Acupuncture Offers Long Lasting Benefits For Fibromyalgia
This condition affects around 1 in 25 people in the UK and is something I see frequently in my Clinic. Fibromyalgia affects many more women than men – the reasons for this remain unknown – and can be associated with other life-limiting conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, headaches, depression and Restless Leg Syndrome.
The name Fibromyalgia literally translates as pain (algia) coming from muscles (my) and connective tissues (fibro). The exact cause of it varies from person to person but is often associated with stress, infections and changes in the balance of chemicals in the brain that regulate pain sensitivity.
Can medication help with fibromyalgia?
Unfortunately most medications prescribed for fibromyalgia do little to relieve the condition. Long term use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen and Naproxen can lead to digestive problems as the lining of the stomach gets damaged and inflamed: stronger painkillers are not recommended because of the risk of addiction.
Anti-depressants are sometimes used to relieve any depression and anxiety caused by the condition, and can also ease sleeping problems.
How can Acupuncture help?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture is proven to bring lasting relief to fibromyalgia patients. A recent study in Spain compared acupuncture with a placebo treatment. The group of 164 patients were assigned to either an acupuncture group or a placebo group (in this study, the placebo was sham-acupuncture) and all participants received their selected therapy for 10 weeks.
At the end of the trial, those receiving TCM acupuncture reported significant decreases in pain and improvements in fatigue, anxiety and depression, compared to the placebo group.
These improvements were shown to be sustained at a 12 month follow up too.
TCM Acupuncture brings relief from fibromyalgia by;
- Stimulating nerves in muscles and tissues to release endorphins, the bodys own ‘feel good’ chemicals
- Altering the balance of brain chemicals in favour of pain relief and mood elevation
- Improving microcirculation in muscles and connective tissues
- Reducing muscular inflammation
Will exercise and nutrition help too?
Gentle exercise can improve fibromyalgia symptoms – the trick is to exercise enough to feel the benefit but not to overwork the muscles! Yoga, swimming and outdoor walking are good forms of exercise to begin with.
Nutrition has much to offer for fibromyalgia. Dark green leafy vegetables, buckwheat and cashew nuts are all excellent sources of magnesium, a key mineral for muscle health and pain management. Oily fish, nuts and seeds provide healthy essential fats that can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Drinking plenty of water (at least 1.5l per day) is vital – dehydrated muscles will be painful muscles!
Epsom salt baths
Many fibromyalgia sufferers find warm baths soothing to their symptoms. Adding 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to a bath can make a huge difference: the salts are rich in magnesium which eases cramps and muscle pains and calms the nervous system.
Are pain and fatigue driving you to despair?
Struggling to work and enjoy life because of fibromyalgia pain?
I am one of the UK’s top 3 Acupuncturists and have many years experience in supporting clients with painful, debilitating conditions. Call NOW 07788 633292 or email at info@yorktraditionalacupuncture.co.ukand discover FREEDOM from FIBROMYALGIA!