Acupuncture effective for migraine prophylaxis

The same authors as in my previous post also did a survey of the literature for migraine prophylaxis.
MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-two trials with 4419 participants (mean 201, median 42, range 27 to 1715) met the inclusion criteria. Six trials (including two large trials with 401 and 1715 patients) compared acupuncture to no prophylactic treatment or routine care only. After 3 to 4 months patients receiving acupuncture had higher response rates and fewer headaches. The only study with long-term follow up saw no evidence that effects dissipated up to 9 months after cessation of treatment.
The authors conclude that available studies suggest that acupuncture is at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, prophylactic drug treatment, and has fewer adverse effects. Acupuncture should be considered a treatment option for patients willing to undergo this treatment.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Jan 21;(1):CD001218
Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Manheimer E, Vickers A, White AR.

So, of course I’m biased because of my practice experience, but it seems to me that with the potential dangers of any medication, and the derivative benefits of acupuncture, the use of acupuncture treatment becomes more and more cost effective.
(For more information about my practice, please click here.)