Acupressure for Migraines: 5 Quick Pain Relief Tips

Migraines are not just fleeting pains—they are a condition that makes it difficult for millions of Vietnamese people to study, work, and rest every day. According to statistics, approximately 10–15% of the population has experienced moderate to severe migraines. If you are looking for a safe, drug-free solution, then acupressure for migraines is a worthwhile consideration.

This article will guide you on how to use acupressure to treat migraines at home with simple yet effective techniques. No complex equipment is needed; with just a few minutes each day, you can reduce pain, relax your nerves, and improve your quality of life. If you are tired of persistent pain, this could be the "switch" that naturally turns off the pressure in your head.

Acupressure for Migraine Relief

Properly massage the forehead and temples

• Use your fingertips to gently rub from the inner eyebrow to the outer corner of the eye, repeating 10–15 times.
• Gently massage both temples in a circular motion for 1–2 minutes, using moderate pressure, avoiding pressing too hard.
• Gently rub the soft tissue near the outer corner of the eye to relieve tension in the muscles around the eyes.
• This is a basic step in acupressure for migraines, helping to relax nerves and quickly reduce headache sensations.

Acupressure on the feet (Liver 3, Gallbladder 41)

• Acupoint Liver 3: located between the big toe and the second toe, about 1–2 cm from the web.
• Acupoint Gallbladder 41: located between the fourth and fifth toes, near the top of the foot.
• Use your thumb to press and hold each acupoint for 30–60 seconds, repeating 2–3 times on each side.
• This method is often applied in acupressure techniques for migraine relief at home, helping to regulate qi and blood.

Massage the inner leg from ankle to thigh

• Use your palm to rub along the inner calf from the ankle up to the knee, then up to the thigh.
• Perform slowly and evenly for 3–5 minutes on each leg.
• This technique helps improve blood circulation, aiding in the relief of headaches caused by stress or lack of sleep.

Stimulate Stomach 36 and Spleen 9 acupoints

• Acupoint Stomach 36: located about 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, offset to the outside of the shin bone.
• Acupoint Spleen 9: located on the inner side of the knee, near the hollow point below the bone.
• Press and hold each acupoint for 1 minute, combining with deep breathing to enhance effectiveness.
• These are important acupoints in drug-free acupressure for migraines, helping to relax the entire body.

Tips for more effective acupressure

• Perform when the body is relaxed, avoid doing it when too hungry or too full.
• Maintain regularly 1–2 times a day for noticeable improvement.
• If pain persists or is severe, it is advisable to combine with a medical examination for safety.

Tip 1: Acupressure on the face for quick headache relief

Tip 1: Pressing the Yintang (Third Eye) acupoint for headache relief

Locating the Yintang acupoint (Third Eye – GV24.5)

• Located between the eyebrows, at the intersection of the bridge of the nose and the forehead.
• This is a common acupoint in acupressure for migraines, often used to relieve headaches, nasal congestion, and stress.

Correct acupressure technique

• Place your index finger or thumb on the acupoint, applying moderate pressure that does not cause pain.
• Press and hold continuously for 60 seconds or gently massage in a circular motion clockwise.
• Repeat 2–3 times, pausing for a few seconds between each repetition.
• Try both methods (pressing and holding or circular massage) to choose the one that suits your body best.

When to apply for high effectiveness

• When headaches, forehead tension, or eye strain begin.
• After long periods of using phones or computers.
• Combine with deep breathing to enhance the effectiveness of acupressure for migraine relief at home.

Notes when performing

• Do not press too hard to avoid discomfort in the forehead area.
• Keep hands clean and nails short to avoid skin damage.
• Maintain regularly every day to help reduce the frequency of headaches.

Tip 2: Pressing the Zanzhu acupoint for headache relief

Locating the Zanzhu acupoint (Drilling Bamboo – B2)

• Located at the inner ends of both eyebrows, close to the bridge of the nose, directly above the eye sockets.
• This is an acupoint often used in acupressure for migraines, particularly effective for pain in the forehead and around the eyes.

Correct acupressure technique

• Use two index fingers to press both acupoints simultaneously.
• Press gently but firmly, holding for about 60 seconds.
• You can gently massage in a circular motion to enhance relaxation.
• If it's difficult to perform, you can press each side individually, 1 minute per side.

When to apply for quick pain relief

• When headache is concentrated in the forehead or behind the eyes.
• When eyes are tired from studying or working long hours on screens.
• Combine with other acupressure methods for migraine relief at home to enhance overall effectiveness.

Notes when performing

• Avoid pressing too hard as this area is sensitive.
• Maintain a relaxed posture and breathe evenly while pressing acupoints.
• Persistently perform daily to help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Tip 3: Pressing the Yingxiang acupoint for headache relief

Locating the Yingxiang acupoint (LI20)

• Located on both sides of the nose, right in the nasolabial groove, near the lower part of the cheekbone.
• This is a common acupoint in acupressure for migraines, especially useful when accompanied by nasal congestion or sinusitis.

Correct acupressure technique

• Use your index finger or thumb to press both acupoints.
• Press moderately deep or gently massage in a circular motion clockwise.
• Maintain pressure for about 60 seconds, then release.
• Repeat 2–3 times to enhance pain relief effectiveness.

When to apply for high effectiveness

• When migraine is accompanied by nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.
• When experiencing cheek pain, sinus issues, or weather changes.
• Suitable for drug-free acupressure methods for migraine relief at home.

Notes when performing

• Do not press too hard to avoid irritating the nasal area.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before performing acupressure.
• Combine with deep breathing to help clear nasal passages and relieve pain faster.

Tip 2: How to massage acupoints on the head for migraine relief

Step 1: Pressing the Fengchi acupoint for headache relief

Locating the Fengchi acupoint (GB20)

• Located in the two hollows at the back of the neck, right below the occipital bone, behind the ear.
• When you feel it, you will find two indentations on either side of the neck; this is an important location in acupressure for migraines.

Correct acupressure technique

• Interlace your hands behind your head, placing your thumbs in the two hollows at the back of your neck.
• Press deeply, holding the pressure for 4–5 seconds, then release and repeat.
• You can massage in a circular motion or continuously for 2–3 minutes.
• If convenient, use your index finger, middle finger, or knuckle to increase pressure.

When to apply for quick pain relief

• When pain spreads from the back of the head to the top of the head or pain due to neck muscle tension.
• When sitting for long periods, in incorrect posture, or experiencing prolonged stress.
• Highly effective in acupressure methods for migraine relief at home combined with relaxation.

How to increase effectiveness when performing acupressure

• Maintain a comfortable posture, with relaxed shoulders.
• Breathe deeply and slowly while pressing acupoints to reduce nervous tension.
• Can combine with neck and shoulder massage to relieve pain faster.

Notes when performing

• Do not press too hard to avoid pain or dizziness.
• Avoid pressing if the neck area is injured.
• Maintain regularly every day to significantly reduce the frequency of headaches.

Step 2: Pressing acupoints in the temporal region

Locating the acupoint chain around the ear – temple

• This is a series of acupoints running around the ear, about 1 finger-width from the earlobe.
• The first point is located directly above the top of the ear, then subsequent points gradually move backward and downward along the curve around the ear.
• This chain is often used in acupressure for migraines, especially for temporal pain.

Acupressure method for each point

• Use your index or middle finger to press each point one by one in order from front to back.
• Press and hold or rub each point in a circular motion for about 60 seconds.
• Perform on both sides of the head to achieve balanced effectiveness.
• You should press continuously in a sequence to optimize the effectiveness of acupressure for migraine relief at home.

Order of acupoints to stimulate

• Starting from the front:
  • Hairline Curve (near the hairline above the ear)
  • Valley Lead
  • Celestial Hub
  • Floating White
  • Head Portal Yin (near the back of the ear)
• Following the correct order helps stimulate a continuous chain, aiding in better pain relief.

When to apply this method

• When pain is concentrated in both temples or spreads around the ears.
• When experiencing prolonged stress or stress-induced headaches.
• Suitable for combining with other techniques in acupressure for migraine treatment.

Notes when performing

• Apply moderate pressure, avoiding pain or discomfort.
• Maintain a relaxed state, combined with deep breathing.
• Perform consistently every day to reduce the long-term frequency of headaches.

Step 3: Acupressure on Fengfu point to relieve headache

Locating the Fengfu point (GV16)

• Located in the center back of the head, below the occipital bone, between the two ears and above the cervical spine.
• You will feel a depression right below the hairline at the nape of the neck.
• This is an important point in acupressure for migraine treatment, especially when accompanied by stiff neck and stress.

Correct acupressure technique

• Use your thumb or middle finger to place on the acupoint.
• Press deeply, holding the pressure for at least 60 seconds.
• You can combine light circular rubbing to increase relaxation effectiveness.
• Keep your head slightly tilted forward to accurately stimulate the point.

When to apply for high effectiveness

• When headache is accompanied by stiff neck and shoulders.
• When experiencing stress, insomnia, or prolonged computer work.
• Often used in drug-free acupressure for migraine relief at home routines.

How to increase acupressure effectiveness

• Combine deep inhalation and slow exhalation during the massage.
• You can warm the back of the neck before pressing the acupoint to increase blood circulation.
• Maintain consistency daily to reduce pain and relax nerves.

Notes when performing

• Avoid pressing too hard to prevent dizziness or discomfort.
• Do not press if the neck area is inflamed or injured.
• If pain persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure safety.

Tip 3: Hand and foot acupoints for effective headache relief

Position 1: Acupressure on Tianzhu point to relieve headache

Locating the Tianzhu point (Heaven’s Pillar)

• Located on both sides of the cervical spine, about 2 finger-widths from the hairline at the nape of the neck.
• It is part of the prominent neck muscles (trapezius) and is easily felt when tilting the head slightly forward.
• This is a commonly used point in acupressure for migraine treatment, especially for headaches due to stiff neck muscles.

Correct acupressure technique

• Use your thumb or index finger to place on the two acupoints on both sides of the neck.
• Press with moderate force or gently rub in a circular motion for about 60 seconds.
• You can press both sides simultaneously or one side at a time, depending on what is comfortable.
• Combine with relaxing the shoulders to increase effectiveness in acupressure for migraine relief at home.

When to apply for quick pain relief

• When headache is accompanied by sore neck and stiff shoulders.
• When sitting for long periods, having poor posture, or working on the computer for many hours.
• When stress causes neck muscles to stiffen.

How to increase acupressure effectiveness

• Tilt your head slightly forward to clearly expose the acupoint location.
• Inhale deeply and exhale slowly while pressing to relax the entire body.
• You can warm the neck area before pressing the acupoint.

Notes when performing

• Avoid pressing too hard to prevent pain radiating to the shoulder or dizziness.
• Do not press if the neck is injured or acutely inflamed.
• Maintain consistency daily to reduce the long-term frequency of headaches.

Position 2: Acupressure on Hegu point to relieve headache

Locating the Hegu point (LI4)

• Located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, on the back of the hand.
• When lightly closing the two fingers, the highest point of the muscle is the acupoint.
• This is a popular point in acupressure for migraine treatment, helping to relieve pain quickly and improve qi and blood circulation.

Correct acupressure technique

• Use the thumb of one hand to press the acupoint on the other hand.
• Press deeply, holding firm pressure for at least 60 seconds.
• You can combine light circular rubbing with holding pressure to increase effectiveness.
• Perform by switching hands to stimulate both sides.

When to apply for high effectiveness

• When experiencing migraine, frontal headache, or temporal headache.
• When stressed, fatigued, or overworked.
• This is a simple technique, easy to apply in acupressure for migraine relief at home.

How to increase acupressure effectiveness

• Maintain a relaxed state, combined with deep breathing.
• You can warm your hands before pressing to increase blood circulation.
• Maintain consistency daily to reduce the frequency of headaches.

Notes when performing

• Avoid pressing this acupoint if pregnant as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
• Do not press too hard to prevent prolonged pain.
• If headaches are severe or prolonged, seek medical advice for specialized consultation.

Position 3: Acupressure on Taichong point to relieve headache

Locating the Taichong point (Bigger Rushing – Liver 3)

• Located in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe, about 2–3 cm up on the top of the foot.
• You will feel the space between the two metatarsal bones, which is the acupoint.
• This is an important point in acupressure for migraine treatment, helping to regulate qi and blood and reduce stress.

Correct acupressure technique

• Use your thumb to press the acupoint, applying moderate force.
• Press and hold or gently rub in a circular motion for about 60 seconds.
• You can repeat 2–3 times on each foot.
• Many people find it easier to apply force with their thumb when performing acupressure for migraine relief at home.

When to apply for high effectiveness

• When migraine is due to stress, insomnia, or prolonged tension.
• When feeling restless, uncomfortable, or having poor qi and blood circulation.
• Suitable for combining with head acupoints to increase pain relief effectiveness.

How to increase acupressure effectiveness

• Soak feet in warm water before pressing to increase blood circulation.
• Combine deep inhalation and slow exhalation to relax the entire body.
• Maintain consistency daily to support long-term pain relief.

Notes when performing

• Avoid pressing too hard to prevent pain or bruising.
• Do not press when the foot is inflamed, swollen, or injured.
• If headaches persist, it is advisable to seek medical advice to ensure safety.

Tip 4: Mechanisms of acupressure for treating illness you should know

Step 1: What is acupressure?

Understanding acupressure according to Oriental medicine

• Acupressure is a method of applying pressure with hands to acupoints on the body.
• These acupoints are located along the 12 meridians, which are believed to conduct life energy (qi).
• In acupressure for migraine treatment, stimulating the correct acupoints helps the body self-regulate and naturally relieve pain.

Mechanism of acupressure operation

• When qi and blood circulation are blocked, the body is prone to headaches and fatigue.
• Acupressure helps to clear qi flow, improving blood circulation.
• This in turn reduces nervous tension – a common cause of migraines.
• This is the basis of many methods of at-home acupressure for migraine relief.

Actual effectiveness of acupressure for migraines

• Many studies show that acupressure can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
• Especially effective for those suffering from pain due to stress, lack of sleep, or intense work.
• It is a drug-free solution, suitable for those who wish to limit side effects.

Why apply acupressure

• Easy to perform, no complex equipment needed.
• Can be applied proactively whenever pain occurs.
• When performed correctly, acupressure for migraine treatment not only relieves pain but also helps to relax the entire body.

Notes when applying

• Effectiveness depends on correctly identifying acupoints and applying appropriate pressure.
• Does not completely replace medical treatment if headaches are severe.
• Should be maintained regularly to achieve noticeable results.

Step 2: Correct acupressure force?

Choosing the right pressure for acupressure

• When performing acupressure for migraine treatment, use moderate, steady pressure.
• The goal is to create a "satisfying" sensation – a slight, tolerable pain that is not prolonged.
• Avoid pressing too lightly (less effective) or too hard (can be counterproductive).

The right sensation when pressing acupoints

• You may feel a slight numbness, tightness, or spreading sensation around the acupoint.
• Some points will be more sensitive, especially when the body is tired or stressed.
• The ideal sensation is between pain and comfort, helping to gradually relax after a few seconds.

How to adjust pressure according to your body

• If the pain increases, gradually reduce the pressure until you feel more comfortable.
• Everyone has a different pain threshold, so you need to adjust it yourself when applying at-home acupressure for migraine relief.
• Beginners should press gently at first, then gradually increase the pressure as they get used to it.

Signs to stop

• Sharp, throbbing, or prolonged discomfort.
• Dizziness or nausea while pressing acupoints.
• In such cases, stop immediately and rest, do not try to endure the pain.

Important principles to remember

• Acupressure is not "the more pain, the better".
• Effectiveness comes from correct location + correct pressure + regularity every day.
• Proper application will help optimize acupressure for migraine treatment safely and effectively long-term.

Step 3: Effective acupressure tools

Using fingers correctly

• In acupressure for migraine treatment, fingers are the most common and easiest tool to control pressure.
• The middle finger is often preferred because it is long and strong, helping to apply stable, deep pressure.
• The thumb is suitable when more force is needed, especially on acupoints in the hands and feet.
• Multiple fingers can be used together to increase accuracy when performing at-home acupressure for migraine relief.

Using other body parts

• Finger joints (knuckles): create good force when acupoints are deep or in thick muscle areas.
• Elbows, knees: used in deep tissue massage, but require careful control of pressure.
• Suitable for self-massage of the neck and shoulders – areas often associated with migraines.

Using auxiliary tools when needed

• For small or hard-to-reach acupoints, you can use round-tipped objects such as:
  • Pencil eraser
  • Avocado pit
  • Golf ball
• These objects help create even and precise pressure, providing good support for beginners applying acupressure for migraine treatment.

Principles for choosing tools

• Prioritize objects with round, non-sharp tips to avoid skin injury.
• Easy to hold and control pressure.
• Suitable for each acupoint location on the body.

Notes when using

• Do not use objects that are too hard or sharp, as they can cause injury.
• Always control the pressure – avoid pressing too hard whether using hands or tools.
• Combine with regular breathing to increase effectiveness when performing at-home acupressure for migraine relief.

Step 4: Consult with a doctor when using acupressure

Why you should consult a doctor

• When applying acupressure for migraine treatment, you should still inform your doctor who is monitoring your health.
• Acupressure usually does not conflict with medication, but discussing it ensures safety and clearer monitoring of effectiveness.
• This is especially necessary if you have underlying conditions or are taking multiple medications.

You can perform it yourself or see a specialist

• You can apply at-home acupressure for migraine relief yourself following basic instructions.
• Or seek an Oriental medicine specialist with experience for more precise guidance.
• This helps avoid incorrect acupoint location or inappropriate pressure.

Monitor effectiveness and report back to your doctor

• If you notice significant pain relief, share it with your doctor to adjust your care plan accordingly.
• If there is no improvement or the pain worsens, the cause needs to be re-evaluated.
• This monitoring helps optimize the effectiveness of acupressure for migraine treatment.

When to seek immediate medical attention

• Headaches that are prolonged, worsening, or unusual.
• Headaches accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or visual disturbances.
• These cases require accurate diagnosis and should not rely solely on acupressure.

Benefits of proper combination

• Your doctor can identify the root cause of your migraines.
• From there, combine acupressure with other methods to achieve better results.
• This is a sustainable approach when you want safe and long-term pain relief.

Tip 5: Causes of Headaches and Classification

Step 1: Differentiating types of headaches

Primary Headaches (not due to other diseases)

• This group includes spontaneous headaches, not arising from an underlying medical condition.
• Includes:
  • Migraine headaches
  • Tension headaches
  • Cluster headaches
• Often linked to stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, or environment.
• Can be improved with rest and acupressure for migraine treatment if applied correctly.

Secondary Headaches (caused by medical conditions)

• These are headaches caused by a specific reason within the body.
• Some common causes:
  • Stroke
  • Severe hypertension
  • Fever, infection
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• This group requires diagnosis and medical treatment, and acupressure alone should not be relied upon.

Quick recognition for proper treatment

• Pain that recurs in cycles, stable intensity → often primary headache.
• Sudden, severe pain, accompanied by unusual symptoms → may be secondary headache.
• In any suspicious case, you should see a doctor for accurate diagnosis.

Important notes

• Acupressure for migraine treatment is more suitable for primary headaches.
• Do not be complacent if headaches are prolonged or have dangerous signs.
• Understanding the correct type of headache is the first step to choosing an effective and safe pain relief method.

Step 2: Migraine Symptoms

Typical identifying signs

• Pain usually appears on one side of the head, commonly in the forehead or temples.
• Severity ranges from dull to severe, lasting from hours to several days.
• Pain often increases with activity or work.

Common accompanying symptoms

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light, sound, smell.
• Feeling tired, difficulty concentrating.
• This is when many people turn to acupressure for migraine relief to naturally alleviate pain.

"Aura" phenomena

• Approximately 25% of migraine sufferers experience this before an attack.
• May experience:
  • Seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or bright spots.
  • Smelling strange, non-existent odors.
  • Numbness in hands, difficulty speaking, or slight confusion.
• Aura usually appears briefly before the pain begins.

Common trigger factors

• Skipped meals, irregular eating habits.
• Lack of sleep or prolonged stress.
• Weather changes, bright light, or strong odors.
• Red wine, certain foods.
• Hormones (especially during menstruation).
• Neck muscle tension, head injury, or jaw joint issues.

When to pay special attention

• Pain worsening or changing unusually.
• Pain accompanied by persistent visual disturbances, speech difficulties, or limb weakness.
• In such cases, seek medical attention, do not rely solely on home acupressure for headache relief.

Tips for control and pain relief

• Avoid known triggers.
• Rest in a quiet, dimly lit space.
• Combine methods such as acupressure for migraine relief to safely and sustainably alleviate pain.

Step 3: Dangerous Headache Symptoms

Headache with fever and stiff neck

• Severe pain accompanied by high fever, stiff neck, and difficulty bending the head.
• May be a sign of meningitis.
• Seek immediate medical attention; do not self-treat with acupressure for migraine relief.

"Thunderclap" headache (sudden, severe)

• Pain appears suddenly, peaking within seconds.
• May be related to cerebral hemorrhage (subarachnoid bleeding).
• This is an emergency, requiring immediate medical attention.

Temple pain with tenderness to touch

• Pain on one side of the temple, possibly with palpable pulse or pain on pressure.
• Common in older adults, may be related to giant cell arteritis.
• If not treated early, it can lead to serious complications.

Headache with red eyes, seeing halos

• Red, aching eyes, seeing halos around lights.
• May be a sign of increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
• Needs early treatment to prevent vision loss.

Headache in individuals with serious underlying conditions

• Occurs in individuals with cancer or immune deficiency (post-organ transplant, HIV/AIDS).
• Risk related to infection or neurological complications.
• Requires immediate medical examination.

Important principle to remember

• Not all headaches are simple.
• Acupressure for migraine relief is only suitable for mild cases without dangerous symptoms.
• If any unusual symptoms occur, prioritize seeking medical attention to ensure safety.

Step 4: When to seek medical attention for headaches

Why see a doctor early

• Headaches can be a sign of serious health problems.
• Early examination helps distinguish primary headaches from those caused by other conditions.
• Even when using acupressure for migraine relief, medical monitoring is still necessary to ensure safety.

Signs requiring a doctor's visit within 1-2 days

• Headache gradually increasing in frequency or intensity.
• Pain appearing for the first time after age 50.
• Having vision changes: blurred vision, flashing lights, partial vision loss.
• Unexplained weight loss accompanied by headache.

Correct handling of abnormal symptoms

• Do not prolong self-treatment at home without professional advice.
• Temporarily stop or consider home acupressure for migraine relief as a supportive measure only.
• Record the time, severity of pain, and accompanying symptoms to provide to the doctor.

Benefits of timely examination

• Accurately identify the cause of the headache.
• Receive advice on appropriate treatment methods, possibly combined with acupressure for migraine relief.
• Reduce the risk of overlooking dangerous medical conditions.

Important principle

• Do not underestimate any abnormal changes in headache.
• Proactive early checks help you manage your health better and feel more secure during treatment.

Step 5: Treating Migraine with Medication

Identify causes and control trigger factors

• Your doctor will help you identify pain "triggers" such as lack of sleep, stress, irregular eating habits, alcohol.
• Avoiding triggers is fundamental to reducing pain frequency.
• It can be combined with acupressure for migraine relief to support natural pain reduction.

Stress management and lifestyle

• Maintain regular sleep, limit prolonged stress.
• Light exercise, meditation, or deep breathing help stabilize the nervous system.
• This is an important step alongside home acupressure for migraine relief.

Medication when necessary

• In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe:
  • Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan) to constrict blood vessels and rapidly reduce pain.
  • Dihydroergotamine helps control migraine attacks.
  • Anti-nausea medication if accompanying symptoms are present.
• These medications must be used as prescribed; do not self-medicate.

Important notes when taking medication

• Do not use triptans or dihydroergotamine if you have coronary artery disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Caution is advised for older adults or those with cardiovascular risk factors such as:
  • Obesity
  • High cholesterol (LDL, triglycerides)
  • Diabetes
• Always discuss thoroughly with your doctor before taking any medication.

Effective and sustainable approach

• Combine medical treatment + lifestyle changes + acupressure for migraine relief.
• Do not rely solely on medication if pain can be controlled by natural methods.
• Monitor progress to adjust methods appropriately according to each stage.

References

1. World Health Organization. Headache disorders. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016.
2. Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of migraine and tension-type headache. The Lancet Neurology. 2020;19(10):813–828.
3. American Migraine Foundation. Migraine overview and treatment options. New York: American Migraine Foundation; 2022.
4. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Migraine information page. Bethesda: National Institutes of Health; 2023.
5. Bendtsen L, Ashina M, Moore A, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of migraine. Journal of Headache and Pain. 2020;21(1):137.
6. Li Y, Zheng H, Witt CM, et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2012;184(4):401–410.
7. Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;6:CD001218.
8. Zhao L, Chen J, Li Y, et al. The long-term effect of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2017;177(4):508–515.
9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: what you need to know. Bethesda: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2023.
10. May A, Schulte LH. Chronic migraine: risk factors, mechanisms and treatment. Nature Reviews Neurology. 2016;12(8):455–464.
    

Content edited by: Sidney Bailey Hoang.

Information consulted and verified by expert: JK DeLapp.