The Efficacy of Acupuncture for Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Acupuncture-based integrated therapy has been approved for the treatment of migraine in several countries, which calls for an independent assessment of the evidence regarding its efficacy and safety. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture-based integrated therapy for migraine treatment through meta-analysis. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture-based integrated therapy for migraine were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to November 2024. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results: A total of 19 eligible RCTs were included. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that acupuncture-based integrated therapy was significantly more effective than the control groups (Western medicine group, sham acupuncture group) in reducing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores [SMD = -0.44, 95% CI: (-0.66, -0.23), P < 0.001], decreasing the frequency of pain medication use in migraine patients [SMD = -0.45, 95% CI: (-0.85, -0.05), P < 0.0001], improving Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQ) scores [SMD = 0.64, 95% CI: (0.49, 0.80), P < 0.0001], reducing Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scores [SMD = -0.59, 95% CI: (-1.15, -0.03), P < 0.05], and enhancing Short Form 36/12 (SF-36/12) scores [SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: (0.05, 0.76), P < 0.05]. Statistically significant differences were observed in all these indicators. Conclusion: Acupuncture-based integrated therapy has significant advantages over conventional therapy in relieving migraine symptoms, reducing analgesic drug dependence, and improving patients’ quality of life, suggesting that it may be an effective and safe method for migraine treatment.