Acupuncture and Shiatsu for Fibromyalgia

How Acupuncture Helps with Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture is an effective treatment option for fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to an imbalance in how the brain processes pain signals, leading to heightened sensitivity and discomfort throughout the body. Acupuncture can help manage these symptoms by addressing both the physical and neurological aspects of the condition.

1. Pain Relief
   Acupuncture is widely known for its ability to relieve pain. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it triggers the release of endorphins—your body's natural painkillers. This helps to reduce the chronic pain that is characteristic of fibromyalgia. Additionally, acupuncture works to modulate the way the brain processes pain signals, helping to decrease the sensitivity to pain and alleviate discomfort.
2. Improved Circulation
   One of the challenges of fibromyalgia is poor blood flow, which can contribute to muscle pain and stiffness. Acupuncture improves local blood circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the muscles and tissues more effectively. This can help reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
3. Regulating the Nervous System
   Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can help regulate the body's autonomic functions, reducing the stress response and promoting relaxation. This is particularly important for fibromyalgia patients, as stress and anxiety can often exacerbate symptoms.
4. Improved Sleep Quality
   Many people with fibromyalgia experience sleep disturbances, which can worsen fatigue and pain. Acupuncture helps improve sleep quality by regulating the body's internal systems and calming the mind. Better sleep allows the body to repair and recover, reducing fatigue and improving overall well-being.
5. Reduced Inflammation
   Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, a key factor that contributes to muscle pain and tenderness. By improving circulation and stimulating the release of anti-inflammatory molecules, acupuncture can help decrease swelling and alleviate the discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.
6. Holistic Treatment
   Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to fibromyalgia by considering the whole body and its energy systems. It not only addresses the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of the condition, which are often affected by chronic pain and fatigue. Acupuncture can help restore balance, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being, which are crucial for managing fibromyalgia.

In summary, acupuncture offers a multi-faceted approach to managing fibromyalgia. By reducing pain, improving circulation, promoting better sleep, and addressing stress, acupuncture can significantly enhance the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. With regular treatments, many patients experience a reduction in symptoms and a better ability to manage the condition day to day.

How Shiatsu Helps with Fibromyalgia

Shiatsu, a form of Japanese acupressure, is a holistic treatment that can provide significant relief for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Shiatsu works by balancing the body's energy (Qi) and stimulating circulation, helping to ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia and improve overall well-being.

1. Pain Relief
   Shiatsu is effective at relieving the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. By using finger pressure, palm pressure, and stretches along the body’s meridians, Shiatsu helps to release muscle tension and stimulate the flow of energy. This can reduce pain and tenderness, particularly in the muscles and connective tissues, which are commonly affected by fibromyalgia.
2. Relaxation and Stress Reduction
   Stress and anxiety can significantly worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and helps calm the nervous system. By working on pressure points and gently manipulating the body, Shiatsu helps reduce the body’s stress response, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm. This is crucial in managing fibromyalgia, as lowering stress levels can decrease flare-ups and improve pain management.
3. Improved Circulation
   One of the common issues in fibromyalgia is poor circulation, which can contribute to pain and stiffness. Shiatsu enhances blood flow throughout the body by stimulating the circulatory system, which helps bring oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues, promoting healing. Improved circulation also helps reduce swelling and muscle fatigue, which are often felt in fibromyalgia.
4. Enhanced Sleep Quality
   Many fibromyalgia patients struggle with sleep disturbances, leading to increased fatigue and worsened pain. Shiatsu promotes better sleep by relaxing the body and calming the mind. Regular Shiatsu treatments can help normalize sleep patterns, improve sleep quality, and reduce the fatigue that often accompanies fibromyalgia.
5. Reduction of Inflammation
   Shiatsu can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a major contributor to the pain and discomfort experienced by people with fibromyalgia. By improving the flow of energy and stimulating blood circulation, Shiatsu helps reduce swelling and tension in the muscles and joints, promoting a sense of relief and greater mobility.
6. Holistic Approach to Healing
   Shiatsu is not only focused on the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia but also on the emotional and mental aspects of the condition. By addressing both the body’s energy and the mind’s state, Shiatsu helps create balance and harmony within the body. This holistic approach is essential for managing fibromyalgia, as it improves the patient’s overall quality of life, reduces mental and emotional stress, and enhances physical healing.

In summary, Shiatsu offers a natural, non-invasive way to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. By addressing pain, improving circulation, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep, Shiatsu provides holistic relief that can complement other treatments for fibromyalgia. Regular Shiatsu treatments can help restore balance and bring long-term benefits in managing the condition.

Treatments for Fibromyalgia at Bubbling Spring Clinic

Many clients come to Helen for help living with Fibromyalgia. The number of people with this condition is increasing, especially after the pandemic.  

During the consultation, Helen will ask lots of questions about your symptoms as well as your medical history. She will use this information to choose an individualised course of treatment for you. Helen practices Acupuncture and Shiatsu and is able to adjust the treatment approach to ensure the comfort level of the client is maintained. Recommendations may also be made at the end of the consultation.