Objective To observe the effect of otopoint-needle embedment on migraine and to explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Ninety-two migraine outpatients were equally randomized into acupuncture group and medication group.For patients of the acupuncture group

one sterilized intradermal needle was inserted into E(MA-AT)-point and advanced toward Nie(Temple-point

MA-AT)

then another inserted into Nie(Temple-point

MA-AT) and advanced toward Zhen(Occipus-point

MA-AT)

followed by fixing the needles with a piece of adhesive-tape respectively

combined with Wei(Stomach-point

MA-IC)

Jiaogan(Sympathesis-point

MA-AH 7) for migraine patients with nausea and vomiting

and with Yan(Eye-point

MA-L 1) for those with phengophobia.Plasma serotonin(5-HT) contents before and after the treatment were detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry.Results In comparison with the pre-treatment

the synthetic scores of two groups one month and 6 months after the treatment were decreased significantly(P<0.01).The integrative sores of the acupuncture group one month and 6 months after the treatment were significantly lower than those of the medication group(P<0.01).The total effective rates of recent efficacy and long-term efficacy of the acupuncture group were 82.61%(38/46) and 83.72%(36/43) respectively

being significantly higher than those [67.39%(31/46) and 57.14%(24/42)] of the medication group.After the treatment

plasma 5-HT content of the acupuncture group was remarkablely higher than that of the medication group(P<0.05).Conclusion Otopoint-needle implant can effectively relieve headache in migraine patients and upregulate plasma 5-HT level.