Drug-free pain relief for the millions of people who suffer from debilitating migraines could be a possibility, a study has suggested. Suffered by 12 to 15 percent of Americans - roughly 40 million people - migraines are severe, recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Despite how prevalent they are, migraine patients often have to trial a laundry list of pills to find relief, many of which come with lingering side effects. But researchers in Brazil are pointing to an ancient, drug-free solution: acupuncture. Rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting tiny, extremely thin needles into sensitive nerves tied to the the body's meridian pathways, which are networks of invisible 'highways' that transport energy, or Qi. The needles can be inserted in the face, scalp, limbs, back, chest, glutes and abdomen. Acupuncture can be performed all over the body, but researchers examined a particular kind called auriculotherapy, which focuses on the outer portions of the ear. The team found that patients receiving auriculotherapy immediately had reduced their pain while suffering a migraine. And 30 days later, they continued to have less pain when they suffered from subsequent migraines and had improved their daily quality of life. A new study suggests acupuncture in the ear may help instantly reduce migraine pain, and quality of life benefits may last as long as a month