How Acupuncture Can Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms: A Natural Treatment Approach
Fibromyalgia is a complex, often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing widespread pain, fatigue, and emotional distress. For those seeking natural, holistic alternatives to manage fibromyalgia symptoms, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer promising solutions. At Natural Point Acupuncture, we combine time-tested techniques with modern insights to help our patients reduce pain, improve sleep, and regain control over their health—without relying on medication. Let’s explore how acupuncture provides effective relief for fibromyalgia and discuss lifestyle recommendations that empower you to live a fuller, healthier life!
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, but the symptoms come and go and can vary in intensity. Affecting mostly women over 40 but it can affect anyone at any time. The cause is unknown but can be hereditary. Usually, a person affected by this has a low pain threshold.
The symptoms can be complex too! They involve a lot of our systems. The main symptoms are usually emotional, pain and fatigue.
Symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia or sleep issues
- Memory problems
- Muscle pain or tenderness
- Headaches or migraines
- Digestive issues similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Bladder issues
Fibromyalgia can affect your quality of life and it should not define you. No diagnosis should define you! It is up to you to take control of your life and get healthy through realistic lifestyle adjustments that can improve the quality of your life! Several lifestyle changes should be implemented if you want to be pain-free and avoid pharmaceutical intervention.
How Acupuncture Can Help Fibromyalgia
Acupuncture is a great treatment for fibromyalgia as it helps ease the body and mind. People seeking natural solutions for fibromyalgia can find comfort in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition guidance, and traditional Chinese medicine. At Natural Point Acupuncture we combine a few modalities to treat fibromyalgia symptoms such as herbs that work for relaxing the muscles, calming the mind, and strengthening the digestive tract as well as essential oils or CBD for topical pain relief when there are flare-ups or periods of intense pain.
Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic disorder. More prevalent in women, it causes widespread pain and fatigue, often accompanied by depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Acupuncture can help alleviate anxiety and depression, regulate sleep cycles, improve energy, and relieve pain, safely, and without the use of medication. According to a controlled trial carried out by Deluze et al. (1992), electroacupuncture showed great promise for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
This study revealed that the combination of frequencies (low and high) over at least three weeks demonstrated a statistically significant difference between patients undergoing electroacupuncture and those under sham acupuncture.
Effective Self-Care Practices for Fibromyalgia
Living with fibromyalgia can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies and lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to manage symptoms and regain control of your health. Drawing from my personal experience with fibromyalgia, here are three key habits I practiced beyond acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that can provide relief and enhance your quality of life.
- Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Eliminate foods that cause inflammation, especially during flare-ups or when pain is at its worst. Incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet as much as possible can make a significant difference. Personally, I follow a detox diet from Monday to Friday and allow myself to cheat on Saturdays and Sundays. This balance helps with weight management and reducing inflammation. When it comes to food, I recommend eliminating red meat, dairy, and gluten. If you’d like more guidance on this diet, feel free to schedule an appointment with us.
- Take an Epsom Salt Bath or Soak Your Feet
Epsom salt baths are not only a wonderful way to relax and de-stress, but they also provide an easy way to absorb magnesium—something many of us are deficient in. Epsom salt baths or foot soaks can help with insomnia, constipation, chronic pain, inflammation, and general relaxation. If you don’t have time for a full bath, or simply don’t have a tub, grab a basin and soak your feet instead. You’ll still enjoy the same benefits!
- Apply Heat Therapy.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ice is used only for acute conditions like a sudden injury, such as twisting your ankle. For chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, heat is far more effective. Using a heating pad or heat wrap can provide soothing relief, relax tense muscles, and make you feel more comfortable overall. Heat therapy is a simple but effective way to manage ongoing pain
We’re Here to Support Your Healing
At Natural Point Acupuncture we are here to listen to your health concerns, and we strive to come up with a plan that works for you. A treatment can include herbs, lifestyle recommendations, and nutritional advice. We can discuss options, a game plan, and support where you are in life and the best way to move forward. We want nothing but success for our patients, so we will accommodate where you are and where you want to be. We are here to make this process easier for you so you feel heard and understood. Eastern medicine can improve fibromyalgia, lower pain, decrease inflammation, relax muscles, improve mood, and help you get deeper sleep.
If you or a loved one suffers from fibromyalgia, acupuncture can offer relief, naturally and safely. Regular treatments can not only address fibromyalgia but also promote better energy, deeper sleep, and less stress overall. Here at Natural Point Acupuncture, we specialize in treating fibromyalgia, helping you manage your symptoms and reclaim control over your well-being.
Here at Natural Point Acupuncture, we specialize in treating fibromyalgia. Schedule your appointment today.
