Effect of acupuncture on myogenic headache

The purpose of the investigation was to study the effect of acupuncture on myogenic headache and to examine whether electromyographic recordings of jaw muscle activity would provide objective evidence of the effect of such treatment. In 21 dental students, 14 males and seven females, with a history of 2--10 years of headache, acupuncture was performed unilaterally in the foot between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones (G 41). The needle was inserted to a depth of 10--15 mm and moved continuously by hand for 15--20 min. Electromyographic recordings of postural activity in the right and left anterior temporal and masseter muscles were obtained in the same sitting before, during and after acupuncture treatment. In clinical controls 24 h, 1 month and 4 months after the treatment, 12 subjects reported considerable improvement, two variable results, and seven no change. The electromyographic recordings showed an average decrease in postural activity during acupuncture, particularly of the temporalis muscles, and a further decrease after completed treatment. However, marked individual variations in muscular response were noted. The results indicate that acupuncture treatment can relieve headache, and that electromyographic recordings may provide objective evidence of the effect of acupuncture.