Fibromyalgia Acupuncture

The Verdict Is Out On Fibromyalgia Acupuncture, As Some Don't Know Whether It Truly Works, Or If It's A Placebo.

Opinions and studies on fibromyalgia acupuncture can be contradictory, with some studies claiming it's beneficial, and some claiming that it's not, and whatever relief happens is a placebo effect. In some studies, the needles didn't pierce the skin, or were used in points on the body that wouldn't have eased the pain. Fibromyalgia is actually a syndrome, which is a constellation of signs and symptoms with no one underlying cause. It causes chronic pain and "tender points" all over the body, sudden "Charley horse" muscle spasms, fatigue, insomnia and often great emotional distress. The disease overwhelmingly strikes women and seems to run in families.

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy from China, first recorded around 300 B. C. The therapy helps balance the "chi," or energy in the body, by inserting very thin needles at certain acupoints. Sufferers who wish to try fibromyalgia acupuncture should speak to their doctor, who might be able to recommend an acupuncturist who's certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The first visit to the acupuncturist might be very much like the first visit to a traditional western doctor, with an assessment, though the patient's tongue might be examined. Some forms of insurance will even cover acupuncture.

Though fibromyalgia acupuncture might bring relief, the relief won't last past the course of treatment. When the patient and doctor agree on a course of acupuncture for fibromyalgia, it has to be maintained for as long as the patient suffers from the syndrome. During a treatment, which lasts about a half an hour, the acupuncturist inserts sterilized, hair thin, stainless steel needles into acupoints in the body. The needles stay in for about 15 to 20 minutes. Because the needles are so thin and inserted with such expertise, they allegedly don't hurt. Some fibromyalgia sufferers who experience even temporary relief find it worthwhile.