Can Acupuncture Help Migraines? Here's What Science Says.

Acupuncture treatments for headaches and migraines are unique to each patient. There is no universal treatment; acupuncture treatments and results vary from case to case.

Do you feel like you’re missing part of your life managing migraine symptoms? Are you constantly planning unpredictable pain cycles, plowing through brain fog, or managing neck/jaw stiffness? You're not alone.

While scientists are still studying exactly how it works, research shows that acupuncture promotes the natural release of pain-relieving chemicals, like endorphins and serotonin. Acupuncture treatments stimulate the nerves that communicate with the brain and spinal cord. When it comes to migraines, needling can calm an overactive nervous system prone to migraines and reduce inflammation.

According to a 2025 meta-analysis published in the National Institutes of Health's PubMed Central database, acupuncture was found to be as effective as, and in many cases more effective than, preventive migraine medications, while producing fewer side effects.

"Research continues to show that acupuncture is an effective option for reducing migraine symptoms, and it offers fewer side effects than medications," explains Dr. Jann Turpin, who treats many patients with chronic migraines, helping them find relief with acupuncture. "It is encouraging to see studies that line up with what I’ve seen clinically, especially for people who are always looking for a more natural approach to managing migraines."

The analysis also found that acupuncture was effective for both chronic, episodic, and cluster migraines, offering patients a well-tolerated option for long-term symptom management.

Dr. Jann Turpin is an acupuncture physician located in Jacksonville, Florida. Acupuncture treatments for migraines and headaches are among her specialties.

"Migraines are more than a headache; they are a neurological condition that can take over your life," says Dr. Jann. "Acupuncture is a way to calm the nervous system, reduce the frequency, intensity & duration of attacks, and can help patients get back to living instead of planning for their next migraine. My goal isn't only to treat the migraine when it starts; it is to reduce how often they happen in the first place."

If migraines keep you from work, family, or the activities you love, you don't have to face them alone. At Riverplace Acupuncture Integrative Health, Dr. Jann Turpin creates personalized treatment plans designed to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines while supporting your overall health and well-being

Ready to explore a natural, evidence-based approach to migraine relief? You may be surprised that treating a headache doesn't always mean needles in your head. Many acupuncture treatments for headaches and migraines include points on the hands, feet, arms, and legs, depending on what's causing your symptoms; each treatment is unique to the individual.

Schedule your consultation today at RiverplaceAcupuncture.com; take the first step toward fewer migraines and more days spent doing what you love.