Fibromyalgia Explained: Symptoms and How Chinese Medicine Can Help
Fibromyalgia is characterised by severe pain and fatigue in joints and muscles throughout the body. For those who have been diagnosed, coping with fibromyalgia is painstaking, as well as difficult for Western Medicine to understand and treat.Multiple factors such as periods of high stress, overwork, physical stresses and sometimes viral or bacterial infections are often implicated in the onset of the disease. Unfortunately, the multitude of factors involved with fibromyalgia have proved it to be difficult for Western Medicine to address; there are currently no laboratory tests or known cures.Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) holistic approach provides key insights on the causes of fibromyalgia and how it can be addressed.
What are the two vital elements considered in TCM?
According to TCM, two vital elements - Qi (life force) and blood - need to flow freely through the body’s meridians, or energy channels, for optimal health. Impeding their flow can lead to pain. Fibromyalgia is an indication of widespread problems in the circulation of Qi and blood. There might not be enough Qi or blood to adequately fill the meridians, there might be blockages along the way, and coincidentally patients might be suffering from a combination of these factors.
What are the causes?
In TCM, strong emotions such as frustration, anger, or anxiety can block the smooth flow of Qi and blood in the meridians. Similarly, infections or even exposure to cold, heat, or humidity can cause blockages in the meridians and impede flow. Overwork, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep reduces Qi reserves, leaving the meridians depleted.
How does TCM manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
TCM and acupuncture have been proven to be effective pain management solutions; one randomised study found that acupuncture reduced pain in 114 people by a clinically significant 25% - 35%. Another Chinese study reported that of the 132 fibromyalgia patients that used herbal remedies, 82% were cleared of fibromyalgia symptoms and over half of them remained symptom-free six months after treatment.Our acupuncture and TCM specialists will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition in order to determine the exact cause of your pain. One of our skilled specialists will then determine the most effective treatments to re-establish the free flow of Qi and blood across all meridians. Treatments will be carried out unobtrusively, with minimal discomfort.If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of Chinese medicine and acupuncture in managing pain, call us on 1300 432 639.Please book a consultation to see if we can help you further today!
