The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles, joints, and other soft tissues of the body. While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are a number of treatments available that can help alleviate the symptoms and improve quality of life. One of those treatments is acupuncture.
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that originated in China thousands of years ago it involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. An acupuncturist inserts thin sterile needles into specific points on the body known as acupoints, with the goal of balancing the body's energy flow, or Qi.
The needles used in acupuncture are typically made of stainless steel, and are very fine, typically about the thickness of a human hair. Acupuncturists may insert the needles to various depths depending on the specific condition being treated and the acupuncturist's training and experience.
Some practitioners may also use heat, pressure, or electrical stimulation on the needles. The goal of acupuncture is to stimulate the body's natural healing responses and promote balance and harmony within the body. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, offering a number of benefits for those who suffer from this condition.
Acupuncture is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, headache, anxiety, depression, and nausea, among others. While some scientific studies have found acupuncture to be effective for certain conditions, others have not. As with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning acupuncture or any other form of alternative medicine.
One of the main benefits of acupuncture for fibromyalgia is that it can help reduce pain and inflammation. In a study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, researchers found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with fibromyalgia. Another study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in fibromyalgia patients when compared to a control group.
Acupuncture has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that acupuncture was effective in improving sleep in fibromyalgia patients, which in turn led to improvements in fatigue and overall quality of life.
Acupuncture has very few side effects and is generally considered safe for most people to try. It is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve medication, making it a good option for those who prefer natural therapies or who may be sensitive to certain medications.
Acupuncture has been deemed a safe and effective treatment option for fibromyalgia that offers a number of benefits, including pain reduction, improved physical function, better sleep, and reduced fatigue. While it may not work for everyone, it is definitely worth considering as a supplemental therapy for those who are struggling to manage their fibromyalgia symptoms.
My personal experience with acupuncture is nonexistent. My previous Drs have told me that I was not a candidate for acupuncture and that it may cause more harm than good. As with any new treatment you should discuss it with your Dr before trying anything new.
I was advised by my Dr that acupuncture for fibromyalgia needs to be performed by an acupuncturist that understands and has been trained on how to treat fibromyalgia. Since acupuncture targets soft tissue and fibromyalgia can also affect soft tissue, in some cases it can do more harm than good. Just because by my experience with dabbling in it has not been too positive doesn’t mean that it won’t help you. Do the research and speak to your healthcare practitioner about possibly using acupuncture to treat your symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. As with any new course of treatment stay safe and remember you are never alone. You have a whole community behind you ❤️
References:
1. Martin DP, Sletten CD, Williams BA, Berger IH. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med. 2006 Sep;38(5):372-7.
2. Harris RE, Tian X, Williams DA, et al. Treatment of fibromyalgia with formula acupuncture: investigation of needle placement, needle stimulation, and treatment frequency. J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Oct;11(5):663-71.
3. Deluze C et al. Electroacupuncture in fibromyalgia: results of a controlled trial. BMJ. 1992 Jun 6; 305(6846):1249-52.
4. Assefi NP, Sherman KJ, Jacobsen C, et al. A randomized clinical trial of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture in fibromyalgia. Ann Intern Med. 2005 Jul 5;143(1):10-9.
5. Harris RE, Zubieta JK, Scott DJ, Napadow V, Gracely RH, Clauw DJ. Traditional Chinese acupuncture and placebo (sham) acupuncture are differentiated by their effects on mu-opioid receptors (MORs). Neuroimage. 2009 Oct 15;47(4):1077-85.