Journal of Acupuncture Research

Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society (대한침구의학회)
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Efficacy of Needling at Sympathetic Point (an Auricular Acupuncture Point) in Migraine Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

  • O. Deepika (Department of Acupuncture and Energy Medicine, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College) ;
  • A. Mooventhan (Department of Research, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College) ;
  • N. Mangaiarkarasi (Department of Acupuncture and Energy Medicine, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College) ;
  • N. Manavalan (Department of Naturopathy, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College)
  • Received : 2024.04.12
  • Accepted : 2024.05.03
  • Published : 2024.05.31
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Abstract

Background: Migraine is a common disabling headache that affects every aspect of a person's life. Auricular acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment modality for the management of painful neurological conditions. Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of a combination of ear points in the management of migraines. However, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of a single auricular point (i.e., sympathetic point) in migraine. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of sympathetic points on pain intensity and depression levels in patients with migraine. Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 100 patients with migraine aged 18-45 years were randomly divided into either an auricular acupuncture group (AAG) (n = 50) or a placebo control group (PCG) (n = 50). The AAG underwent needling at the sympathetic point (an auricular acupuncture point), whereas the PCG underwent needling at a non-acupuncture point for 20 minutes daily for 7 days. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention using a 6-item headache impact test (HIT-6) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Results: In within-group analysis, the AAG showed a significant reduction in HIT-6 and BDI, whereas the PCG showed a significant increase in HIT-6 and a significant reduction in BDI. In between-groups analyses, HIT-6 reduced significantly in the AAG compared with that in the PCG, whereas BDI reduced significantly in the PCG compared with that in the AAG. Conclusion: In patients with migraine, needling at the sympathetic point produces a greater reduction in the pain intensity level and lesser reduction in the depression level compared to needling at a non-acupuncture point.

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References

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