Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Syndrome Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) affects an estimated 2 percent of the population. Conventional therapies are limited in the success of treating this complex and unexplained condition. Current treatment is largely comprised of prescribing different medications for the varying symptoms in a trial and error approach. Research shows that as many as 90 percent of people with fibromyalgia have turned to complimentary and alternative medicine to manage their symptoms. Acupuncture, in particular, has become a popular treatment choice and has shown to be an effective treatment for FMS. What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome? Fibromyalgia is a medically unexplained syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, a heightened and painful response to pressure, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. While not all affected persons experience all associated symptoms, the following symptoms commonly occur together: • chronic pain • debilitating fatigue • difficulty sleeping • anxiety and depression • joint stiffness • chronic headaches and jaw pain • difficulty swallowing • dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes • hypersensitivity to odors, bright lights, and loud noises • inability to concentrate (called "fibro fog") • incontinence • irritable bowel syndrome • numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet • painful menstrual cramps • poor circulation in hands and feet (called Raynaud's phenomenon) • restless legs syndrome Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months and pain when pressure is applied to at least 11 of 18 designated tender points on the body. This condition does not result in any physical damage to the body or its tissues and there are no laboratory tests which can confirm this diagnosis. Symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there appears to be no triggering event. Women are more prone to develop the disorder than are men, and the risk of fibromyalgia increases with age. From an Eastern Perspective The Oriental medicine theory of pain is expressed in this famous Chinese saying: "Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong" which means "free flow: no pain, no free flow: pain." Pain is seen as a disruption of the flow of Qi within the body. The disruption of Qi that results in fibromyalgia is usually associated with disharmonies of the Liver, Spleen, Kidney and Heart Systems. The Acupuncture Treatment Oriental Medicine does not recognize fibromyalgia as one particular disease pattern. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual depending on their constitution, emotional state, intensity and location of their pain, digestive health, sleeping patterns and an array of other signs and symptoms. Therefore, if 10 people are treated with Oriental medicine for fibromyalgia, each of these 10 people will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs and different lifestyle and dietary recommendations. Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are highly variable form one person to another, a wide array of traditional and alternative treatments has been shown to be the most effective way of treating this difficult syndrome. A treatment program may include a combination of psychological or behavioral therapies, medications, exercise, acupuncture, herbal medicine and bodywork. If you have fibromyalgia, acupuncture and Oriental medicine may be what you’ve been looking for to ease your symptoms and reclaim your health and vitality. Please call for a consultation today.

ACUPUNCTURE

In Chinese medicine our body's consists of 14 main channels. It is when a channel is blocked that symptoms appear, and over time the blockage results in chronic illness. Acupuncture is the treatment by which small needles are inserted along the affected channel; the insertion at the acupoints stimulates the channel and opens the blockage thereby healing the body.

ELECTROACUPUNCTURE

Electroacupuncture is a needle-free alternative to traditional acupuncture, as well as a treatment strategy that can be used in tandem with traditional acupuncture to provide an even stronger stimulation of the acupoints. Electroacupuncture utilizes electrical stimulation of the points instead of needles therefore it is a completely painless treatment strategy. It is predominately used to treat pain conditions in order to stimulate the channels that are blocked by the pain. The patient controls the intensity of the stimulation therefore there is no associated pain; rather the patient feels a little "buzzing" sensation at the acupuncture points.

LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY

This biologically safe laser is a special "visible" red laser that is used to provide painless treatment of sinuses and other areas of the face. Biochemical models have been studied and indicate that the Low Level Laser Therapy functions to regenerate tissue, decrease inflammation, and provide pain relief by increasing metabolism, circulation, and collegen synthisis. The use of this high tech visible laser truly sets Dr. Bellows apart from other acupuncturists and affords his patients with the most effective treatments. The laser also provides highly successful treatment of alcohol and smoking addictions when combined with ear acupuncture.

ARICULAR ACUPUNCTURE

In Chinese medical theory there are over 120 points on each ear related to specific parts of the body. Modern practitioners now simulate ear acupoints using needles, laser treatment and electrical stimulants. In auricular acupuncture the ear represents an inverted foetus with stimulation points affecting the corresponding parts of the body. The ear is thought to be crossed by all major meridians. Practitioners of auricular acupuncture study the ear in great detail. Diagnosis is made on this study and the "Four Examinations" of traditional Chinese medicine. Treatment is designed to stimulate the acupoints on the ear. The pratitioner may use tiny acupuncture needles, a mild electrical current or a laser to stimulate the points.

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