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To examine the efficacy of manual acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis, researchers in China conducted a multicenter trial in 140 patients (mean age, 37; 82% women) who had episodic migraine without aura. Patients were randomized to receive manual acupuncture (needle manipulation at acupuncture points) plus usual care, sham acupuncture (nonpenetrating needles at nonacupuncture sites) plus usual care, or usual care alone. This three-arm format was designed to distinguish physiologic from placebo effects.
During the 4 weeks before treatment, mean number of migraine days was 6, and mean number of attacks was 4. Acupuncture patients received 20 sessions during 8 weeks. Patients' perception of needle penetration was similar between manual and sha…