| Acupuncture is another alternative treatment, like | | | | After the session, some people find they are totally |
| cupping therapy, which has been effectively used to | | | | relaxed, their limbs feel heavy, or that they are |
| provide some fibromyalgia patients relief from painful | | | | energized. However, bear in mind that everyone |
| symptoms. However, unlike cupping therapy that has | | | | responds differently to treatment. |
| been adapted from traditional Chinese medicine, | | | | Are there any side effects? Some individuals |
| acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine. | | | | experience side effects such as fainting, fatigue, |
| What is acupuncture? Acupuncture has existed for | | | | headache and nausea, but this is extremely rare and |
| more than three thousand years and originated in | | | | usually only occurs in those suffering from |
| China. It is an ancient Chinese practice that has been | | | | complications, and when treatment is performed by |
| used throughout time for treating painful symptoms | | | | someone who is not qualified. However, it's a good |
| that occur from a variety of health ailments. Its | | | | idea to talk to you doctor about acupuncture |
| purpose is to improve the overall functioning of the | | | | treatment before perusing it. |
| body by restoring balance to the body's natural life | | | | How does acupuncture benefit fibromyalgia? Medical |
| force known as "chi". | | | | studies have found that acupuncture is quite |
| Chi flows through 14 meridians (unseen channels | | | | successful at relieving fibromyalgia symptoms for up |
| within the body), and each meridian is connected to | | | | to one month after treatment. The symptoms it |
| various trigger points (known as acupoints) | | | | effectively relieves include:o Decreases and relieves |
| throughout the body. Thus, everything is | | | | paino Reduces feelings of depressiono Increases |
| interconnected, which means when specific acupoints | | | | energy and reduces fatigue |
| related to the health problem are stimulated, this | | | | It is believed that acupuncture needles help to |
| helps to bring balance to the body as a whole. | | | | increase blood flow in fibromyalgia sufferers, and the |
| How is it performed? Acupuncture is a treatment | | | | increase in circulation helps decrease the number of |
| that involves inserting short, solid hair-thin needles into | | | | sensitive points and improve overall muscle health. It |
| specific acupoints on the body. There are numerous | | | | is also believed by Western medicine that the reason |
| acupoints located all over the body. The ones that | | | | acupuncture is so successful at reducing and relieving |
| are focused on during a session are related to the | | | | pain is because it increases the level of endorphins |
| health problem suffered by the patient. | | | | (natural painkillers in the body) and may block pain |
| Usually, before an acupuncture session begins, the | | | | impulses to the brain. |
| acupuncture therapist with ask a fibromyalgia | | | | How can you find an acupuncture therapist? Ask |
| sufferer specific question related to the symptoms | | | | your...o Health care providero Physical therapisto |
| they experience, and if there are any other | | | | Neurologisto Hospitalo Fibromyalgia support group |
| treatments they are currently using. The therapist will | | | | You can also do an online search using the keywords |
| then check the pulse and the texture and color of | | | | "acupuncture" or "acupuncture therapy" and your city |
| the tongue in order to determine which acupoints | | | | name. |
| should be targeted. A therapist may target as many | | | | Make sure you receive acupuncture therapy form a |
| as 15 acupoints in one session. | | | | qualified and experienced acupuncture therapist. If a |
| Once the acupoints are decided, the needles will then | | | | therapist does not have a license find out their |
| be inserted. The insertion of the needles is not and | | | | educational background and how long they have |
| should not be a painful experience. Many people | | | | been practicing acupuncture. It also doesn't hurt to |
| describe it as a slight pinch or a dull ache or tingling | | | | ask for referrals. Remember, acupuncture can be |
| feeling in the affected area. Needles are usually left in | | | | painful, cause bleeding, organ puncture, and lead to |
| the body for 20 minutes. | | | | side effects if not performed correctly. |