Mayo Clinic Study Shows Acupuncture Can Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by muscle pain, stiffness in soft tissues (including muscles, tendons, and ligament), multiple tender points and fatigue. Fibromyalgia is not dangerous or life threatening, but the symptoms can be very disruptive. This syndrome tends to be more common in women than in men. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders are likely to develop fibromyalgia. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but medicines and alternative therapies can help manage the symptoms.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia may be worsened by mental or physical stress, poor sleep, traumatic injury, and exposure to damp or cold conditions. In fibromyalgia, A widespread pain is common and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as poor sleep, anxiety, depression, fatigue, morning stiffness, numbness in the hands and feet, jaw pain, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome.

There are eighteen common tender points associated with this condition. Western medical diagnosis requires at least 11 of the 18 designated tender points to be reactive. Tender points are typically located around the neck, chest, elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips. There is no test to completely confirm its diagnosis; instead it is often diagnosed by ruling out other diseases.

In a recent Mayo Clinic study, acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Among the 50 participants treated, those who received acupuncture reported improvement in various symptoms including fatigue and anxiety.

In Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine there is an axiom that states - if there is free flow there is no pain and if there is pain there is no free flow. This flow refers to all aspects of circulation that can impact body function such as blood circulation, breathing patterns, posture, emotional imbalances, low energy, and irregular lifestyle habits. It is important to promote regularity. Good health thrives on smoothness, comfort and consistency in the daily patterns that influence our lives. Forming healthy habits promotes relaxation by having familiar routines. Well-formed routines require less effort allowing the body, mind and spirit to conserve energy for unexpected circumstances and the accompanying stresses. Irregularity in our eating habits, sleep, work schedule, physical and mental demands including emotional imbalances can cause stagnation and result in health imbalances in general. Lifestyle adjustments are also important for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, and a hi-vegetable / low-sugar diet can be helpful. A gradual form of exercise such as Tai Chi Chuan that promotes flexibility, circulation and minimizes muscle fatigue is also beneficial. Being aware of healthy lifestyle patterns is the key to preventative medicine and nurturing wellness.

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Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
April 14, 2007