Migraine is a neurological condition - typically a throbbing, often one-sided headache, sometimes with nausea, light sensitivity or aura - not just a bad headache. Tension-type headaches are different and usually feel like a tight band of pressure. The two can overlap.
Acupuncture is most often used as a preventive, complementary approach for frequent migraines and tension headaches - aiming to reduce how often they happen, rather than to stop an attack in progress. It is used alongside, not instead of, the medication and specialist care many people need.
How we treat Migraine & Headaches at TCM.ch
We start by understanding your pattern - frequency, triggers, what you have already tried - and screen for headache features that need a doctor. Treatment is usually a course of acupuncture aimed at prevention, often combined with attention to sleep, stress and neck tension, which commonly feed headaches.
We keep track of whether your headache frequency actually changes over the course, and we are realistic: this is about fewer or milder episodes for some people, not a guaranteed end to migraines.
What the evidence says
This is one of the more favourable areas: Cochrane reviews have found acupuncture can reduce the frequency of episodic migraine and tension-type headache, with effects at least comparable to some preventive medications for some patients. Quality still varies and it does not work for everyone - but the evidence here is relatively encouraging.
We base this on general clinical guidelines and systematic reviews (e.g. Cochrane, PubMed-indexed research). The honest summary: studies vary in quality and findings, and individual results differ.
When to see a doctor first
Acupuncture is a complement, not a substitute for medical assessment. See a doctor first if you have:
- A sudden, severe 'worst-ever' headache that peaks within seconds to minutes (seek emergency care)
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, slurred speech or vision loss
- A clearly new or different headache pattern, especially after age 50
- Headache after a head injury, or one that steadily worsens day by day
FAQ
Is acupuncture proven for migraines?
The evidence here is relatively good: reviews suggest it can reduce how often episodic migraines occur, sometimes comparably to preventive medication. That said, it does not help everyone and studies vary in quality. We use it as prevention alongside your medical care, not as a replacement for it.
Will it stop a migraine I already have?
We use acupuncture mainly to reduce how often migraines happen over time, not as a rescue treatment during an attack. For the acute attack itself, your prescribed medication is usually the right tool. The two approaches work alongside each other.
How long before I know if it is helping?
Prevention takes time. We would usually look across a course of several weeks and compare your headache frequency before and after, ideally with a simple diary. If there is no meaningful change, we will tell you honestly rather than continue indefinitely.
Is acupuncture covered by my insurance?
Not through basic insurance. Reimbursement may be available through Swiss supplementary insurance, depending on your policy, treatment and the individual practitioner's recognition. How much you get back depends on your individual policy; we tell you the treating practitioner's recognition (EMR/ASCA) before your first appointment. Our insurance guide explains the basic-versus-supplementary split in plain English.
Therapies we might use
Depending on what we find, treatment for migraine & headaches may draw on:
Read next
- Acupuncture for migraines: what to expect
- What to expect at your first session
- Is acupuncture safe? Side effects explained
This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not promise any cure or specific outcome. If symptoms are severe, sudden or worsening, see a doctor.
