Energy & resilience
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
With fibromyalgia, the whole body can feel sensitive, stiff and tired. Symptoms often vary in intensity, which can make daily life unpredictable and demanding. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body, with attention to pain, sleep, tension and energy.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, sometimes called soft tissue rheumatism, is a chronic pain syndrome. The name literally means "pain in connective tissue and muscles". It is characterised by widespread muscle pain or tenderness, often around the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips and where muscles attach to tendons. The condition is more common in women than in men and usually develops in adulthood.
Besides pain and stiffness, fatigue, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, headaches, digestive complaints and sensitivity to stimuli often play a role. Many people notice that symptoms increase with overexertion, cold, damp weather and tension.
Unlike rheumatoid conditions, no inflammation is found in fibromyalgia, and blood tests and X-rays are usually normal. The diagnosis is therefore made based on the pattern of symptoms, after other causes have been ruled out. Because people often look healthy from the outside, many encounter a lack of understanding at work, in healthcare or in their own surroundings.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fibromyalgia from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fibromyalgia is not seen as a single problem, but as a disturbance in the interplay between muscles, nervous system and energy balance. Treatment therefore focuses not only on pain, but also on restoring calm and flow in the body.
Liver Qi stagnation with Spleen deficiency
Gan Yu Pi XuWithin TCM, tension and stress can obstruct the flow of Qi, while a weakened Spleen insufficiently nourishes the muscles. This is associated with fluctuating pain and stiffness, fatigue, digestive complaints and symptoms that worsen with stress.
Bi syndrome
Bi ZhengWithin TCM, Bi means "obstruction". Influences of Wind, Cold and Damp can block the flow in muscles and joints. This is associated with pain and stiffness that increase with cold and damp weather.
Qi and Blood deficiency
Qi Xue Liang XuWhen Qi and Blood are deficient, TCM describes that muscles and tendons are insufficiently nourished. This is associated with dull, aching pain, exhaustion, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with fibromyalgia?
Treatment is tailored to which symptoms are most prominent for you: pain, stiffness, fatigue or sleep. Stress, sleep pattern and digestion, factors that often influence the symptoms, are also taken into account.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on acupuncture points that are applied within TCM to support flow, reduce tension and calm the body.
- 02Local laser treatment: painful or tense areas, such as the neck, shoulders, lower back or hips, can be treated directly with therapeutic laser light.
- 03Attention to sleep, stress and energy: because fatigue and poor sleep often accompany the pain, these complaints are explicitly included in the treatment.
- 04Gentle build-up: with a sensitive body, treatment starts with few points and a calm approach, so that the body is not put under extra strain.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fibromyalgia and rheumatism?
Rheumatic conditions involve inflammation of joints or tissues, which is often visible in blood tests or on scans. In fibromyalgia, no inflammation is found and tests are usually normal, even though the pain is very real. This is why fibromyalgia is sometimes called soft tissue rheumatism.
Can acupuncture help with fibromyalgia?
Acupuncture can be used as support for fibromyalgia. Treatment focuses on pain and stiffness, but also on sleep, tension and energy. Which symptoms change most varies per person.
Has acupuncture for fibromyalgia been researched?
Yes, a lot of research has been done. Several studies found improvements in pain, sleep quality, fatigue and stiffness in some of the participants. The effect varies per person: for some mainly the pain decreases, for others the tension or sleep pattern, and there are also people for whom acupuncture makes little difference.
Can laser acupuncture be used for fibromyalgia?
Yes. When your body is very sensitive to pressure or touch, a needle-free treatment can be comfortable. With laser acupuncture, acupuncture points can be treated and painful areas can be addressed locally.
I am very sensitive to pain and stimuli. Is acupuncture suitable for me?
Treatment is adapted to your sensitivity. It can start with few points and fine needles, or completely needle-free with laser acupuncture. Together we look at what feels comfortable for you.
How many treatments are needed?
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition and symptoms can vary in intensity. The number of treatments therefore varies per person. After the first treatments, we review together how you respond and what a suitable follow-up would be.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness that does not fade with a night of sleep, and difficulty getting through the day.
Sleep problems
Trouble falling asleep, restless sleep, waking frequently, or waking up unrefreshed.
Muscle & joint complaints
Overuse, tendon irritation, stiff joints, or restricted mobility.
Personal Treatment Plan
Does your whole body feel painful and tired?
During a first appointment, we take the time to map your pattern of symptoms and look at which form of acupuncture suits you best.