Context

Episodic or chronic tension-type headache (TTH) is a common type of headache characterised by a bilaterally pressing or tightening quality of pain, not aggravated by activity and usually without autonomic symptoms.1 Acupuncture originated in China about 2500 years ago involving the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points.2 Several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that different kinds of acupuncture may have various effects on patients with TTH, although its effectiveness is still controversial. This systematic review is an update of Cochrane review originally published in 2009,3 investigating whether acupuncture is more effective than no prophylactic treatment/routine care only, more effective than ‘sham’ (placebo) acupuncture or …