Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
What is it?Fibromyalgia is a medically poorly-defined condition characterized by widespread pain, a heightened pain response to pressure, fatigue, and often insomnia and/or depression. It is estimated that Fibromyalgia affects approximately 2% of the population. Research has shown that up to 90% of people with fibromyalgia have chosen to get help with alternative medicine. Acupuncture in particular has become a popular treatment choice and has been shown to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.
Symptoms?All, most, or many of the following symptoms occur in patients with fibromyalgia:
- chronic pain
- chronic pain
- restless leg syndrome
- extreme fatigue
- insomnia
- anxiety
- severe cramping, including menstrual
- joint stiffness
- depression
- chronic headache
- numbness or tingling in the extremities
- dryness in mouth, nose, or eyes
- irritable bowel syndrome
- poor concentration
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is a history of three months or more of widespread pain in all four quadrants and there is significant pain when pressure is applied to at least 11 of 18 commonly designated tender trigger areas in the body. There exists no lab test that can verify this diagnosis. However, acupuncture pulse diagnosis can identify its presence in the form of Chi (electro-magnetic) deficiencies.
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