Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex and long-term condition characterised by musculoskeletal pain at multiple areas, easy fatigability, insomnia, memory and mood issues. It is often accompanied with Irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tension headaches, anxiety and depression. It is found to be related to central nervous system dysfunction and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis abnormalities. Psychological stress, physical trauma or any recent illness have been identified as triggers. It is a challenging condition for many healthcare providers as no specific cause is known, there aren’t any specific diagnostic tests and the treatment has been more symptomatic.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex and long-term condition characterised by musculoskeletal pain at multiple areas, easy fatigability, insomnia, memory and mood issues. It is often accompanied with Irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tension headaches, anxiety and depression. It is found to be related to central nervous system dysfunction and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis abnormalities. Psychological stress, physical trauma or any recent illness have been identified as triggers. It is a challenging condition for many healthcare providers as no specific cause is known, there aren’t any specific diagnostic tests and the treatment has been more symptomatic.
Causative Factors :
As per Classical Chinese Medicine, long term emotional suppression, grief, frustration and worry are all intrinsic pathogens that adversely affect the flow of Qi and thereby disrupt the neuroendocrine balance.
Methodology :
- This is a condition wherein Acupuncture has been shown to be the most effective, by correcting the neuroendocrine dysfunction.
- Regular sessions of needling and moxibustion along with counselling, nutrition advice and relaxation techniques makes a significant correction in the person’s sleep, reduces pain and stiffness, improves mental agility and overall well-being.
- Moderate physical activity, giving up smoking, and eliminating caffeine and alcohol intake helped sustain the improvement for long.
- Auricular acupuncture seeds help in balancing the hormonal dysfunction as well as manage stress better.
In addition, appropriate nutrition counselling and lifestyle modifications are also employed to improve the overall health.
- A well-placed needle sets off a cascade of events:
- Through the neurohumoral pathway; producing a signal that travels along the spinal cord to the brain, triggering a release of neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphins, serotonin and enkephalins. (Pomeranz, 1987, Zijlstra 2003, Zhao 2008, Cheng 2009).
- Reduction of inflammation by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors thereby reducing pain. (Kim 2008, Kavoussi 2007, Zijlstra 2003).
- Through enhancing local microcirculation, by increasing the diameter and blood flow velocity of peripheral arterioles. It can repair muscle injuries and strengthen weak muscles or relax tense ones. (Komori 2009).
- Due to the concentrated placement of acupoints around the joints, it can influence the stimulation of nerve growth factor and bone growth factors; thereby facilitating tissue regeneration. (Gh, He, Ruan Jw, Zeng Ys, X. Zhou, Y. Ding, and Zhou Gh, 2015)
As per Classical Chinese Medicine, regular Acupuncture sessions in the long run promote production and circulation of Qi, blood and body fluids as well as aid the transformation process by eliminating toxins through sweat, urine and faeces. This, in turn optimises immunity, improves appetite, energy levels and sleep, regularises bowel movements and helps manage stress better.
The safety profile of acupuncture is excellent, with very few adverse events when performed by a trained practitioner.
As no two patients are alike, the duration of the treatment vastly depends on the patient’s age, health habits and the severity of the condition.