Acupuncture/Acupressure May Alleviate Painful Conditions

According to Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org, acupuncture and acupressure are commonly used to treat and alleviate the pain associated with not only fibromyalgia, but also other chronic pain, acute pain, gastrointestinal problems (IBS), cardiovascular conditions, and nerve and muscle disorders.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder considered disabling by many, and is characterized by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and symptoms such as fatigue, joint stiffness and sleep disturbance. No cure is known and available treatments are only partially effective.

Research
In a study performed by the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture was found to be helpful in alleviating fibromyalgia pain. Mayo's study involved 50 fibromyalgia patients enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial to determine if acupuncture improved their symptoms. Patients received six treatments over a two to three week period. Symptoms of patients who received acupuncture significantly improved compared with the control group, according to the study published in the June issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

"The results of the study convince me there is something more than the placebo effect to acupuncture," says David Martin, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the acupuncture article and a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist. "It affirms a lot of clinical impressions that this complementary medical technique is helpful for patients."

In their findings, researchers noted that the most significant improvements were found in fatigue and anxiety levels. Most of the patients said they enjoyed receiving the acupuncture and side effects were minimal but included bruising and soreness in those that had true acupuncture. Overall, though, researchers found that the reported relief acupuncture provided patients was on par with medications, such as anti-depressants and acetaminophen.

This study is one of just three randomized and controlled studies looking at the effects of acupuncture on fibromyalgia. While one of the other studies found that acupuncture was not effective for pain relief, the other reported similar results to those noted by the Mayo Clinic. Acupuncture for fibromyalgia was also shown to increase energy and reduce fatigue. Other studies have illustrated that acupuncture remains effective for up to one month after treatment. While more research clearly needs to be done, the findings so far do seem promising.

Another recent acupunture trial has also shown that stimulation in certain areas of the body is particularly helpful for relieving fibromyalgia pain. In the study, a needle was inserted into the trapezius muscles (near the back and shoulder) of both fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls. The needles helped to increase blood flow in fibromyalgia patients to a much greater degree than in the healthy controls. this increased blood circulation helped to reduce the number of tender points and increase muscle health.

How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture and acupressure work by restoring balance throughout the body. It also increases the amount of life force, known as "chi," in your body, thus restoring overall health. Western scientists are not entirely sure how acupuncture and acupressure works. It is believed that acupuncture may actually block pain impulses from reaching the brain and increase the level of endorphins in the body, thereby minimizing pain. In particular, acupuncture seems to increase serotonin, endomorphin-1, beta-endorphin, and encephalin, all of which are chemicals that help to reduce pain symptoms.

Treatement Session
Prior to your first acupuncture or acupressure session, the therapist will go over your medical history with you. This is in order to get information about your general health and the symptoms that you would like to see treated. Your therapist may ask specific questions about your symptoms and any fibromyalgia treatments that you are currently using.

Treatment usually begins with your therapist checking your pulse and assessing the color and texture of your tongue. This is in order to discern which acupoints should be targeted during the session. Up to fifteen points may be pinpointed by your therapist in one session. Your therapist will begin applying pressure or inserting needles into these acupoints. You should not experience any pain, but you may feel aching or tingling at the site.

Various post treatment patient reactions have been documented. Patients report intense relaxation, being energized, and heaviness of limbs. Additionally, while very rare, some patients report nausea, fainting, fatigue, and headache. As with any treatment option, consult with your doctor prior to undertaking any new treatments so that you may weigh the pros and cons effectively based on your specific situation

Warning: If performed incorrectly, acupuncture is also associated with risk of infection, bleeding, and organ puncture.

Your medical doctor, neurologist, or general practitioner may be able to help you identify a qualified professional acupuncturist or acupressurist. Not all states require licensure, therefore, vet your provider. Most acupuncturists have completed a four-year Masters Degree as well as numerous hours of clinical training. Additional resources for recommendations may come from you physical therapist or national organizations that govern acupuncture and acupressure providers.

For further information regarding fibromyalgia symptoms and treatment options, visit http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/

References:

Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org

Fibromyalgia Symptoms Website at www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org