Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder with a wide spread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness in all 4 quadrants of the body. Due to lack of physical damage and laboratory tests for confirmation, fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. The duration is at minimum of 3 months and pain develops upon pressure application to at least 11 to 18 designated points of the body. The pain is often associated with fatigue, poor sleep and stiffness. Around 75 percent of affected patients are women between the ages of 35 and 55. Symptoms often appear following physical or emotional trauma.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain is a result of stagnation of Qi (Life energy). Acupuncture is a safe, natural and effective way to treat fibromyalgia without drugs and their side effects. The thin needles stimulate the body to produce endorphins, the body’s own “painkillers”.
Due to it being a chronic condition, fibromyalgia may require longer course of treatment to achieve prolonged results. It has been my experience that some patients feel pain relieve and improved sleep patterns immediately after the first treatment. However, majority of patients require further treatment for greater results. Herbal enhancements are sometimes also supplemented in addition to the acupuncture treatment, depending on severity of the case.