developed variation of acupuncture that has been proposed
to be effective in the treatment of acute and chronic pain and
neurologic disorders.8 There appear to be no other studies
comparing the efficacy of Traditional Chinese acupuncture
(TCA) and YNSA in the treatment of migraine headache.
This study was conducted to compare the effects of these
two treatment modalities on the frequency and severity of
migraine attacks, response to rescue treatment, daily activity,
and nausea and vomiting.
Methods
Between March 2009 and April 2011, a total of 80 patients
with migraine headache aged 18–65 years referred to
an acupuncture clinic were enrolled. Migraine was diagnosed
according to diagnostic criteria of the International
Headache Society.9 Patients with other severe pain disorders;
bleeding diathesis; or severe diseases of the heart,
lung, liver, kidney, or other organs, as well as pregnant or
lactating women were not enrolled. All patients receiving
medical treatment for headaches were advised to continue
their treatment, and those not receiving any treatment were
advised to take 650 mg acetaminophen for their migraine
attacks. Patients were randomly assigned to receive TCA or