How Does Acupuncture Work for Fibromyalgia Chronic Pain?
In Acupuncture the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: Yin and Yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle; while Yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. The goal in TOM is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state” with the perspective that disease is due to an internal imbalance of Yin and Yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. There are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians, and there are more than 2,000 Acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them.
In the past two decades, this profession has grown in popularity in the United States. Acupuncture is being “widely” practiced by thousands of Physicians, Dentists, Acupuncturists, and other practitioners for the relief or prevention of pain, for various other health conditions, and specifically for FIBROMYALGIA chronic pain. An estimated 15 million US adults have used Acupuncture once, and about 5 million undergo the treatment each year.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. Patients experience Acupuncture differently, but most feel minimal or no pain as the needles are inserted. Some patients are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. It is important to seek a qualified practitioner for the treatment of acupuncture for fibromyalgia.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, non-toxic needles be used, and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.
Relatively few complications from the use of Acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of patients treated each year, and the number of needles used. Complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from the improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles. When the needles are not delivered properly, they can cause serious adverse effects including infections and punctured organs.
There are many Acupuncture organizations in the US, and several states also have regulations and codes. Almost every state has an Acupuncture Board, and there are more than 50 accredited schools in the US.
In the Next Section we will explore when Acupuncture is Appropriate for fibromyalgia chonic pain.