Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a challenging disease. I wrote a systematic review of acupuncture
and fibromyalgia as part of my academic studies in Salford University.
In clinical practice each patient suffering with fibromyalgia is unique. However,
they share some common themes:
- Pain
- Lack of Sleep
- Tiredness
- Depression
Fortunately acupuncture can provide tools to deal with these three symptoms as
well as tools to deal with the root of the individual problem (i.e. your own
particular flavour of fibromyalgia)
I have found Bob Flaws book (Flaws,2004) helpful as a starting point. It
helps patients realise that we can understand what they are facing.
Case Studies
Persistant Cough
Fibromyalgia Female 48
Post Natal Depression Female 32
Cystitis Female 49
Thrush and fungal infection
Depression & Pregnancy Female 29
Pregnancy - morning sickness - Female 37
Depression - Female 43
Panic Attack - Female 39
Baby with fever
Testimonials on google
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Fibromyalgia - Female 48
Case History
Mrs P. has been suffering with fifromyalgia for more than 8 years. She has been
treated with conventional medicine. Her current medication includes
- Co-codamol : pain killer
- Meloxicam : anti inflamatory
- Doxulepine : antidepressant
Her medicine has been helpful to manage the symptoms most of the time. She has
also tried other CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) such as homeopathy
and massage therapy.
This time she was seriously considering acupuncture because all symptoms become
worse. She was experiencing a paroxismal flare.
The two most important patterns identified in this case were
- Spleen Qi deficiency
- Liver Qi Stagnation
Prescription
I used systemic points such as Back Shu points, SP6, ST36, Liv 3, LI 10, LI 11,
LI 4 (not all LI points at the same time) as well as ashi points (tender
points). I noticed for this patient that there were tender points along the GB
channel therefore I used GB 40, GB 37, GB 41 (tender point), GB 20, LI 5 .
Auricular shenmen was also part of the prescription. The yangming channels (LI
and ST) are rich in qi and blood therefore they were used to promote Qi and
reduce pain.
As well as providing the acupuncture treatment, I also gave some dietary advice
to the patient.
Treatment Frequency
The first month there were two treatments per week. The second month, frequency
was reduced to one treatment per week. The third month, there was a further
reduction to one treatment every other week.
Outcome
I advised the patient to seek her GP permission before reducing or stopping her
medication. She is currently taking the minimum dose prescribed.
Bibliography
Flaws B. (2004) Curring Fibromyalgia Naturally with Chinese Medicine, Blue Poppy Press: Boulder CO
Where can I have my acupuncture treatment
I practice acupuncture in Altrincham. My practice is located 44 Ashfield Road, Hale, Altrincham Cheshire WA15 9QJ
Book an acupuncture treatment
Book an acupuncture treatment or call Tim
07824 641 700
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