Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating condition with a wide range of symptoms. There is currently no cure, and scientists are only now starting to understand the origins of this disorder.
For now, treatment for fibromyalgia is a combination of patient education, behavioral therapy, exercise, and pain management. Because of the limits and possible side effects of pharmaceutical pain management, many patients are turning to acupuncture for this piece of the puzzle.
In this article, we will look at fibromyalgia pain in more detail, including what causes the condition from an eastern and western perspective, as well as take a brief look at the latest research on acupuncture for fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain which can affect multiple areas of the body at once. There are 18 points known as ‘fibromyalgia pain points’ which often become tender in people who suffer from the condition. These points are located around the neck, shoulders, chest, and hips as shown in the image at the top of this post.
In addition to fibromyalgia pain, there are a number of other symptoms which can affect patients to varying degrees. These include:
Fatigue
Poor sleep
Cognitive difficulties, sometimes known as ‘fibro-fog’
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
People with fibromyalgia may also suffer from issues such as anxiety and depression due to the serious nature of their symptoms.
How many of these do you have?
Pain
Fatigue/Brain Fog
Headaches
Sleep Difficulty
You can vote for more than one answer.
Fibromyalgia Causes: A Western Perspective
From the viewpoint of western medicine, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. However, scientists are finally getting closer to finding an answer. It is currently thought that fibromyalgia is a result of an imbalance between the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and another chemical called substance P.
Low serotonin and high substance P levels are thought to over-sensitize the central nervous system, meaning that things that would not normally be uncomfortable can cause severe fibromyalgia pain. Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters can also affect mood, sleep, and appetite.
It is unclear why some people develop fibromyalgia, but it often appears for the first time following severe emotional stress, an injury, or an infection. There also seems to be a genetic factor, meaning that if you are closely related to someone with fibromyalgia, you may be at an increased risk of developing it too.
Fibromyalgia Causes: An Eastern Perspective
Eastern medicines such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) view the body very differently from western medicine. Therefore, they see the major fibromyalgia causes in a very different way.
In TCM, there are a number of reasons why somebody might develop fibromyalgia, and the exact diagnosis will depend on their individual symptoms. However, there is one diagnosis that appears to be far more common than any other, and that is Liver-qi stagnation with Spleen-qi deficiency.
What this means is that the Liver and Spleen are unable to perform their functions effectively, leading to various symptoms throughout the body and mind. The Liver is responsible for the circulation of qi and blood around the body. This is an essential task, as qi and blood are needed for every muscle, tissue, and organ to function as they should.
Unfortunately, the Liver is badly affected by stress, an all-too-common problem in our busy, modern lives. Stress causes the muscles of the body to tense up, making it difficult for qi and blood to flow as freely as they should. This can lead to pain and stiffness, two of the major symptoms of fibromyalgia, along with emotional issues such as depression.
People with fibromyalgia also often have somewhat weakened Spleens. In TCM, the Spleen is one of the major digestive organs, and it is responsible for taking energy from food and converting it into a form that can be used by the body.
When the Spleen is not functioning as it should, a variety of physical and mental symptoms can arise. These include digestive issues, low energy, weak muscles, and difficulty thinking straight. The Liver and the Spleen are directly connected via the controlling cycle of the five elements, and so Liver issues can easily impact the Spleen over time.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
In western medicine, fibromyalgia treatments are fairly limited. They include medication to help manage symptoms such as pain, sleep problems, and mood disorders, combined with exercises and therapies such as CBT.
TCM fibromyalgia treatments include acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine. These are usually combined with lifestyle and dietary advice to help patients to manage their condition more effectively.
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
Many people find acupuncture for fibromyalgia helpful. It is well known as a treatment for pain, and may also help to improve sleep, mood, and energy levels.
From a TCM point of view, acupuncture benefits fibromyalgia by improving the circulation of qi and blood, and strengthening the Liver and Spleen. The exact treatment will depend on each patient’s individual needs and unique set of symptoms.
From a western perspective, acupuncture for fibromyalgia works in a number of ways. These include the following:
Changing the way that your nervous system processes pain signals
Releasing your body’s natural painkillers known as endorphins
Regulating neurotransmitter levels
Reducing substance P levels
Relaxing the muscles
Relieving stress
You may be wondering whether some acupuncture points are the same as the fibromyalgia pain points mentioned above. Although some of these points are in similar locations, they are not one and the same. So, if you are worried about having acupuncture in an especially tender spot, you needn’t be. Just let your acupuncturist know which areas are uncomfortable, and they will do their best to avoid them.
Research on Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
This 2019 article, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Pain Research, presents the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials investigating acupuncture’s effect on Fibromyalgia pain.
In total, over 850 subjects were tested. The conclusion of the article is that “acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for patients with FM, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of FM.” Read the full article here.
Tips for Treating Fibromyalgia with Chinese Medicine
In addition to acupuncture and massage, your provider may offer your treatment with Chinese herbal medicine. This is likely to include herbs to benefit circulation, while strengthening the Liver and Spleen, although your exact prescription will depend on your symptoms.
You will also be given personalized lifestyle and dietary advice, which you should follow as closely as possible. Lifestyle advice for fibromyalgia is likely to include:
Keep your stress levels to a minimum by practicing relaxation techniques
Take part in regular, gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet including plenty of fruit and veg, whole grains, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids
Try using anti-inflammatory spices like ginger and turmeric in your cooking
Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine, and smoking
Avoid too many cold or raw foods which can weaken your Spleen
Talk about your condition with friends and family and ask for support if necessary
Consider a talking therapy such as CBT to help you to cope with your symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to live with but, fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your health and well-being without the need for medication.
If you would like to talk more one-on-one, please use this link to schedule a free 30 minute consultation with me at my office in downtown Prescott, AZ.
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