Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic muscular pain all over the body, stiffness, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. It is difficult to diagnose and is often confused with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, fibromyalgia is it is not chronic fatigue syndrome, nor is it rheumatic, inflammatory, progressive or considered to be degenerative. There is no lab test for this condition. A positive diagnosis may be confirmed by pain or tenderness in 11 of 18 specific points on the body.
Fibromyalgia is considered to be a syndrome, which means that there are a number of symptoms associated with the condition, and not everyone with fibromyalgia will experience all of these symptoms. The most common symptoms include pain, fatigue, insomnia, and depression. Fibromyalgia sufferers may also experience headaches, numbness/tingling, mood swings, digestive problems, cold extremities, foot pain, heart palpitations, and sensitive to strong smells.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but likely related to a combination of factors that may include food sensitivities, vitamin and mineral deficiency, hypothyroidism, chemical exposure, heavy metal toxicity, an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut, candida, and/or parasites. In Western medicine, there is no clear treatment for this condition, but rather a strategy of managing symptoms with antidepressants, sleep medications, pain medications, and massage.
In Chinese medicine, the underlying cause of fibromyalgia is most often an imbalance in the liver and spleen energy systems of the body. This means that stress, depression, or emotional upset is affecting the free flow of energy and circulation in the body, and also disrupting the body’s production of energy and blood. Acupuncture helps fibromyalgia through balancing the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin, while increases the circulation of feel-good and calming endorphins in your brain.
Dietary changes are very important for improving fibromyalgia, and at Revive Acupuncture we recommend fibromyalgia patients follow both an elimination diet and an anti-inflammatory diet. There are a number of supplements that are shown through research to improve fibromyalgia. At Revive Acupuncture we prescribe these supplements on a case by case basis. Chinese herbs, myofascial release, and lifestyle modifications are also important components of our treatment of this complicated disorder. If you are suffering with pain due to fibromyalgia, please contact our clinic. We hope to have the opportunity to help you recover from this condition.
