Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia has been shown to be effective in numerous studies both in China and the West. Fibromyalgia is by nature an elusive disorder, sometimes sarcastically described  as a trash can diagnosis in that it represents more of a syndrome that a typical medical etiology. Typically it is represented by widespread soft tissue pain, achiness, numbness and poor sleep. In addition there are multiple tender points which are bilateral and symmetrical on the body. There is often an cognitive component involved as memory and attention span are impaired. One of the common complaints among many sufferers of fibromyalgia is the desire ‘ to get my mind back ‘.  Western medicine presents with few answers and patients are frequently told that they have to live with it. There are a hand full of pharmacological drugs which are recommended but the results are poor and there are side effects that the patients have to live with. In the context of Oriental Medicine,  Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia is often seen as an imbalance of the Liver and the Spleen. More specifically this is often viewed as a qi stagnation of anger or emotions damaging the liver or possibly spleen and digestive problems due to dietary imbalance. Western antibiotics or living in an damp environment can also be a factor. Typically a treatment protocol for fibromyalgia will involve eight to ten acupuncture treatments. Needles are placed under the skin along the meridians which are the energy pathways in acupuncture. This produces complex changes in the brain causing a cascade response from the hypothalamus by stimulating nerve fibers to help release certain hormones particular in the adrenals. Dietary recommendations are also made to help flush the kidneys of sugar. In utilizing Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia an acupuncturist may often suggest the use of Chinese herbs to speed the healing along. Such formulas as Xiao Yao San will support the liver and fortify the spleen and are easily obtainable in any major city.

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