Denver Acupuncture Center: Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture is one of the many TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments that are known and have been proven to be an effective therapeutic method for certain medical conditions. This age-old practice has evolved into different types including electroacupuncture, a treatment which you can get at your nearby Denver acupuncture center. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should look into getting an acupuncture treatment as it is known to be one of the most effective methods to alleviate the pain caused by fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by pain in different parts of the body including the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and in some cases, the hands and feet. Pain is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms that include: persistent headaches and/or migraines, difficulty sleeping, gastro-intestinal problems, muscle strain, stiffness in the joints.

The number of treatments necessary to bring relief depends on the severity of the pain you experience. It usually takes several sessions before you feel total pain relief from these symptoms. Acute conditions are generally treated faster  by acupuncture, as compared to chronic diseases. However, patients report that there is always a degree of improvement in how they experience pain from fibromyalgia symptoms after every acupuncture session.

Traditional Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of special needles into specific parts or energy points in the body. According to the philosophy of TCM, a lot of the physical conditions we experience are caused by blockages in the energy points or meridians which disrupt the natural flow of energy in the body. A typical session involves the insertion of needles, after which the practitioner will apply manipulation techniques on the needles such as gentle twisting, to better facilitate the flow of energy.

This agrees with the traditional medical standpoint of the procedure, wherein the manipulation of needles facilitates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that regulate how the brain processes pain sensations. Stimulating secretion of neurotransmitters elevates the pain threshold and helps with fibromyalgia pain. Aside from this traditional method, another type of fibromyalgia treatment that you can get at a Denver acupuncture center is electroacupuncture.

Electroacupuncture

This treatment is similar to the traditional method of acupuncture, except the element of electrical currents is added in the process of manipulating needles and stimulating the meridians. In electroacupuncture, the practitioner attaches leads to the needles. These leads are connected to a device, which generates electric pulses. If you’re thinking of trying electroacupuncture, make sure you have it done at centers or clinics that employ certified and highly qualified practitioners.

Contrary to what many people think, electroacupuncture and traditional acupuncture are not painful treatments. The needles used are thin and flexible, allowing them to be inserted into the skin and tissues painlessly. Most patients report heaviness and tingling sensations during the process, which are afterwards replaced by feelings of calmness and relaxation as the session ends. If you’re looking for an effective alternative treatment for fibromyalgia, you should visit your nearby Denver acupuncture center or clinic and find out which type of acupuncture treatment will suit you best.

This article was written by Kristina Lo and it was prepared for Avicenna Acupuncture (http://www.AvicennaDenver.com). Avicenna Acupuncture is located at 1747 Marion Street in Denver, Colorado. You can also reach them at 303 803 0308 and get a free 15-minute consultation. Drop by their office today or visit their website to schedule and appointment and find out more about the Denver acupuncture center treatments and services they offer.