How Acupuncture Helps Fibromyalgia
How acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help: According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, an imbalance in the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) can create symptoms and signs that reflect a western diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Qi is the vital energy 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 of fibromyalgia can appear.
What does an acupuncturist do? An acupuncturist will take a complete health history in order to find out where Qi has become blocked, and/or why the amount of Qi within the body has changed. He or she will then develop a treatment plan tailored to address the meridian pathways that are out of balance. The goal of this plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances.
What is out-of-balance? The body constantly strives to maintain a healthy balance of Qi traveling through the meridian pathways. When the flow of Qi has been disrupted, or the supply of Qi has changed, the body becomes unbalanced and the meridians cannot properly nourish the body. This is when signs and symptoms appear.
Most cases of fibromyalgia fit into the Chinese diagnosis of a Liver, Spleen, and/or Heart disharmony. This does not mean that these organs have a problem. It means that the functions of these organ/meridian pathways, according to Chinese medical diagnosis, are out of balance.
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QUICK FACTS
The diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can be confirmed when eleven out of eighteen specific points on the body are tender to pressure. Interestingly, some of these tender points closely correspond to the location of ancient acupuncture points.
Fibromyalgia affects about 3-6% of the world’s population, and estimated 200-400 million people worldwide, with higher numbers among women than men. People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, pain, stiffness, aches, and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders and intestinal/bowel troubles.
