Efficacy and Mechanism of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling Treatment for Migraine Without Aura

Participants were seated while the practitioner identified affected muscles (sternocleidomastoid, scalene, splenius capitis, and upper trapezius) via sliding palpation. After routine disinfection, a disposable FSN needle (Nanjing Paifu Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiangsu, China) was inserted parallel to the subcutaneous loose connective tissue surrounding the affected muscle. Once fully inserted, the soft tube stand was secured in the slot. After confirming no pain, the practitioner performed smooth, gentle, fan-shaped swaying movements (120° angle, \~100 times/min) with the index and ring fingers. This was accompanied by reperfusion activities-resistance-based contraction and relaxation of the affected muscles, performed collaboratively by the practitioner and participant. Each set comprised 20 swaying movements and 10 seconds of reperfusion, repeated three times per muscle.

Participants in the drug group were administered 5 mg flunarizine hydrochloride capsules nightly before sleep for 4 weeks.