Acupuncture

About acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into your body, to try and treat or prevent health conditions.

Acupuncture originated in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese acupuncture aims to correct the flow of energy through your body. This form of energy is known as qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

In modern medicine, acupuncture is believed to have a direct effect on biological processes in your body. For example, acupuncture needles stimulate nerves under your skin. This leads to the release of painkilling substances called endorphins.

Acupuncture for migraine

There is some evidence to show that acupuncture can help prevent migraine. It’s been shown to reduce how many migraine days people get in clinical trials. In some people, it may work as well as preventive medicines for migraine, but with fewer side effects.

There is more evidence for acupuncture being helpful in episodic migraine than chronic migraine. Chronic migraine is when you have 15 or more headache days a month.

As well as a possible direct effect on migraine, some people may find acupuncture indirectly helps with their migraine too. Acupuncture may help you to relax or feel less stressed. As stress is a common trigger for migraine, this may then help to reduce triggers for an attack.

Clinical guidelines in the UK include acupuncture as a potential treatment for migraine. Your doctor may suggest it if preventive medicines haven’t worked or are unsuitable for you. You can have acupuncture alongside migraine medications, or on its own. It’s generally considered safe to have if you are pregnant. But let your practitioner know if you are pregnant beforehand.

What to expect in an acupuncture session

Your practitioner will ask you some questions about your health. This is to check acupuncture is right for you. They will explain what is involved in the session and ask you to sign a consent form.

Your practitioner will insert needles into different acupuncture points on your body. For migraine, these may include points on your head, arms, hands, legs and feet. You may feel a tingling or aching sensation when the needles are inserted, but it shouldn’t be painful.

Acupuncture needles are very fine, single-use needles. They are not normally more than a few centimetres in length. The needles may be left in place for 10 to 20 minutes. If you experience any discomfort, tell the practitioner. They can adjust the needles if necessary.

Some people can feel faint or dizzy after acupuncture. You may have some minor bruising or bleeding where the needles have punctured the skin. Your practitioner will check that you feel well before you leave.

You usually have a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over five to eight weeks for migraine.

How to access acupuncture for migraine

Acupuncture is sometimes offered by GPs and physiotherapists. But it’s not widely available on the NHS. Your practitioner should be registered for acupuncture with their professional body. You can search for a qualified acupuncturist on the British Acupuncture Council website. You can find a physiotherapist registered for acupuncture on the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists website.

Most people who have acupuncture in the UK pay for private treatment. It’s still important to talk to your doctor first before having acupuncture for migraine. They can advise if it’s suitable for you. They may also be able to recommend a practitioner.

About our information

This information has been written by The Migraine Trust Information and Support Services team. It has been reviewed by our panel of expert health professionals and people affected by migraine.

Our information has been awarded the PIF TICK quality mark for trustworthy health information.

If you have feedback on our information, please get in touch at: feedback@migrainetrust.org

References for our information are available on request.

Last reviewed: February 2025 | Next review due: February 2028