plan should continue, change or stop.
Patients should continue prescribed medication and neurological care unless the prescribing clinician recommends a change. New or unusually severe headaches, neurological symptoms or other warning signs require prompt medical evaluation.
Dr. Ajay Purohit, DTCM, MPH — acupuncture physician in Orlando FL · Licensed AP 2734 · Spectrum WellCare · 2295 S. Hiawassee Rd, Suite 207 ·
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