Managing Fibromyalgia Pain and Fatigue With Acupuncture Therapy

Approximately 4 million Americans live with fibromyalgia, a neurological disorder characterized by chronic pain and fatigue that traditional treatments often fail to address completely. If you’re tired of struggling with complex symptoms, it’s time to consider acupuncture.

At Twin Acupuncture in Staten Island, New York, provider Kerri Kuhlsen, Lac, cSMA, uses this holistic, evidence-based therapy to help patients find relief from the daily discomfort of long-term conditions like fibromyalgia. Here, we explain how acupuncture works to ease symptoms at their source.

How fibromyalgia affects the body

While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, researchers believe it results from a malfunction in the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. Essentially, the central nervous system becomes overly sensitive, amplifying ordinary sensations into widespread discomfort.

Fibromyalgia may begin after a specific triggering event, such as an injury, infection, or period of intense psychological stress. But in other cases, it may develop gradually with no identifiable starting point. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness throughout the body
• Fatigue or exhaustion that isn’t relieved by sleep
• Issues with memory, concentration, and focus (sometimes called “fibro fog”)
• Headaches, migraines, and facial/jaw pain
• Depression or anxiety
• Digestive or bladder problems

Many people with fibromyalgia experience a degree of discomfort on a nearly constant basis. Certain factors — such as stress, lack of sleep, weather changes, and hormonal fluctuations — may cause acute flare-ups, where symptoms intensify for a period of time.

How acupuncture calms the nervous system

Acupuncture works to turn down the volume of pain signals associated with fibromyalgia. Stimulating specific areas of the body (acupoints) with ultra-fine needles releases a flood of endorphins and other natural chemicals that block those painful messages from reaching your brain.

This process helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, supporting the parasympathetic “rest and digest” branch to counteract the sustained sympathetic “flight or flight” response common in fibromyalgia. By shifting your body out of that high-alert state, acupuncture reduces stress, restores mental clarity, and promotes deeper, better-quality sleep.

A balanced nervous system supports your whole-body health, including your hormone levels, blood pressure, and immune function. Regular acupuncture sessions help strengthen your defenses against common triggers, improving your daily function and keeping flare-ups at bay.

Living well with fibromyalgia: A holistic approach

Acupuncture initiates healing, but your daily habits are what maintain and maximize those effects. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is key to managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and protecting the balance established during your treatment sessions. To support a healthy nervous system, focus on:

Mindfulness

Practices like meditation and deep breathing help shift your mind and body into “rest and digest” mode, reducing overall stress.

Gentle movement

Regular, low-impact exercise improves circulation and maintains muscle flexibility. Gentle stretching, yoga, swimming, and walking are great choices to get moving without causing flares.

Sleep hygiene

Maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time reinforces your natural circadian rhythm, promoting the deep, restorative sleep your body needs to heal. Aim for 7-9 hours each night, and refrain from screen time, such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs, for at least 30-60 minutes before bed.

Fibromyalgia isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, and your unique experience determines the best approach to management. Kerri personalizes every session to target your specific pain points and dominant symptoms.

Call or message Twin Acupuncture today to schedule your consultation and break free from the constant struggle of fibromyalgia.