A drug-free approach to migraine relief, specifically a form of acupuncture targeting the ear, may offer immediate pain reduction and lasting benefits, according to a study presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum.
Migraines affect an estimated 12 to 15 percent of Americans, totaling around 40 million people. These severe, recurring headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. Traditional treatments often involve a trial-and-error process with various medications, many of which can have side effects.
Researchers in Brazil investigated auriculotherapy, a practice rooted in ancient Chinese medicine that focuses on stimulating points on the outer ear. The study involved 68 women with migraines, divided into two groups. One group received auriculotherapy, while the other received a placebo treatment involving ear stimulation.
Participants underwent treatments once a week for eight weeks. Assessments of migraine pain and other symptoms were conducted before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 30 days after the treatment period concluded.
The results indicated that participants who received auriculotherapy experienced an immediate reduction in pain during migraines. Pain scores decreased from an average of 50.5 to 44.7 immediately after sessions, representing an 11 percent reduction. Thirty days later, pain scores further decreased to 41, an 18 percent reduction from the pre-treatment baseline. The auriculotherapy group also reported an eight to ten percent improvement in daily quality of life scores.
Interestingly, the placebo group also showed similar improvements in migraine pain, although these were not statistically significant. This suggests that general stimulation of the outer ear, rather than auriculotherapy specifically, might contribute to migraine pain reduction.
"Both groups improved over time, which may suggest that auricular stimulation, even when non-specific, can influence pain-related outcomes," stated lead study author Fernanda Bella, a physical therapist at the University of Southern Santa Catarina in Brazil.
The study also observed changes in oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in altered pain processing during migraines. While differences between the groups were not distinct, the findings demonstrate the possibility of objectively monitoring brain function in individuals with chronic migraines.
This new research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear-focused therapies for migraines. A 2025 review of 10 studies found that auricular acupuncture was associated with reduced migraine frequency and less pain during attacks. Additionally, recent research in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine found transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) applied to the ear improved migraine symptoms in 59 patients.
Experts theorize that stimulating nerve points in the ear may help regulate neurotransmitters, trigger the release of natural painkillers, and reduce inflammation associated with migraines. The ear's auricular area contains branches of the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensory information from the head and face to the brain.
Acupuncture generally has a low risk of side effects, which can include soreness, mild bleeding, or bruising at the needle sites. Some individuals might experience temporary lightheadedness, fatigue, or muscle twitching.
Bella's team plans to conduct further studies with larger groups, particularly focusing on women, as migraines are three times more common in women than men, potentially due to hormonal factors.
"Migraine is a debilitating condition that can have a major impact on people’s lives, especially women’s lives," said Professor Christina Dalla, chair of the FENS Forum. "It is important to emphasize that this is a potential treatment that is complementary to existing migraine therapies, and not a replacement for them."