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Autoimmune disorders are especially troubling because of the complexity of what the causes could be and how to diagnose and effectively treat the modern health problems. For years fibromyalgia was considered a “trash can diagnosis” and “just” a mental health issue. Over time research has found a series of markers that are found in people struggling with this condition that has made space for people to widen their search options for solutions. Fibro shows up as severe aching in some to most of the muscle groups, along with stiffness, often manifesting in the shoulders, hips and knees. Pain can range from intermittent and random to constant and debilitating. A definitive testing of 18 specific points on the body associated with the illness with pain presenting in 11 or more of the points helps to define the disorder.

Fibro pain often shows up with symptoms of extreme fatigue, problems sleeping and depression. Western medicine has a small arsenal of pharmaceuticals to combat the symptoms that can be helpful but unfortunately often have side effects that are undesirable. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine seek to discover the root cause of the many symptoms of Fibromyalgia and works to eliminate blockages in the body that create an over-abundance of Qi in one area which creates a deficiency in another area. There are several reasons this cycle is present and can be worsened by some lifestyle habits.

With acupuncture points stimulated these blockages can be cleared allowing more efficient Qi movement, which then allows greater nourishment of muscles and tendons and reduces pain. Acupuncture therapy is very gentle and well suited for people who are tender and can often only tolerate very light palpation. Insertion of the needles is fairly shallow, and can be supplemented with the use of topical application of herbal seeds or tiny surgical steel, silver or gold balls taped to the skin that can remain on the body after the needles have been removed. The reduction or elimination of pain creates a more relaxed state of mind and body and sleep is often improved. Insomnia due to pain, numbness and tingling, or inability to relax a busy brain creates a challenging cycle to break, but with acupuncture therapy, herbal prescriptions and some lifestyle modifications fibromyalgia can be managed.

As with Fibromyalgia, arthritis is a health issue that can create similar symptoms of sleep disturbances, depression and pain that can be random, acute, chronic, achy or sharp in any combination. Arthritic pain often presents in the joints of the hands, feet, shoulders and knees and along trigger points that are tender. Whether rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, inflamation of the joints is a given, and acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation which helps to reduce and manage pain throughout the affected area.

Acupuncture Therapy

Endorphins are chemicals (hormones) your body releases when it feels pain or stress. They’re released during pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex too. Endorphins help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being.

Endorphins are created in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, both located in the brain. Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter, or messenger in your body. They attach to your brain’s reward centers (opioid receptors) and carry signals across the nervous system.

Endorphin comes from the words “endogenous,” which means within the body, and “morphine,” an opiate pain reliever. Put together, that means endorphins are natural pain relievers. They are “feel-good” chemicals because they can make you feel better and put you in a positive state of mind.

Endorphins are released when your body feels pain or stress. Your body releases endorphins to help you survive. When you feel pain, nerves in your body send pain signals to your brain. Your brain releases endorphins to block the nerve cells that receive the pain signals.

This essentially turns off your pain. It helps you to continue functioning, even in painful or stressful situations. Because you naturally seek to avoid pain, you’re more likely to do something if it makes you feel good.