Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition with symptoms such as widespread pain, extreme sensitivity to light, odors, sound and touch, excessive fatigue and sleep disturbances. It can also be accompanied by a wide variety of other symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, facial pain, chest pain, anxiety, dizziness, numbness in feet and hands, depression, mood changes and dry eyes, mouth and skin.

Though the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, many studies have linked the condition to Lyme Disease, genetics, stress, anxiety, trauma, depression and abnormal dopamine or serotonin levels. Fibromyalgia is more prevalent in women than men, usually between the ages of 20 and 50, and is not contagious, life threatening or progressive in nature. It does however go through stages of flare-ups and remission.

There are many treatments that can reduce flare ups and keep the condition under control, from pain relievers, muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants to anti-seizure drugs, dopamine agonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Fibromyalgia patients have also reported successfully using acupuncture treatments to lessen symptoms and provide relief.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is used for health and healing. In Chinese medicine it is thought that the body has 12 meridians or pathways in which energy flows. Acupuncture uses fine, thin needles on specific points along the meridians to unblock stuck energy and allow one’s energy or ‘chi’ to flow unobstructed throughout the body. It has been used in China for at least 2,000, though some say it has been a popular form of healing in China for 4,000 years.

There have been several different studies using acupuncture to help treat fibromyalgia. In these studies patients have reported that acupuncture helped to lessen and relieve pain, increase energy, reduce fatigue, reduce depression and help with the overall condition of fibromyalgia. Patients report less pain with acupuncture and many report a marked improvement in anxiety and depression.

Though there will always be skeptics, there are also many in the medical community who are suggesting acupuncture for fibromyalgia, in addition to regular doctor treatments. It is estimated that at least 10 million Americans spend nearly $500 million a year on acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of ailments.



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