Researchers Find Acupuncture Outperforms Topamax for Migraines

Taiwanese researchers from Kuang Tien General Hospital recently conducted a study comparing acupuncture versus the western medication Topamax (topiramate, topiragen) for people with chronic migraines. 

Researchers recruited 66 chronic migraine patients and divided them evenly into an acupuncture group and a western medication group.  The acupuncture group was given 24 sessions over 12 weeks and the western medication group was slowly started on the medication and at week 4 was on a stable dose for the subsequent 8 weeks.

Researchers found that the acupuncture group experienced a 50%+ decrease in the number of days with a headache compared to the medication group which was saw a far less significant reduction with more variance between patients.

In clinical experience this reduction is commonly seen and over time large numbers of patients from my clinical experience and observations have long-term relief that does not require further treatment.