According to the characteristics, migraine could be divided into four types: (1) Cold-damp type: it was mostly caused by climatic changes, such as cloudy and rainy weather; (2) Qi and blood stagnation type: it was mainly seen in women during their menstruation; (3) Hyperactivity of liver yang type: it was often related to emotional stress; (4) Neck stiffness and pain type: it was mainly related to the improper sleeping posture or inadequate height of the pillow.

Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture for treatment of migraine in Germany.

(1) Selection of points: Fengchi (GB20), Shuaigu (GBS), Xuanzhong (GB39), Tianzhu (BL10),Geshu (BL17), Ganshu (BL18),Danshu (BL19), Taiyang (Ex-HN5),Waiguan (TE5), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3) and A-shi points. Auxiliary points for cold damp type: Taixi (KI3) and Guanyuan (CV4) were used to warm up kidney yang and dispel pathogenic cold and dampness; For qi and blood stagnation syndrome accompanied with dysmenorrhea, Guanyuan (CV4), Xuehai (SP10) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) were added to regulate the Chong meridian and Conception Vessel so as to regulate menstruation. For hyperactivity of liver yang syndrome accompanied with emotional mental stress, Shenmen (HT7) and Neiguan (PC 6) were used to calm down the heart and tranquilize the mind; For cervical syndrome, Jiaji point (ExB2) of the neck regions was selected;

(2)Manipulations: After the arrival of qi in the main point Fengchi (GB20), the needling sensation should be controlled to spread to the lateral side of the head. A-shi points were found mostly on the lateral side of the head, on the neck and on the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin; the reducing needling technique was performed or blood-letting technique applied, both of which were effective to relieve pain. The even needling technique was used on other points. While headache was treated during its attack, a strong needling stimulation should be given. Once headache stopped after the treatment, another 5 to 10 treatments should be carried out successively so that the Zang-fu function could be regulated and relapse of headache prevented.

Results: 89 patients of migraine were treated, the average sessions of acupuncture treatment were 14. Remarkably effective: 55 cases (61 .8%) had a quick cure with the relief of headache and the disappearance of Other symptoms. Effective: 16 cases (18.0%) had alleviation of headache, decrease of seizures and the withdrawal of medication. Ineffective: 3 cases (3.4%) had no obvious relief of headache. 15cases terminated the treatment for various reasons, accounting for 16.8%.

Conclusion: (1) The late autumn, Winter and early spring in Germany are the seasons with heavier rain and snow, but less sunshine, representing the characteristics of the cold damp. When cold damp invades the human body and obstructs the meridians and collateral branches, headache occurs; (2) To patients whose headache is related to menstruation While headache is under the treatment, menstruation should be regulated and the patients should be informed about menstrual hygiene as well as avoiding catching by cold; (3) The investigation has shown that in Germany about 10% of the population took a prone sleeping posture would cause cervical disorders and then headache. The patients should be told to lie mainly on the lateral side or on the pillow; (4) The patients should be informed that during the course of treatment, the occurrence of one or two seizures of headache is normal and therefore, the treatment should be continued.

By Hu Jinsheng