By Adrienne Dellwo 
Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc 
Updated on June 15, 2021

Acupuncture for fibromyalgia (FM) has become more common over the years, especially since more and more research has shown the benefits of this treatment. One in five people with fibromyalgia seek acupuncture treatment within two years of diagnosis.1 Because fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to treat and many people with it have trouble tolerating drugs and even supplements, complementary and alternative treatments like acupuncture are especially appealing and represent a potential way to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

The medical use of acupuncture goes back about 2,500 years. It is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves placing hair-thin needles at strategic points around the body. In many cases, the needle is twisted until the practitioner feels something called the needle grasp. That part is believed to be important in producing a pain-relieving effect.2

Acupuncture points are located on meridians; however, modern acupuncture may also be performed on myofascial trigger points, which are tight areas of connective tissue that can radiate pain.

Most people—even those with fibromyalgia—report no pain or just a momentary twinge when the needles are inserted and upon needle grasp. During and after treatments, it’s common to feel relaxed.

The ancient explanation of acupuncture’s benefits was that it enables the flow of a life energy called qi throughout the body. The theory held by Western medicine is that acupuncture stimulates or activates several mechanisms in the body, including the:  

- Peripheral and central nervous systems

- Spinal glial (white matter) cells

- Immune system’s inflammatory response3

- Endogenous opioid system (a natural pain-relieving mechanism in the nervous system)

- Pain inhibition system in the central nervous system (which is believed to be dysfunctional in fibromyalgia)

Benefits for Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture has many potential health benefits for fibromyalgia, including:

- Lower pain levels

- Better sleep 4

- Possible immune system stimulation5

- Enhanced relaxation

- Better overall health6

Acupuncture therapy has several advantages over conventional fibromyalgia treatments, such as:

- Low risk 7

- No negative interactions with drugs or supplements

- No need for regular laboratory tests