The American College of Rheumatology reports that fibromyalgia is second only to arthritis when it comes to rheumatic disorders in the United States. There is no known cause for fibromyalgia (FMS).

It is believed it can be triggered by events such as a viral or bacterial infection, a car accident or the development of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or hypothyroidism. These events may awaken a physiological abnormality that already exists in the body.

Whatever the cause, there are some exciting new developments for treating the constant pain associated with fibromyalgia. And one of the most promising is acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been used throughout China for thousands of years. A research study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health in 1997 found acupuncture for fibromyalgia to be an effective treatment.

Dr. Don Goldenberg, a fibromyalgia specialist at Newton Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts, finds that acupuncture for fibromyalgia gives positive results when used along with more conventional treatments. "Acupuncture clearly can help lots of chronic pain issues, including fibromyalgia, reports Dr. Goldenberg.

Acupuncture for fibromyalgia is not a cure, but it can help control the symptoms. It does not work for everyone.

"Some people respond spectacularly - but not all, reports Dr. Wendell Hatfield, a Denver rheumatologist who is also trained in acupuncture. "And as with all treatments for chronic conditions, it's not a cure."

Acupuncture is not painful. Very thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points in the body.

Acupuncture is based on a theory that an essential life energy called "chi" (qi) flows through the body along channels called meridians. According to Chinese theory, pain results when the flow of qi is blocked or out of balance.

Acupuncture for fibromyalgia stimulates specific points along the meridians, to restore correct the flow of qi so the pain will be relieved.

Western scientists aren't sure how acupuncture for fibromyalgia works. They believe the acupuncture points are related to known trigger points rich in nerve endings. When acupuncture points are stimulated, chemicals are released into the muscles, spinal cord and brain that produce the body's natural pain-killing endorphins.

In addition to medications and acupuncture, patients have had some success with physical therapy, acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback, chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage, or an appropriate exercise program.

A great source of information on the latest treatments for Fibromyalgia is the Fibromyalgia Network. Their publications are very patient friendly and describe the latest research. Contact them at 800-853-2929. Take the first step toward getting relief for Fibromyalgia naturally by trying acupuncture for fibromyalgia.