Ask the Acupuncturists

Q:  I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago and have not been able to find any relief for my symptoms.  I tried acupuncture in the past, but it caused me to have a flare up that actually increased my pain.  Is there something holistic I could try that can help?

A:  It is estimated that 2-4% of the population has fibromyalgia, most of whom are women. Symptoms vary but can include chronic muscle pain or muscle spasms, moderate or severe fatigue, insomnia, memory problems and depression.  

Studies show that acupuncture can alter brain chemistry and releases neurotransmitters that increase pain tolerance over time. In 2005, a study by Mayo Clinic scientists showed that acupuncture helps fibromyalgia patients with pain, fatigue and anxiety.

Therefore, I would recommend that you consider trying acupuncture again, but switching to what we call a “Japanese” style of treatment. Japanese acupuncture is very gentle, uses minimal stimulation, and may reduce the flare up reaction you had in the past. With any acupuncture, three or more treatments are usually needed to assess its benefits. A full therapeutic course may be 12 or more treatments. During the initial stage, it is not uncommon for pain conditions to temporarily exacerbate. 

The key is not to discontinue treatment, but talk with your practitioner so he or she can adjust the treatment. Similar to Western medicine, there are lots of different techniques an acupuncturist can employ and it may take some trial and error at the onset to discover what is going to work best with and for your body.