What Can Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Offer?
Annie Beal
Researchers have found that at least three million people suffer from
fibromyalgia. Others suggest the number is closer to eight or nine million.
Thousands are now finding relief with acupuncture for fibromyalgia.
The American College of Rheumatology reports that fibromyalgia is second
only to arthritis when it comes to rheumatic disorders in the United States.
There is no known cause for fibromyalgia (FMS).
It is believed it can be triggered by events such as a viral or bacterial
infection, a car accident or the development of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
or hypothyroidism. These events may awaken a physiological abnormality that
already exists in the body.
Whatever the cause, there are some exciting new developments for treating
the constant pain associated with fibromyalgia. And one of the most
promising is acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been used throughout China for thousands of years. A
research study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health in 1997 found
acupuncture for fibromyalgia to be an effective treatment.
Dr. Don Goldenberg, a fibromyalgia specialist at Newton Wellesley Hospital
in Massachusetts, finds that acupuncture for fibromyalgia gives positive
results when used along with more conventional treatments. "Acupuncture
clearly can help lots of chronic pain issues, including fibromyalgia,
reports Dr. Goldenberg.
Acupuncture for fibromyalgia is not a cure, but it can help control the
symptoms. It does not work for everyone.
"Some people respond spectacularly - but not all, reports Dr. Wendell
Hatfield, a Denver rheumatologist who is also trained in acupuncture. "And
as with all treatments for chronic conditions, it's not a cure."
Acupuncture is not painful. Very thin needles are inserted into the skin at
specific points in the body.
Acupuncture is based on a theory that an essential life energy called "chi"
(qi) flows through the body along channels called meridians. According to
Chinese theory, pain results when the flow of qi is blocked or out of
balance.
Acupuncture for fibromyalgia stimulates specific points along the meridians,
to restore correct the flow of qi so the pain will be relieved.
Western scientists aren't sure how acupuncture for fibromyalgia works. They
believe the acupuncture points are related to known trigger points rich in
nerve endings. When acupuncture points are stimulated, chemicals are
released into the muscles, spinal cord and brain that produce the body's
natural pain-killing endorphins.
In addition to medications and acupuncture, patients have had some success
with physical therapy, acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback, chiropractic
treatment, therapeutic massage, or an appropriate exercise program.
A great source of information on the latest treatments for Fibromyalgia is
the Fibromyalgia Network. Their publications are very patient friendly and
describe the latest research. Contact them at 800-853-2929. Take the first
step toward getting relief for Fibromyalgia naturally by trying acupuncture
for fibromyalgia.
Annie Beal makes it easy for anyone to feel better
naturally with acupuncture and acupressure. To
receive your free 7-part mini-course visit:
http://www.acupuncturegold.com/tips.html
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