New fibromyalgia acupuncture research demonstrates the benefits of acupuncture to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Three independent and separate studies conclude that acupuncture is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia patients.
The Problem
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is characterized by widespread pain, heightened sensitivity to pain upon pressure, fatigue and insomnia. Other symptoms can include digestive problems, headaches, anxiety, and impaired thinking. Soft tissue is affected and there is tenderness at specific points.
Fibromyalgia is non-nociceptive. This means that fibromyalgia pain is not triggered by pain receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints. Instead, it comes from a disruption of central processing. This type of pain is also seen with migraines and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Most patients experiencing non-nociceptive pain are treated with anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) and analgesic drugs. However, a greater understanding demonstrates that painkillers, NSAIDS and steroids are not enough to reduce FMS related pain.
Non-nociceptive pain is often chronic. Researchers from the Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center (Portland, Oregon) concluded that nociceptive pain disrupts the central nervous system, leading to excitation of non-nociceptive neurons. In this case, conventional pain medications are helpful but not sufficient for comprehensive FMS pain management.
Acupuncture has been found to enhance the analgesic properties associated with amitriptyline for patients with FMS. Moreover, it is a clinically superior treatment option to amitriptyline when both are compared as standalone treatments.
Fibromyalgia Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture is an important branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been used to treat FMS symptoms for thousands of years. FMS is understood in TCM because of its distinct characteristics as a generalized syndrome: widespread pain, sleep disorders, fatigue, memory problems, muscle weakness, and paresthesia.
In TCM, this is a classic presentation of qi, blood, and yin deficiency with liver qi stagnation, excess dampness and bi (joint) pain. While these terms may seem strange to those unfamiliar with TCM, they are straight forward explanations in Chinese medicine.
An early recognition in the United States concerning the benefits of acupuncture for FMS was confirmed by department of anesthesiology researchers at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (Rochester, Minnesota). The research team noted, “Acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety.” [4]
Study #1
Abdominal acupuncture in conjunction with the medication amitriptyline effectively reduced FMS pain. The 6 week trial compared two groups – one receiving abdominal acupuncture with amitriptyline and the other receiving only amitriptyline. The results concluded that abdominal acupuncture enhanced the reduction of pain and depression for FMS patients taking amitriptyline.
50 FMS patients from the Acupuncture-Tuina Division of Chengdu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were involved in the study. Diagnoses were made in accordance with the criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology. Patients had to have whole body pain lasting more than 3 months, spanning multiple areas across the whole body plus pain in more than 11 of the 18 tender points when applying pressure to those points.
Randomization and Subjects
The 50 subjects in this fibromyalgia acupuncture research study were randomly divided into 2 groups of 25: treatment and control. The treatment group received abdominal acupuncture and amitriptyline. The control group received only amitriptyline. Patients discontinued any form of pain control 4 weeks before starting treatment.
Acupuncture Points Used
The following acupuncture points were used for the treatment group:
Xiawan (CV10)
Qihai (CV6)
Guanyuan (CV4)
Zhongji (CV3)
Huaroumen (ST24)
Wailing (ST26)
Daheng (SP15)
Shangfengshidian
Xiafengshidian
Single-use, sterile acupuncture needles were used. Needles were retained for 30 minutes, during which infrared red light was focused on the abdomen. One acupuncture session was administered 3 times per week, with a 2-day break before starting the next week. A total of 18 acupuncture sessions were administered.
For both the treatment and the control group, 25 mg amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets were given once a day before bed, for 6 weeks.
Conclusions of Study #1
The researchers conclude that acupuncture increased the effectiveness of amitriptyline for the treatment of FMS. Based on the data, acupuncture was shown to be appropriate complementary therapy to usual care for the treatment of FMS.
Study #2
The second fibromyalgia acupuncture research study compared acupuncture to Lyrica for the treatment of FMS. The research from Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College Affiliated Hospital found that acupuncture was more effective than Lyrica in reducing the number of painful FMS tender points and for alleviating pain. [6]
76 FMS patients from the Rehabilitative Division of Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College Affiliated Hospital were selected for the study. Patients were diagnosed and hospitalized for FMS between December 2015 and February 2017. Diagnoses were made in accordance with the same criteria by Study #1.
Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups of 38: treatment and control. Group 1 received acupuncture and Group 2 received Lyrica. The age, duration of illness, number of tender points, and VAS pain scores before treatment were all equivalent in both groups, showing a fair comparison between both groups.
The following acupuncture points were used for the treatment group:
Ganshu (BL18)
Pishu (BL20)
Geshu (BL17)
Xuehai (SP10)
Zusanli (ST36)
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Neiguan (PC6)
Ashi (tender points)
For the control group, Lyrica capsules were administered, 75 mg each time, 2 times per day, for 14 consecutive days. The results indicated that acupuncture once again outperformed Lyrica. [9] Patients receiving acupuncture reported less pain, had more energy and had improved sleep.
Study #3
The third fibromyalgia acupuncture research study investigated the effects of acupuncture versus amitriptyline (Elavil) for the treatment of FMS. Research from Liaoning Anshan Tanggangzi Hospital concluded that acupuncture was more effective than amitriptyline for the reduction of tender points, overall symptoms, and relapse rates.
196 FMS patients from Liaoning Anshan Tanggangzi Hospital were treated and evaluated. Diagnoses were made in accordance with the criteria as Studies 1 and 2. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and control, with 104 patients and 92 patients respectively. The treatment group received acupuncture and the control group received amitriptyline.
For the treatment group, the 18 tender points were treated as acupuncture points. One acupuncture session was given every 3 days until all tender points were treated. For the control group, 25 mg of amitriptyline was administered each time, 2 times a day, for 1 month. The results confirm that acupuncture outperforms amitriptyline for the treatment of FMS.
Summary of Research
Given the extent of research into the benefits of acupuncture for the treatment of fibromyalgia, referral to a licensed acupuncturist for treatment is recommended. A meta-analysis of 11 studies (de Macedo Sanita et al.) confirms this recommendation, noting that “acupuncture is an effective form of treatment for individuals with fibromyalgia.”
One study in the meta-analysis used CT scans to confirm results. The CT scans revealed “increased u-opioid receptors” involved in the reduction of referred pain as a result of acupuncture treatments.
In an independent investigation, University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore) researchers conclude that “real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture for improving symptoms of patients with FMS.”
Based on the scientific data, researchers conclude that acupuncture is safe and effective for the treatment of FMS.
Next Steps
This fibromyalgia acupuncture research supports our own experiences at Raleigh Acupuncture treating fibromyalgia. We have treated hundreds of fibromyalgia patients over the years, helping them reduce pain and flares, increase strength and energy, and improve quality of life.
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online. Or call us at 919-819-8113 and we will schedule an appointment for you.
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References
Kramis, Ronald C., William J. Roberts, and Richard G. Gillette. Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center, Portland, Oregon. “Non-nociceptive aspects of persistent musculoskeletal pain.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 24, no. 4 (1996): 255-267.
Fang, Xin, Simon McMullan, Sally N. Lawson, and Laiche Djouhri. University of Bristol, Medical School. “Electrophysiological differences between nociceptive and non‐nociceptive dorsal root ganglion neurones in the rat in vivo.” The Journal of physiology 565, no. 3 (2005): 927-943.
Vecht, Charles J., Anneke M. Hoff, Peter J. Kansen, Maarten F. De Boer, and D. Andries Bosch. “Types and causes of pain in cancer of the head and neck.” Cancer 70, no. 1 (1992): 178-184.
Martin, David P., Christopher D. Sletten, Brent A. Williams, and Ines H. Berger. “Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial.” In Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 81, no. 6, pp. 749-757. 2006. Rochester, Minnesota.
Mo SQ. Abdominal acupuncture in treating headache 38 cases [J]. China TCM Acute Diseases, 2010, 19(2): 308. Chengdu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.
Therapeutic Effect of Press Needle in Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. LIANG Yan, GONG Zhengshou, ZHANG Yong, CHEN Wanhui, JIANG Ruiyi, ZHAO Yanqiong. (Rehabilitation of The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Chongqing Three Gorges, Chongqing, China). CLC number: R685 Document code: A Article ID: 1000-1719 (2017) 09-1901-03.
Chi Jun. Fire needle treatment of fibromyalgia 104 cases [J]. China TCM Modern Distance Education,2014,12(3):54-55. DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1672-2779.2014. 03.036.
de Macedo Sanita, Priscila Contatori Vital, Taise de Souza Moreira Moraes, and Fernanda Mara dos Santos. 11 studies meta-analysis. “Analysis of the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia: literature review.”
Volume 31, Number 1 (2012), 55-66, DOI: 10.1007/s10067-011-1783-5. Berman BM, Ezzo J, Hadhazy V, Swyers JP. Complementary Medicine Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21207, USA. The Journal of Family Practice [1999, 48(3):213-218].
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What our Clients are Saying
I am a long term patient of Raleigh Acupuncture. Prior to being under their care, I was disabled with terrible fatigue and pain all over my body. I was unable to drive, could only walk less than a block, and had numerous symptoms that mystified doctors. After countless lab work, x-rays, and MRI’s, several doctors including my primary physician told me that there was nothing that could be done. According to them, it was either an illness that was undiagnosable or it was all in my head. When I came to Raleigh Acupuncture, it was a breath of fresh air. They took me very seriously and were not mystified by my condition. They assured me that my condition was treatable and manageable. They treat me with respect, dignity and care; something that I didn’t receive at my primary care doctor. Thanks to their treatments I am now living a normal life. They have restored my health and taught me how to manage my condition. My family and friends can’t believe how much improvement I have made. My son is grateful to have his mommy back! And I am eternally grateful to Raleigh Acupuncture! They truly have the gift of healing!
I would like to thank Raleigh Acupuncture for the wonderful and very helpful treatments. I had been seeing them for my insomnia, which was making excellent progress at the time and has since been cured. On a previous Monday I was involved in a minor traffic accident. Due to the stress of the accident on Tuesday I awoke in a severe flare-up of my fibromyalgia. The pain was so bad I took pain killers and stayed in bed for the day. The following day I had an appointment with Dr. Mark which I wanted to cancel. My husband suggested I keep the appointment and tell Dr. Mark about the pain. After our discussion, he modified the treatment he had planned for me and treated the pain. I came home, took another pain pill and went back to bed. The following morning I woke pain free and have been since, which is about 2 to 3 months. Thanks again Raleigh Acupuncture!
I still am forever in your debt for helping me through the Lymes recovery. My body pain and fatigue were overwhelming before getting acupuncture. I still tell everyone today that I am 100% positive that my recovery was a direct result of your expert care. Truly. I have very little residual effects from the disease that I can easily live with. So again,thank you not only for your amazing skills, but for the compassion and kindness that you showed me during that time.
All of my joints were hurting. I’ve got fibromyalgia and it effects me by making my joints hurt. The pain would move around from place to place, first the hip, the next day the shoulder, then the knee, etc. The practitioner at Raleigh Acupuncture explained that the best way to treat my kind of moving joint pain was to treat me holistically. Instead of treating the hip one day, the shoulder the next, they treated the root of the pain. They said this type of treatment would also improve my mood and my sleep. Right on all counts. I started feeling better after the second treatment. It’s like all of the joints just settled down and stopped giving me trouble. I had less flares and the intensity of the pain went way down. My sleep is better, not just because I have less pain. I’m more relaxed and less stressed. I’ve made this treatment a regular part of my life. I’m very grateful.
I’ve been going to Raleigh Acupuncture for 4+ years. I first went to them because I was having problems with my monthly period lasting two weeks or more, hot flashes that were extreme, and all over pain from fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain condition. I was in a state of depression and despair, unable to work, or do things I love to do, like working in my yard. On a good day, I could perform simple household chores, perhaps a little yoga, and that was all. My first few visits brought relief from hot flashes, terrible neck pain, and wrap-around pain in my ribs that restricted my ability to breathe comfortably. I felt this was a miracle as I had suffered for many years, and had no idea it was so easily remedied. This miraculous ride continued as I took Chinese herbs for aiding my menopausal symptoms, sinus problems, anxiety, and general pain. As time went on I began to depend on Raleigh Acupuncture for psychological strengthening as well. Nowhere else have I found anyone that really listens to what I have to say without thinking I was crazy. Today, as I sit and reflect, I am about to graduate from an intense two year program for Landscape Architecture Technology. I took a huge leap when I signed up for full-time classes when I was 50 years old. I have enjoyed great success, making one B in 64 credit hours, the rest were A’s! In February of 2011, I was in a car accident where I was sandwiched between a van and a school bus. I was able to continue school and finish the semester, I believe because of my acupuncture treatments. I contribute most of my academic success, emotional well-being, and diminished pain to Raleigh Acupuncture.