Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Many people struggle to find relief because the cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood. While physiotherapy and medication can help, acupuncture offers a natural and effective way to manage symptoms.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia affects the nervous system, making the body more sensitive to pain. People with this condition often feel sore all over, experience deep muscle pain, and have trouble sleeping. Stress and emotional strain can make symptoms worse.
Symptoms can vary from person to person but commonly include:
•Chronic muscle pain and stiffness
•Fatigue and lack of energy
•Poor sleep quality
•Headaches and migraines
•Digestive issues like bloating and IBS
•Difficulty concentrating (‘fibro fog’)
Because fibromyalgia is a long-term condition, treatment needs to focus on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing pain, improving sleep, and restoring balance in the body.
How Can Acupuncture Help?
Acupuncture is an ancient treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It works by:
• Reducing Pain Sensitivity – Acupuncture can block pain signals and encourage the body to release natural painkillers like endorphins.
• Improving Sleep – Many fibromyalgia patients struggle with poor sleep. Acupuncture helps to calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality.
• Reducing Stress and Fatigue – Acupuncture lowers stress hormones, helping people feel more relaxed and energized.
• Boosting Blood Flow – Increased circulation helps to relieve muscle stiffness and reduce inflammation.
• Balancing the Nervous System – Acupuncture helps regulate overactive nerve responses, which can make fibromyalgia pain feel more intense.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Most people start with 1–2 sessions per week for 6–8 weeks. Some feel relief within the first few treatments, while others need more time. After initial improvements, treatments may be spaced out to once a month for maintenance.
What Does Research Say?
Several studies support the benefits of acupuncture for fibromyalgia:
1. Pain Relief: A study published in Pain Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain levels in fibromyalgia patients compared to those who did not receive acupuncture (Deare et al., 2013).
2.Better Sleep: Research in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that acupuncture improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue in fibromyalgia patients (Langhorst et al., 2010).
3. Long-Term Benefits: A review in BMJ Open suggested that acupuncture provides lasting relief for fibromyalgia, especially when combined with other treatments like physiotherapy (Vickers et al., 2018).
What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment
During a session, fine needles are gently inserted into specific points on your body. Most people find it relaxing, and many feel relief after just a few sessions. A full course of treatment may include weekly or fortnightly sessions depending on your symptoms.
Take the First Step Towards Pain Relief
If you are struggling with fibromyalgia and want a natural way to manage your symptoms, acupuncture may help. Book an appointment with me today to start feeling better. Let’s work together to improve your health and quality of life.
References
•Deare, J. C., Zheng, Z., Xue, C. C., Liu, J. P., Shang, J., Scott, S. W., & Littlejohn, G. (2013). Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia. Pain Medicine, 14(5), 639–650.
•Langhorst, J., Klose, P., Musial, F., Häuser, W., & Bernardy, K. (2010). Efficacy of acupuncture in fibromyalgia syndrome—a systematic review with a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(4), 397–407.
•Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., … & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 8(1), e019317.
