KATY BRADSHAW ACUPUNCTURE
Is acupuncture good for fibromyalgia?
Living with fibromyalgia can be frustrating, exhausting and, at times, incredibly lonely. Pain, fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog often become part of everyday life, making even simple activities feel overwhelming.
Many people tell me they’ve reached a point where they feel hopeless. They’re often caught in a cycle where one symptom subsides only for another to flare up.
“There’s always something I’m having to deal with”.
They have often tried different medications, physiotherapy, massage, dietary changes or pacing strategies and are looking for something that’s really going to make a difference.
Acupuncture might not cure your fibromyalgia, but many people find it helps them manage symptoms more effectively, improve their quality of life and feel more like themselves again. Most importantly, because of the way I work, you’ll feel heard and validated.
I’m here to explain how acupuncture may help, how Chinese medicine understands fibromyalgia and what you can expect from treatment.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that predominantly affects women. It is characterised by pervasive muscle pain and tenderness in various parts of the body. Beyond the physical pain, it can also include symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory lapses, and mood fluctuations.
This chronic ailment can be incredibly challenging to manage with conventional medicine, often leading to a lifelong battle with discomfort.
For those living with fibromyalgia, the impact goes beyond the confines of physical suffering. It reaches into the very core of one’s life. The simple joy of activities like exercising, tending to a garden, or even playing with grandchildren can feel limited or even unattainable.
What is the root cause of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex long-term condition that affects the way the nervous system processes pain. Although it doesn’t show up on blood tests or scans, the symptoms are very real and can have a profound impact on daily life. It is essential to emphasise that your symptoms are not imagined or fabricated. They are very real experiences for those who endure them.
Though the precise origins of fibromyalgia remain unclear, it often emerges after a traumatic event or as a result of prolonged chronic stress and anxiety. Other risk factors include a family history of fibromyalgia or related rheumatoid diseases, recurring injuries, neurological disorders, and a history of serious infections.
What is the best treatment for fibromyalgia?
In Western medicine, understanding, diagnosing, and effectively treating fibromyalgia has been a complex and ongoing challenge. Treatment involves a 3-step approach that includes regular exercise, talking therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therpay), and anti-depressants. Outcomes are based on easing symptoms and improving the quality of your life.
The NHS recommend acupuncture as a treatment option for fibromyalgia and Chinese medicine certainly provides hope to those living with this chronic condition.
As someone deeply invested in exploring the interplay between psychological origins and physical manifestations of illness, I’ve witnessed first hand the positive impact of acupuncture on patients living with fibromyalgia. It has not only alleviated physical discomfort but has also brought about significant improvements in their mental well-being.
How does Chinese medicine understand fibromyalgia?
Chinese medicine doesn’t simply treat a diagnosis. Instead, it looks at the pattern of symptoms unique to each individual.
Two people with fibromyalgia may have very different experiences. One person may be struggling with overwhelming fatigue and poor sleep, while another is more affected by widespread pain, digestive problems or anxiety. Acupuncture treatment reflects those differences rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
The aim is to support the body’s natural ability to regulate pain, improve sleep, calm the nervous system and restore balance over time.
Is there any evidence for acupuncture for fibromyalgia?
Research suggests acupuncture may help reduce pain and improve quality of life for some people living with fibromyalgia. While results vary from person to person, national guidelines recognise acupuncture as an option that some people find beneficial as part of a wider management plan.
If you’re curious about the scientific evidence supporting acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia, the BAcC has some helpful fact sheets you can read.
How many sessions of acupuncture for fibromyalgia?
Managing a chronic condition like fibromyalgia necessitates a structured approach. Typically, I recommend starting with weekly acupuncture sessions and gradually transitioning to monthly treatments to maintain symptom relief and prevent recurrence.
If you’re living with fibromyalgia and wondering whether acupuncture might be right for you, I’d be happy to talk things through. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation where we can discuss your symptoms, answer any questions and decide whether treatment feels like the right next step.
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