Relieving Fibromyalgia Pain Through Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia, a condition constituted by widespread pain and fatigue, is a difficult condition to live with from day to day. In my past few posts, I have been discussing how getting good sleep and exercising regularly either in the water or outside the pool can help reduce Fibromyalgia pain naturally. Likewise, acupuncture can also naturally reduce Fibromyalgia pain.

What Is Acupuncture Supposed To Do?

Acupuncture has been utilized as part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years in China; however, the United States has more recently begun to employ acupuncture in the treatment of several conditions. The theory behind acupuncture is that we have a form of energy, known as qi, flowing inside us. Qi flows along invisible pathways in our bodies called meridians. When the flow of qi is blocked or disturbed, we develop pain or illness.

During acupuncture, small, thin needles are placed along the meridians in specific places. Placing the needles at these specific places is supposed to unblock the meridian, making qi flow more easily throughout our bodies, which is supposed to alleviate pain and heal illness.

The scientific theory behind acupuncture, however, is different. Scientists believe that when acupuncture needles are stuck into the body at specific points, the brain releases more endorphins, which help reduce pain. In fact, researchers have discovered increased amounts of endorphins in the spinal fluid of individuals who suffer from pain and were undergoing acupuncture.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

In one study, researchers discovered the effectiveness of acupuncture for Fibromyalgia pain. The study was conducted in Sweden and involved nine adults who suffered from Fibromyalgia. Each participant in the study underwent 10-14 sessions of acupuncture over the span of two to three months. The researchers followed the participants for six months after receiving acupuncture treatment as well.

The researchers discovered by three months of acupuncture treatment, participants experienced a significant reduction in pain, which lasted for eight weeks after acupuncture treatments ended.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

I think a lot of people want to know if acupuncture will hurt or not before they go in to get it themselves. I cannot personally answer this question because I have not ever had acupuncture. However, I have heard that some individuals do not feel anything when the needles are inserted into the appropriate places on the body while other feel a slight stinging sensation when the needles are placed. I have also heard that once the needles are placed, no more pain is felt.

If you are suffering from Fibromyalgia pain, you may want to consider acupuncture as a natural way to reduce your pain.

Source: New Hope For People With Fibromyalgia by Theresa Foy DiGeroimo M.Ed.