Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, which is a condition characterized by chronic pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach pain, bloating, low mood, poor concentration, and memory problems. Although fibromyalgia can affect people of different ages, it is most commonly found in middle-aged women, and treating this condition can be challenging.
Acupuncture is a treatment method that has been used to address various medical conditions, particularly chronic pain. Research indicates that acupuncture's analgesic effect on the central nervous system, achieved by stimulating nerve fibers and producing an activation in the cascade of pain-modulating endorphins, serotonin, and noradrenaline, may contribute to its effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia.
For example, a recent research paper summarized 20 studies, including a total of 1497 participants, with most of them being women, that investigated the effects of acupuncture on fibromyalgia. The results showed that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and disability, and had an overall significant effect in reducing pain from the intervention until 3 months follow-up. Acupuncture also improved other symptoms such as sleep and mood.
Therefore, acupuncture appears to be an effective treatment option for fibromyalgia, as it helps to improve the severity of the condition and its associated symptoms, including pain, sleep quality, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
References
Juan Antonio Valera-Calero et al Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug; 19(16): 9904.
