Fibromyalgia Syndrome affects an estimated two percent of the population. Conventional therapies are limited in the success of treating this complex and unexplained condition. Current treatment is largely comprised of prescribing different medications for the varying symptoms in a trial and error approach. Research shows that as many as 90 percent of people with fibromyalgia have turned to complimentary and alternative medicine to manage their symptoms. Acupuncture, in particular, has become a popular treatment choice and has shown to be an effective treatment for FMS. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic found acupuncture helpful in treating the fatigue and anxiety commonly experienced by fibromyalgia patients. In the trial, patients who received acupuncture to counter their fibromyalgia symptoms reported improvement in fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms. Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal side effects.
What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome? Fibromyalgia is a medically unexplained syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, a heightened and painful response to pressure, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. While not all affected persons experience all associated symptoms, the following symptoms commonly occur together: Chronic pain; debilitating fatigue; difficulty sleeping; anxiety and depression; joint stiffness; chronic headaches and jaw pain; difficulty swallowing; dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes; hypersensitivity to odors, bright lights, and loud noises; inability to concentrate; incontinence; irritable bowel syndrome; numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet; painful menstrual cramps; poor circulation in hands and feet and/or restless legs syndrome. Women are more prone to develop the disorder than are men, and the risk of fibromyalgia increases with age.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months and pain when pressure is applied to at least 11 of 18 designated tender points on the body. This condition does not result in any physical damage to the body or its tissues and there are no laboratory tests that can confirm this diagnosis.
What we can do for Fibromyalgia Syndrome? Chinese Meridians Massage helps relax the muscles, but also reduce anxiety therefore it helps lessen the symptoms. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs improves blood circulation, promotes energy flow, and decrease inflammation, therefore, relieving the pain.
For more information, please call Dr. Liyan Lu of Ping’s Acupuncture and Herb Center, at 661-513-9265.
Source: Mayo Clinic (2006, June 13). Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Study Finds.