May 12 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and the value of acupuncture

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Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition. Pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive symptoms such as concentration and memory issues ('fibrofog') profoundly affect the daily lives of people with this diagnosis. Despite years of research, there is still no clear cause or cure, making treatment challenging. Many people, therefore, seek additional ways to better manage their symptoms alongside conventional medical care. One of those options is acupuncture, and on this Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, we are happy to tell you more about it!

What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic, widespread pain in muscles and connective tissue, often accompanied by other symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, irritable bowel, headaches, and mood problems. An estimated 1 in 50 people in the Netherlands are affected, with women more commonly affected than men. The cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, but scientists suspect a disruption in the way the central nervous system processes pain signals.

There is no medical test that directly confirms fibromyalgia; the diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and ruling out other conditions.

Acupuncture for fibromyalgia
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and aims to influence bodily processes by placing thin needles at specific points on the body. An acupuncturist can assess imbalances in the body through diagnostic methods such as pulse-taking and tongue examination, tailor treatments accordingly, and provide lifestyle advice to further support this.

From Western medical research, there are indications that acupuncture can affect processes in the body such as nerve stimulation, which can lead to the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin. These substances can contribute to pain relief and mood improvement. Changes in blood flow are also observed, which may impact muscle relaxation. Additionally, there appears to be an influence on the autonomic nervous system, which regulates stress responses and sleep. Take a look at our knowledge center or click on the links below for more information.

These effects can have a positive impact on the symptoms of people with fibromyalgia, such as pain, sleep problems, and increased sensitivity to stress, making acupuncture a valuable treatment approach.

What to expect from a treatment?
When you visit an acupuncturist, you will notice that there is a lot of attention given to your story. A treatment plan is carefully tailored to your specific situation, taking into account medical history, personal circumstances, living environment, and lifestyle. A good acupuncturist will also try to inform you as best as possible about the duration and content of the treatment process. If this is not clear, be sure to ask so you know what to expect.

Get informed by one of our NVA acupuncturists
If you want to know more about what acupuncture can do for you or what to expect from a treatment process, feel free to contact an NVA acupuncturist. They are happy to take the time to provide you with all the information for a good understanding of acupuncture for your symptoms.