Siguan points-based acupuncture treatment for migraine: A systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and neurovascular regulatory effects
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Siguan points, comprising bilateral Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR3), have shown good therapeutic potential in migraine management. We aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and neurovascular regulatory mechanisms of Siguan points-based acupuncture treatment (SPBAT) for migraine.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across 15 databases through January 1st, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SPBAT with conventional pharmacotherapy or sham acupuncture were included. Primary outcomes encompassed the clinical effective rate and the headache intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included attack frequency, migraine days, doses of analgesics, adverse events (AEs), and other relevant measures. Dichotomous variables were reported as risk ratios (RR) or risk differences (RD), and continuous variables as mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD); all estimates were presented with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) were employed to assess evidence reliability and certainty. The neurovascular regulatory mechanisms of Siguan points for migraine were systematically reviewed.
RESULTS
Analysis of 19 RCTs (1312 participants) demonstrated significant improvements with SPBAT in clinical effective rate (RR 1.22 [1.14, 1.31]), VAS for headache intensity (MD -1.11…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,312 participants or records.
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