A groundbreaking study published in August 2025 in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies indicates that auricular acupuncture offers a promising approach for managing frequent episodic tension-type headaches (FETTH).
The research, conducted by Jin, X., Xu, Z., Gao, T., et al., found that this traditional Chinese medicine technique significantly improved headache severity, reduced associated anxiety and depression, and enhanced cerebral blood flow in participants. These findings present a new perspective for individuals seeking effective, non-pharmacological methods for headache relief.
The randomized controlled trial involved eighty participants diagnosed with FETTH. Over a four-week period, participants were divided into two groups: one receiving auricular acupuncture and the other a sham acupuncture procedure. Assessments conducted up to 24 weeks post-treatment revealed notable differences. Participants who received auricular acupuncture reported a reduction in headache severity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), with scores dropping to 2 (interquartile range 1.25-2) compared to 3 (IQR 2-3.5) in the sham group at 24 hours post-treatment (P < 0.001). The headache index at four weeks was also significantly lower in the treatment group (4, IQR 2-7) versus the control group (7, IQR 4-9) (P=0.016).
Beyond pain reduction, the study highlighted significant improvements in participants' psychological well-being. The auricular acupuncture group experienced marked reductions in anxiety and depression, as measured by Hamilton scales. This aligns with broader research suggesting acupuncture's positive influence on mental health through neurotransmitter regulation and relaxation promotion. Additionally, the study observed increased blood flow velocities in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in the treatment group, suggesting a potential therapeutic mechanism.
The use of acute headache medication was also reduced in the auricular acupuncture group, indicating a decreased need for immediate pain relief. Adverse event incidence was comparable between the two groups, underscoring the safety of auricular acupuncture. The authors concluded that auricular acupuncture serves as an effective complementary treatment for FETTH, offering a viable alternative or adjunct to conventional therapies. They emphasized the need for further research to fully understand its long-term efficacy and mechanisms of action, contributing to a growing body of evidence supporting the integration of traditional practices into modern healthcare.