Effects of Acupuncture on Cerebral Blood Flow in Episodic Migraine Patients Investigated by Arterial Spin Labeling MRI.

women) and eleven healthy controls participated in the study. The results showed that acupuncture significantly increased cerebral blood flow in migraine patients. This increase was observed during and after acupuncture treatment. In contrast, healthy controls did not show similar changes in blood flow. The study suggests that acupuncture may help improve blood flow in the brain of migraine patients. This could potentially alleviate migraine symptoms. The research highlights the importance of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for migraine management. By understanding how acupuncture affects blood flow, clinicians may better tailor treatments for patients. Overall, the findings support the use of acupuncture as a therapeutic option for those suffering from episodic migraines. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and mechanisms behind these changes in blood flow. Clinical relevance: This study indicates that acupuncture may enhance cerebral blood flow in migraine patients, suggesting its potential as an effective treatment option for managing episodic migraines.