Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic disorder in the United States behind arthritis, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, pain, stiffness, aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorder and intestinal and bowel troubles.
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be confirmed when 11 out of 18 specific points on the body are tender to pressure. Interestingly, some of these tender points closely correspond to the location of ancient acupuncture points.
How acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help
According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, an imbalance in the flow of Qi can create symptoms and signs that reflect a Western diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Qi (pronounced “chee”") is the energy or power that animates and supports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians and provides nourishment for the entire body.
When Qi is abundant and freely circulating throughout the body, there is health and pain-free living. When Qi becomes “blocked,” or the supply is inadequate, pain, stiffness and other symptoms related to fibromyalgia can appear.
What is out-of-balance?
Most cases of fibromyalgia fit into the Chinese diagnosis of a Liver, Spleen, and/or Heart disharmony. This doesn’t mean that these organs have a “problem,” it means that the “functions” of these organs/meridian pathways according to Chinese medical diagnosis are out of balance.
The functions related to the Liver organ, according to Chinese medicine, are to control the smooth flow of blood, Qi and emotions and to nourish the tendons. When the Liver meridian becomes “blocked” there will be an inadequite supply of bloodand Qi flowing throughout the body. The tendons and muscles will not be properly nourished, leading to stiffness and pain. Other symptoms of a “blocked” Liver are depression, anger, anxiety, and insomnia. A Liver imbalance may be caused by improper diet, stress, deep unexpressed anger, drugs, and alcohol.
The Chinese function of the Spleen is to transform the food that we ingest into Qi and blood. The health of the Spleen is affected by diet, over-concentration, and worry. An unbalanced Spleen can result in fatigue, digestive troubles, muscle stiffness, and pain.
When there is an insufficient amount of Qi and blood produced by the Spleen, the Heart organ will be affected. The role of the Heart is to pump blood throughout the body. It is also considered to be home for the Spirit. Symptoms can include anxiety, palpitation, insomnia, and emotions unrest.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe alternative in the effective treatment of fibromyalgia. Along with acupuncture, natural herbal formulas, dietary recommendations and calming exercises can also help promote balance and health.
In November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stated that acupuncture could be affective in treating fibromyalgia. Not only can it treat the pain and discomfort, but it can also address the underlying problems that have caused the imbalance. In other research, subjects who received acupuncture experienced an overall improvement in fatigue, anxiety, and the hypersensitivity associated with fibromyalgia.
