Solid science proves acupuncture is an effective and safe pain-reliever. Now, research is closing in on how it works.

A major study released by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2012 that looked at almost 18,000 patients confirms the ancient therapy relieves chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain; osteoarthritis, and recurring headaches. Additionally, proponents claim needle treatment can ease allergies and anxiety among other health problems.

But acupuncture is still controversial in the U.S. One big reason: It’s rooted in centuries-old concepts of health and illness in contrast to measurable and reproducible clinical data.

“Acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese belief that energy called Qi flows throughout the body along meridians—or channels—to create balance and health,” says Marcos Hsu, an acupuncturist at the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine.

As the traditional theory goes, physical pain and illness occur when energy slows or stops flowing in a particular body zone. Inserting tiny needles into related acupuncture points (there are 350 of them) releases the energy and helps the body heal itself.

Hsu continues: “Any blockage or stagnation of energy can cause pain and lead to illness. Each acupuncture point along the meridians is related to a specific body system or function that can be stimulated by inserting fine needles to restore health. The goal of acupuncture is to promote the body’s innate ability to heal by correcting imbalances of energy flow.”

So, how does modern research explain the healing powers of acupuncture? Even though its mechanism of action isn’t clear-cut, multiple studies confirm the ancient therapy unleashes good-for-you chemicals throughout the body.

“Many acupuncture studies show beneficial changes in blood circulation and levels of neurochemicals such as endorphins and serotonin that may produce an analgesic effect and suppress pain,” Hsu says.

“Other scientists suggest pain relief occurs when acupuncture blocks pain signals from reaching the brain via specific nerve fibers. Additionally, some propose the therapy stimulates a localized release of endorphins at the injury site. Regardless of the explanation, research consistently shows that acupuncture relieves pain.”

People respond differently to acupuncture but the treatment is safe and effective, with minimal adverse effects for most patients. That said, individuals with 1) heart problems, 2) metal allergies, 3) skin conditions, 4) bleeding disorders, 5) low immunity, or 6) who are taking anticoagulants should consult their doctor or acupuncturist prior to receiving an initial treatment, Hsu says.

With acupuncture drifting into the medical mainstream, more insurance companies are covering the treatment in medical centers and private clinics across the country. To find a practitioner, contact your health insurance carrier for a list of approved providers or consult your doctor for a referral.

Healing Needles The Saturday Evening Post

Migraines matter, disrupting everyday routines at home and work when sufferers have to disengage from families, friends, or job responsibilities.

“Migraine is an extraordinarily common brain disorder,” says Robert Kaniecki, MD, director of the Headache Center, chief of the Headache Division, and assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pittsburgh. “Approximately 13 percent of American adults are affected by bouts of the disabling headache, robbing them of valuable time from work, family, home, or social activities.”

Fortunately, new and better ways to relieve and even prevent the life-disrupting attacks are on the horizon.

The first major advance in treating migraine hit the U.S. market in 1991 with FDA approval of sumatriptan (Imitrex, GlaxoSmithKline)—a revolutionary prescription drug option that not only eased migraine symptoms, but stopped the attacks.

“Over the ensuing decade, the drug class known as triptans expanded to 7 products, providing relief to millions of migraine sufferers,” explains Dr. Kaniecki. “During that same time period, two anti-epilepsy drugs, Topamax and  Depakote, were also added to the short list of daily drugs with proven benefit in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.”

Subsequent research, however, had been disappointing—until now.

“It has been nearly 20 years since significant breakthroughs have been made in treating migraine headaches,” Dr. Kaniecki continues. “But we now seem poised for a second wave of new migraine treatments. Many are novel developments while others involve technologically innovative delivery systems for older drugs. For migraineurs who fail to respond to current drug therapies, these new options are reasons for optimism.”

Dr. Sheena Aurora, director of the Swedish Headache Center and assistant professor of neurology at the University of Washington School of Medicine concurs.

“I am excited about new migraine treatments,” Dr. Aurora told the Post. “As a practicing headache specialist, I still find patients who believe that migraine comes from stress. We make them aware that migraine is a biological disorder—they are born with a hypersensitive brain—and stress is one of many triggers. Studies confirm a genetic role in migraine and genomics and proteonomics may yield highly targeted therapies. In addition, we believe that newer trials using topiramate and botulinum toxin A in chronic migraine will pave the path for future research.”

Here are 5 promising new therapies to stop migraines in their tracks that are worth keeping an eye on:

A dissolvable powder form of diclofenac (Cambia). The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, currently available in tablets, helps reduce migraine-related inflammation and pain.

The Sumavel DosePro (Zogenix). Released in 2010, the innovative device delivers needle-free injections of sumatriptan (Imitrex) by “pushing” the drug into tissue just under the skin. Subcutaneous sumatriptan is easy to use and provides consistent and fast relief, according to Dr. Aurora. Nasal and patch delivery systems for the migraine drug are still in development. Doctors already prescribe sumatriptan tablets, shots, and intranasal solution that relieve migraines by blocking painful nerve signals and restoring swollen blood vessels back to normal size.

LEVADEX, orally inhaled dihydroergotamine (MAP Pharmaceuticals). Migraine sufferers are often unable to digest oral medicines. Now in late stages of clinical testing, LEVADEX is dispensed via an oral inhaler for fast, consistent, and sustained relief of migraine pain and other symptoms. Dihydroergotamine is presently available in nasal and injectable forms.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist drugs. A novel class of prescription medicines may treat migraines with fewer side effects than conventional therapies by blocking the release of CGRP, a type of protein involved in nerve and blood vessel irritation during a migraine attack. The CGRP antagonist telcagepant (Merck) is in late stages of development.

Transcranial pulse generators. These electronic devices are applied to the skull early in a migraine, sometimes shortening the attack. Surgically implanted devices may generate internal electrical signals to help treat chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and migraine headaches.

For a video podcast from the National Headache Foundation that explores some of these options, click here  Video – Dr. Robert Kaniecki, M.D.

Migraines in the News The Saturday Evening Post

1.   Take frequent headaches seriously. Although help is usually available, surveys show that most people with headaches that interfere with family, social, and work life do not seek medical help.
2.   Learn all you can about your headaches.
3.   Keep a log of your headaches and look for clues to triggers and solutions.
4.   Take control and get the help and care you need—and deserve.

There are more than 300 types of headaches.

“No one has the same combination of headache pain, frequency, impairment, or triggers,” says Dr. Roger Cady, director of the Headache Care Center in Springfield, Missouri.  “So, the approach to headache care needs to be as personal as the headaches.”

The NHF is launching a new series of resources on their Web site. The first one, Chart Your Course to Relief, is an interactive tool designed to quickly connect people to the specific information they need and in a way that is not overwhelming, according to Suzanne Simons, executive director of the NHF.

It’s Personal

Erin Hamlin

“I want to feel like I have some control over my headaches,” Hamlin says. “With my travel and training schedule, I can’t afford to be down. I owe it to my country, teammates, fans, and family to be at the top of my game, and learning more about my headache patterns with these NHF tools is helping me—and others—achieve that.”

Hamlin, age 22, will now carry the title of World Champion to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Think You Might Have Migraines?
Think “POUND.” Talk to your doctor if your headache symptoms match the following descriptions from Mayo Clinic physicians:
P (pulsating pain), O (one-day duration of severe and untreated attack), U (unilateral or one-sided pain), N (nausea and vomiting), and D (disabling intensity).

Getting Personal About Headaches The Saturday Evening Post