Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic
disorder in the United States behind arthritis,
according to the America College of Rheumatology.(1)
People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide
range of symptoms including fatigue, pain, stiffness,
aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders
and intestinal and bowel troubles. The
diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be confirmed when 11 out
of 18 specific points on the body are tender to
pressure. Interestingly, some of these tender points
closely correspond to the location of ancient
Acupuncture points.
How acupuncture
and
Chinese Medicine can help. |
|
According to the theories of Acupuncture and Chinese
Medicine, an imbalance in the flow of Qi can create
symptoms and signs that reflect a Western diagnosis of
fibromyalgia. Qi
(pronounced "chee") is the energy or the power that
animates and supports the functions of the body. It
flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and
provides nourishment for the entire body. When
Qi is abundant and freely circulating throughout the
body, there is health and pain-free living. When Qi
becomes "blocked," or the supply is inadequate, pain,
stiffness and other symptoms related to fibromyalgia can
appear.
What does an Acupuncturist
do? |
|
Dr. Kimberly Nguyen will take a complete
health history in order to find out where Qi has become
blocked, and/or why the amount of Qi within the body has
changed. She will then develop a treatment plan tailored
to address the meridian pathways that are out of
balance. The goal of such a plan will be to eliminate
visible symptoms, while addressing the root cause(s) and
underlying imbalances.
The
body constantly strives to maintain a healthy balance of
Qi traveling through the meridian pathways. When the
flow of Qi has been disrupted, or the supply of Qi has
changed, the body becomes unbalanced and the meridians
cannot properly nourish the body. This is when signs and
symptoms appear.
Most
cases of fibromyalgia fit into the Chinese Medical
diagnosis of a Liver, Spleen and or Heart disharmony.
This doesn't mean that these organs have a "problem," it
means that the "functions" of these organ and meridian
pathways according to Chinese Medical diagnosis are out
of balance.
The
functions related to the Liver organ, according to
Chinese Medicine, are to control the smooth flow of
blood, Qi and emotions and to nourish the tendons. When
the Liver meridian becomes "blocked," there will be an
inadequate supply of blood and Qi flowing throughout the
body. The tendons and muscles will not be properly
nourished, leading to stiffness and pain. Other symptoms
of a "blocked" Liver are depression, anger, anxiety and
insomnia. Improper diet, stress, deep unexpressed anger,
drugs and alcohol may cause a Liver imbalance.
The
Chinese function of the Spleen is to transform the food
that we ingest into Qi and blood. The health of the
Spleen is affected by diet and obsessive worry. An
unbalanced Spleen can result in fatigue, digestive
troubles, muscle stiffness and pain.
When
there is an insufficient amount of Qi and blood produced
by the Spleen, the Heart organ will be affected. The
role of the Heart is to pump blood throughout the body.
It is also considered to be the home of the Spirit. If
the Spleen cannot generate enough blood to nourish the
Heart, the Heart Qi does not have enough control to
properly house the Spirit. Symptoms can include anxiety,
palpitations, insomnia and emotional unrest.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can provide a safe
alternative in the effective treatment of fibromyalgia.
Along with Acupuncture, natural Herbal formulas, dietary
recommendations and calming exercises can also help
promote balance and health.
In
November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
stated that Acupuncture could be effective in treating
fibromyalgia. (2) Not only can it treat the pain and
discomfort, but it can also address the underlying
problems that have caused the imbalance.
1. American
College of Rheumatology
2. The 1997 NIH Consensus on the Efficacy of Acupuncture
|