Treating Fibromyalgia With Acupuncture

Treating Fibromyalgia With Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition whose main symptoms are muscle pain, fatigue, and poor sleep. Fibromyalgia is chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness; as well as fatigue, poor sleep and the presence of localized tender points. This syndrome affects roughly four to six million Americans, about 75 percent of who are women between the ages of thirty to fifty. One recent survey estimated that approximately 20 percent of people who suffer from fibromyalgia undergo acupuncture therapy within two years of diagnosis. If you or a loved one suffers from fibromyalgia, read on and watch above to learn more about the possible healing effects of acupuncture. Since fibromyalgia causes depression the acupuncturist can also help with the symptoms of depression. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. The practice of acupuncture is based on the theory that there are patterns of energy flow through the body that are essential for health. Health is defined in terms of a vital force of energy called Qi, which circulates between the organs along channels called meridians. Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists seek to identify imbalances in the Qi. Once this imbalance is identified, the acupuncture practitioner then selects the appropriate acupuncture points from among approximately 360 points distributed along the body’s meridians. The practice of acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific acupuncture points on the skin. These points are stimulated by the insertion of needles ranging in length from one to ten centimeters. The typical treatment will use anywhere from five to fifteen needles, with varying point combinations. The needles are inserted to a depth of about five centimeters. Using the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, fibromyalgia occurs due to an imbalance in the energy flow of the body. In the treatment of fibromyalgia, the following acupuncture points are used: UB 11, 17, 18, 20 and 23. Typically, the patient is treated once to twice a week for six weeks. Usually, after about ten to twelve treatments, the patient will feel significant pain reduction and an improvement in energy and sleeping patterns. It also helps to apply a topical pain formula such as Biofreeze over the acupuncture points. The best products can be found at www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com A recent study performed at the University of Maryland evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. The researchers selected all randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials, or cohort studies of patients with fibromyalgia that were treated with acupuncture. They concluded that real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture for relieving pain, increasing pain thresholds, improving global ratings, and reducing the morning stiffness of fibromyalgia. However, they also noted that the length of recovery could not be determined. Many patients may require repeat treatments. In most cases of fibromyalgia unexpected weight gain can occur. If this is a problem, acupuncture can help.