Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

A recent study suggests that acupuncture is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia when the tender points are needled. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain throughout the body. There are 18 common painful points in people suffering from fibromyalgia, and out of these, 11 have to be painful when tested for a true diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It is estimated by scientists that about 5 million Americans have fibromyalgia, with about 80-90 percent of these being women. Some other symptoms noted are fatigue, trouble sleeping, headaches, and depression.

This new study was based on the needling of these painful points in each patient. The patients were given acupuncture treatment over a two month period of time. The study found that acupuncture increased the patient’s pain threshold, reduced pain sensitivity, relieved issues with sleep and depression, and increased the patient’s quality of life.

When a patient comes in to receive acupuncture therapy for fibromyalgia, a whole intake is done so that we may find out what the root of the problem is according to Chinese medicine. The additional symptoms as mentioned above are also taken into consideration so that a disease pattern may be figured out to provide the best treatment possible. Painful points, know as a shi, or local points, are often needled during a treatment, but so are many other points along the channel to help restore the free-flow of qi and blood as well as treat the specific disease pattern.

Controlling Stress

Stress is any factor that our body reacts to by changing in response to what is happening. When this factor is too abrupt or continues over time, our health can become negatively impacted. We all know how it feels to be stressed out. Many of us get the classic symptoms of a headache, shoulder tension, irritability, or insomnia. We may think we know it when we have it, but stress can cause a wide variety of symptoms which we may not think could be related at all, such as depression, excessive pain, hypertension, and even weight gain to name just a few.

The main organ to become affected by stress, according to Chinese medicine, is the Liver. This is the organ that is thought to control the smooth flow of qi, or energy, throughout the body. When the Liver becomes affected, we may see the more classic signs of stress, like the headache or irritability, before we see anything else. As the disharmony continues between the Liver and the other organs, more signs and symptoms may arise. These can range from an upset stomach, to anxiety, to fatigue. It can vary from individual to individual depending on what their case may be.

Given the laws of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are very effective in controlling excessive levels of stress and bringing the body back into balance. Many wonder how this may actually work. The main focus of an acupuncture treatment is to restore the flow of qi by accessing different acupuncture points. The points are chosen according to the patients symptoms and are also used to calm the mind. It has also been found that acupuncture reduces the levels of neuropeptide Y in the body, a molecule that is elevated when under stress. Additionally, research has shown acupuncture can increase Adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which can also play a role in calming the mind and promoting sleep.