Acupuncture has long been used to treat various medical conditions, including fibromyalgia. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology looked at the effects of acupuncture on fibromyalgia symptoms. The results may surprise you! Keep reading to find out more.
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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of health care that is becoming more commonly used in western society as people discover acupuncture's well-being benefits.
Many people believe it is an alternative treatment that can help release energy throughout the body. It uses fine needles, as thin as a single hair, placed at different pressure points on your body.
Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins – the body's natural painkillers – by inserting needles into specific pressure points to encourage healing. Endorphins can also reduce stress and anxiety to create a feeling of well-being.
Acupuncture to particular pressure points can also provide various health benefits, including curing insomnia, decreasing muscle pain, and helping manage chronic conditions.
Acupuncture is considered holistic medicine, and those who receive acupuncture treatments tend to experience no adverse side effects. The lack of side effects contrasts with the many side effects often experienced when taking prescription medications to reduce pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Let's look at how acupuncture can help with fibromyalgia symptoms.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR FIBROMYALGIA
No matter what you have been experiencing lately, mentally or physically, you can probably find a benefit to your fibromyalgia treatment by getting acupuncture.
The power of acupuncture is that it doesn't only target a single fibromyalgia symptom like what your doctor mostly likely attempts to do; instead, it promotes healing and wellness throughout your entire body at one time.
So often, you seek to heal one part of your body while another ailment also gets relieved simultaneously. For example, acupuncture for insomnia may also help relieve headaches and migraines or promote an overall feeling of less stressed or anxious.
Acupuncture is used for chronic pain; in the head, shoulders, back, other extremities, and other chronic conditions. For example, it can help to relieve pain from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and muscle spasms.
In addition, it can help with poor blood circulation and improve your digestive system. It is also used to balance mood issues, such as anxiety and depression.
In a Yale University Medical School study, acupuncture reduced stress significantly. In addition, the study showed that the technique improved blood pressure, anxiety state, and heart rate in most test subjects.
GETTING AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
One of the big questions asked by people who have never had an acupuncture treatment is - What exactly happens during a treatment?
It can be scary to hear that needles are used on pressure points, especially if you are sensitive to touch and have painful pressure points.
However, for most people, acupuncture is a very relaxing and therapeutic experience. In addition, acupuncture needles are hair-thin, so you probably will not feel them when inserted.
However, suppose you are concerned about the pain and discomfort due to your fibromyalgia sensitivities. In that case, it's best to let the acupuncturist know beforehand, discuss your concerns, and enquire about their experience in treating fibromyalgia. Knowing your acupuncturist is aware of your needs can help reduce your anxiety regarding your first treatment.
When you meet with the acupuncturist, they will ask you why you want the treatment. Knowing the purpose of the visit, your health goals, or symptoms you seek healing or better management, the acupuncturist can decide where the needles will be best placed.
You will need to lie still, relaxed, as each needle is placed at pressure points on your body, then you'll be asked to continue lying still to let them work. If you can't lie down, you can also get an acupuncture treatment seated. But, again, it's best to check with the acupuncturists in advance to be prepared.
EXTRA THINGS TO KNOW
Here are some more things to know about it before your first acupuncture treatment:
You may need multiple sessions – Acupuncture works well for many people, but sometimes you need more than one treatment to get the full effects.
There are some feelings to it – While it shouldn't cause pain, there may be some unusual sensations during your session or for a little while afterward. For example, you may feel emotional during the treatment or later. Though some people report feeling light and even elated after treatment, it's not unusual to feel tired for a few days.
Choose the acupuncturist – Choosing the right acupuncturist is like choosing any health professional. You want to do your research, and if one doesn't match right with you, don't be afraid to see someone else. To find a licensed, certified acupuncture therapist visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or National Certification Commission website in your country of residence.
