Fibromyalgia & Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain and increased sensitivity throughout the body. It can also be associated with fatigue, poor or unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulties, headaches and digestive symptoms.

Symptoms can fluctuate considerably, and the experience of fibromyalgia can vary significantly from person to person.

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy as part of the broader management of fibromyalgia.

Treatment may focus on supporting symptoms such as pain, muscular tension, sleep disturbance, stress and overall wellbeing. Because people with fibromyalgia can experience increased sensitivity to pressure and stimulation, acupuncture treatment can be adjusted to be particularly gentle when needed.

Treatment is always adapted to the individual, including their pain sensitivity, energy levels and tolerance on the day.

Red Light Therapy can also be beneficial to those with fibromyalgia aimed to ease pain, support sleep and regulate the nervous system.

Fibromyalgia Through a Chinese Medicine Lens

Chinese medicine looks at the individual’s overall presentation rather than treating fibromyalgia as one uniform condition.

Treatment considers factors such as the location and nature of pain, fatigue, sleep, digestion, temperature, stress and other accompanying symptoms. Two people with fibromyalgia may therefore receive very different treatments.

The aim is to help manage symptoms while addressing the underlying Chinese medicine pattern contributing to the individual’s presentation.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are used alongside appropriate medical care and other strategies for managing fibromyalgia.

If you are living with fibromyalgia and would like to explore whether acupuncture or Chinese medicine may be a useful addition to your care, please GET IN TOUCH.