Experiences of acupuncture among women with migraine

The aim of this study was to describe experiences of acupuncture treatment among women with migraine. The study was based on narrative interviews with 10 women in the northern part of Sweden. The interview text was analysed using qualitative content analysis and the results were grouped into two categories: “experiences during acupuncture treatment” and “experiences after acupuncture treatment” and five subheadings. The experience of acupuncture during treatment varied between women, over time, and depending on external circumstances. Women stated that the patient–therapist relationship affected the experience both during and the outcome after acupuncture treatment. The results showed that acupuncture relieved pain, decreased the use of pharmaceuticals and increased emotional strength. When the migraine disappeared or was lessened, women felt that they could live life to the fullest again and felt that family and work did not suffer, as they did before the acupuncture treatment. Women felt a feeling of control over migraine and experienced safety in the effect of acupuncture. In conclusion, acupuncture seems to relieve the consequences of migraine and can be viewed as an alternative for physiotherapists in treating persons with migraine.