Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Treatment

The influence of alternative medicine in today’s health management practices cannot be ignored. Whether it is because a particular therapy has stopped working or because someone desires a more natural, less invasive treatment, Western medicine has had to adapt to the increasing use of alternative, supplemental remedies. One of the most prevalent of these practices has been acupuncture. A Chinese treatment where small, thin needles are inserted into various parts of the body, acupuncture is thought to restore energy pathways that flow through the body. By placing the needles on different places on the body and along these pathways, a person’s health is restored and pain is more effectively managed. Now, even pediatric patients can reap the benefits of acupuncture at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The idea is to help these young patients better manage pain associated with chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia and cancer.

Researchers have noted that effective pain management for children is scarce and there are very few options available. They also explain that over seventy percent of pediatric patients experience pain as a side effect of a chronic illness, and note that there is no adequate relief. The doctors at Rush wanted to find a treatment option that did not rely on the use of pain medications, due to the serious and debilitating side effects associated with their use. The National Institute of Health published a statement acknowledging acupuncture’s positive effect on the treatment of nausea following chemotherapy, migraines, and fibromyalgia. Often, the practice is only used in adults, with fantastic results.

Some pediatric studies have found that both the pediatric patients and their parents have commented on how relaxing and beneficial acupuncture was. Rush is offering the therapy to patients, between the aged of five and twenty, who are experiencing pain. They will receive eight acupuncture therapies, administered by a licensed practitioner. It is the hope of the Rush medical community that acupuncture will help patients from the onset of the disease, thereby positively affecting their quality of life. Although acupuncture will not cure the underlying disease, it may help patients to complete daily tasks with more ease. Many people with chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia are in so much pain that even the smallest task becomes monumental. In fact, many are unable to work because they cannot get through the work day due to the pain. Even if you are in this situation and must file for social security benefits due to your condition, you may still consider acupuncture therapy. Make certain that your treatments are documented and that you discuss the therapy with your treating physician first. Once you are given the okay, find a licensed acupuncturist and enjoy having your energy realigned and pain diminished.