Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Here's some additional information from some of my resources Fibromyalgia after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation/Constraint; Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency); Cold in the Channels with Damp-Heat; dysfunction of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); dysfunction of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) and/or Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel) » therapeutic notes: • Avoid long retention of needles unless Constrained Liver Qi is predominant and even then watch not to sedate excessively. Use very light stimulus. Patient should barely feel needles. (Ambrose) • Abdominal palpation valuable for assessing involvement and dysfunction of Extraordinary Vessels, which is quite common in this syndrome • Fibromyalgia may be a part of a general pattern of glandular/lymphatic exhaustion that can often be rooted in or at least exacerbated by a chronic, often subclinical, infection in the sinuses and irritation in the oropharyngeal mucous membranes. This area is a common site of primary focal infection from which secondary infections derive. Palpation at reflex sites in proximity of TW-16 ( " East Wind " ) and LI-10.5 and above and below the eyes will confirm this hypothesis. If tender and/or painful points are found, consider needling Lu-7 and the reactive points in the areas of " LI-10.5 " , " St-2.5 " , yu yao, east wind/TW-16, and " St-43 " . Sinus irrigation with saline solution is usually also helpful - see " patient handout: sinus wash " . (Matsumoto) See also " sinusitis " . » illustrative combinations: • Lv-3 and LI-4: open the Four Gates; expel Wind, stop pain; regulate Qi and Xue (Blood) circulation; remove Obstruction of the channels; open the Orifices; release bodily tension; relax clenching of jaws; free constraint; calm the mind; relieve mental cloudiness; provide sedative and analgesic effect; pacify Liver Yang (Finkelstein, p. 7; Flaws, 1989, p. 76) • LI-11, LI-4, PC-6, TW-5, LI-15, GB-21 and local points to facilitate the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood): to disperse Stagnation in the lower limbs (Eisen) • GB-30, GB-31, St-32, Sp-10, St-36, GB-34 and local points to facilitate the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood): to disperse Stagnation in the upper limbs (Eisen) • CV-8 (ginger moxa); UB-23, GV-4, LI-4, Lv-3, LI-11, St-36, CV-12, UB-38/43 and left TW-4 for neurasthenia (McWilliams, et al., Lesson 31, p. 158) • PC-6 after Sp-4 (=): activate Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) to regulate digestion and nourish Xue (Blood); Master and Couple points of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) • TW-5 and GB-41: open the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) for which loss of strength, esp. during rainy or cold weather, is a symptom of Xu (Deficiency) • UB-62 and SI-3: open and regulate the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) which regulates muscular activity, esp. with flaccidity of the muscles of the medial aspect of the lower extremity and spasm of the lateral aspect • Kd-6 and Lu-7: open and regulate the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel) which regulates muscular activity, esp. with Shi (Excess) of the Yang channels or flaccidity of the muscles of the lateral aspect of the lower extremity and spasm of the medial aspect • Kd-6 and Kd-27 (+): tonify Kidney Qi and strengthen adrenal glands (Matsumoto) • CV-4 and St-36: tonify the Spleen and Kidney to strengthen the vitality (Finkelstein, p. 85) • CV-4, CV-6 and UB-54/40: " address vacuity " , i.e., Xu (Deficiency) (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 220) • Sp-2, Kd-7, PC-7 and CV-6 (+) for lack of Will Power (McWilliams, et al., Lesson 31, p. 160) • PC-6, Ht-7, yin tang (threaded inferiorly), an mian, St-36 and Kd-3 (also consider GB-20, GV-20, TW-23, CV-12, UB-20, UB-18, Sp-6, UB-18, Sp-6, UB-15, UB-23, GV-4, CV-4, CV-6, Lv-2 and PC-4) for neurasthenia (Lee and Cheung, p. 305) an mian, Ht-7 and PC-6 (also consider yi ming, St-36 and Sp-6) for neurasthenia (Lee and Cheung, p. 305) • GB-20, UB-11, UB-22, CV-4, PC-6, St-36 and UB-15; alternate with UB-10, GV-12, UB-14, UB-23, CV-6, Ht-5 and Sp-6 for neurasthenia (Lee and Cheung, p. 305) • " yu yao " , " St-2.5 " , " east wind " , " LI-10.5 " , Lu-7, and " St-43 " , with other points sensitive to palpation, for sinusitis and glandular/lymphatic exhaustion, esp. with a primary focal infection in the sinuses and oropharyngeal mucous membranes (Matsumoto) • UB-38/43, CV-4 and St-36 (D) for general weakness caused by prolonged illness (Shanghai, p. 201) • Kd-3, Sp-6, LI-4, GB-20 and Lv-2: reinforce the Kidney and nourishes Yin (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3 and UB-23: nourish Kidney Yin and facilitates Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23 and UB-15: adjust disharmony of the Heart and Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23, GV-4 and CV-4 (all: D): support Kidney Yang (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-6, Kd-7 and Sp-6: nourish Yin and moistens dryness (Finkelstein, p. 54) • GB-34 and CV-12 (+): strengthen the Spleen and Stomach to help transportation and transformation of water and cereals to support body resistance (Zheng Qi) (Finkelstein, p. 69) • CV-12 and Sp-4: treat lack of appetite (Finkelstein, p. 89) • St-36, CV-4 and CV-6: restore the primary Qi (Finkelstein, p. 20) • St-36, Ht-7 and Sp-6: strengthen the Spleen; regulate the circulation of Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and calm the Shen (Flaws, 1989, p. 87) • St-36 and Sp-6: regulate the Spleen and Stomach; nourish the Xue (Blood); descend Rebellious Qi; cultivate the growing source of Qi and Xue (Blood); treat Xu (Deficiency) Cold conditions of the Spleen and Stomach; and ease the Mind (Finkelstein, p. 19) • St-36, Sp-6 and UB-20: invigorate the Spleen and benefit the Root of Post-Natal Qi and Xue (Blood) (Flaws, 1989, p. 70; Finkelstein, p. 19) • St-36 and Kd-3: regulate the Qi of the Liver, Spleen and Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 20) • St-36, CV-12 and Sp-6: tonify the Spleen; regulate the Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and treat Spleen Xu (Deficiency) syndrome (Flaws, 1989, p. 87; Finkelstein, p. 20) • St-36 and CV-4: tonify Spleen and Kidney to strengthen vitality (Finkelstein, p. 20) • St-36, LI-4 and Lu-7: tonify the essential Qi to strengthen Ying (Constructive) and Wei (Protective) Qi (Finkelstein, p. 20) • CV-12 , CV-10 and CV-13: tonify the whole body Yang via the Triple Warmer (Finkelstein, p. 90) • CV-12, UB-20, Sp-3 and Lv-13 (+ and D): invigorate Spleen Yang (Finkelstein, p. 90) • Lu-7 -> Lu-8 with threading along superior border of the clavicle: to release scalene muscles (Matsumoto) < wrote: Hi Brian, This is pretty comprehensive. However, even though fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition, when I went to see a rheumatologist, he told me rheumatologists don't treat it. Also, the information I have seen states that there is no inflammation involved in fibromyalgia. Like everything else with fibrymyalgia, contradictions abound. Brian Hardy wrote: Here's additional infomation for fibromyalgia that may be helpful for you and your patients: Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue Musculoskeletal Syndrome that is similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (it differs from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in that the primary symptom of Fatigue that is experienced by CFS patients is replaced with Musculoskeletal Pain in Fibromyalgia patients). Prevalence research Fibromyalgia affects approximately 3.5% of women and 0.5% of men. Some research indicates that Fibromyalgia may affect 2% to 6% of the population. Approximately 85% of Fibromyalgia patients are young women and 90% of Fibromyalgia patients are women. Some experts claim that Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic condition. Women afflicted with Fibromyalgia are usually aged 20 - 60 (most commonly 45 to 55). Although Fibromyalgia is less prevalent in men, men experience more severe symptoms of Fibromyalgia. These Substances Alleviate Fibromyalgia Alkaloids Capsaicin (applied topically) alleviates the Musculoskeletal Pain associated with Fibromyalgia. research Amino Acids 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) (50 - 300 mg per day (or night)) alleviates Fibromyalgia. research Fibromyalgia patients have significantly lower levels of Creatine than healthy people (and supplemental Creatine Monohydrate may help to restore endogenous Creatine levels to normal in Fibromyalgia patients) - studies to determine whether supplemental Creatine Monohydrate could alleviate Fibromyalgia have not yet been performed. research Fibromyalgia patients generally exhibit significantly lower plasma Histidine levels compared to normal subjects. Phenylalanine (L-Phenylalanine form) improves the condition of Fibromyalgia patients (according to anecdotal reports). research Supplemental S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) (800 mg per day or more) alleviates Fibromyalgia: research - Specific improvements in the symptoms of Fibromyalgia caused by SAM therapy include a significant reduction in the number of trigger points, reduction in Fatigue, reduction in morning stiffness and improvements in Mood. Fibromyalgia patients generally exhibit significantly lower plasma Serine levels compared to normal subjects. research Fibromyalgia patients usually exhibit decreased Tryptophan transport mechanisms and usually exhibit significantly lowered Tryptophan levels (indicating that supplemental Tryptophan may be of benefit to Fibromyalgia patients). research Auxins Ascorbigen alleviates the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. research Preliminary reports indicate that Indole-3-Carbinol may alleviate some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Carbohydrates Hyaluronic Acid (consumed orally) is claimed to alleviate Fibromyalgia. Coenzymes NADH alleviates some cases of Fibromyalgia. research Growth Factors Approximately 33% of Fibromyalgia patients exhibit low levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) - this occurs most likely as a result of insufficient release of Human Growth Hormone): research Hormones DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) alleviates many of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. research Supplemental, exogenous Human Growth Hormone (administered under professional guidance) causes significant improvement in the condition of Fibromyalgia patients. research Melatonin helps to correct the impairment of Slow Wave Sleep (deep Sleep) experienced by Fibromyalgia patients. research Progesterone alleviates many cases of Fibromyalgia (according to many anecdotal reports). research Relaxin alleviates the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Relaxin depletion is speculated to be an underlying cause of Fibromyalgia. research One theory of the cause of Fibromyalgia states that it occurs as a result of a state of hypometabolism in the body’s Cells that can be corrected by supplementation with exogenous Triiodothyronine (T3) combined with regular Aerobic Exercise. Clinical studies have demonstrated that 75 - 150 micrograms per day of exogenous Triiodothyronine sometimes cures Fibromyalgia. research Lipids Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) alleviates the Inflammation of the Joints associated with Fibromyalgia. research Minerals Magnesium deficiency within Muscle Fibers is speculated to be a factor in the development of Fibromyalgia: research - Daily supplementation of 300 - 600 mg of Magnesium (especially from the Magnesium Malate form) has resulted in significant improvements in the number of tender points in Fibromyalgia patients. - Some researchers speculate that this improvement results from the Malic Acid content of Magnesium Malate rather than the Magnesium content, although there is also evidence that Magnesium contributes significantly to the effectiveness of Magnesium Malate. Fibromyalgia patients are generally found to have low Phosphorus (Phosphate) levels. research Neurotransmitters Insufficient production of Serotonin has been speculated to be a cause of Fibromyalgia. research Organic Acids Malic Acid ((2,400 mg per day combined with 600 mg of Magnesium) has caused significant improvement in the number of tender points in Fibromyalgia patients. research Polyphenols Oleoeuropein alleviates Fibromyalgia (according to the observations of many physicians). Smart Drugs Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) alleviates Fibromyalgia. research Sulfuric Compounds Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is speculated to be a valuable treatment for Fibromyalgia. research Vitamins Fibromyalgia patients generally have abnormally low Vitamin B12 levels (indicating that supplemental Vitamin B12 may be useful for the treatment of Fibromyalgia). research These Foods/Herbs Alleviate Fibromyalgia Algae Chlorella decreases the Pain associated with Fibromyalgia and improves the “quality of life” of Fibromyalgia patients. research Herbs Aloe vera (consumed orally) alleviates the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. research Olive Leaf alleviates many of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia (primarily due to the Oleoeuropein content of Olive Leaf) (according to the observations of some physicians). research Saint John’s Wort alleviates some of the symptoms (Pain) of Fibromyalgia (primarily due to the ability of Saint John’s Wort to increase Brain Serotonin levels). research Other Factors that Treat Fibromyalgia Exercise Regular Aerobic Exercise provides positive (but short term) benefits to Fibromyalgia patients. research Physical Therapies for Fibromyalgia Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a popular means of treatment for Fibromyalgia. Orthodox Medical Treatment of Fibromyalgia Pharmaceutical Drugs Ibuprofen is sometimes prescribed to Fibromyalgia patients (although clinical studies have shown that Ibuprofen is no more effective than placebo for the treatment of Fibromyalgia). research Amitryptyline is sometimes prescribed to Fibromyalgia patients (although Amitryptyline provides some relief from Fibromyalgia symptoms, its long term use is discouraged due to the severe side effects associated with long term use of Tricyclic Antidepressants). These Substances May Cause Fibromyalgia Amino Acids Fibromyalgia patients are generally found to have elevated Homocysteine levels (suggesting that elevated Homocysteine could be a possible underlying cause of Fibromyalgia). research Hormones High levels of Reverse T3 are common in Fibromyalgia patients. research Viruses Prior infection by the Influenza Virus Type A has been speculated to predispose humans to Fibromyalgia at a later stage (i.e. after the initial Influenza caused by this Virus, Fibromyalgia may occur at a later date). research These Ailments May Cause Fibromyalgia (Underlying Cause of Fibromyalgia) Digestive System Intestinal Permeability is an underlying cause of some cases of Fibromyalgia. Immune System Overactivity of TH2 Helper T-Cells (known as TH2 Helper T-Cells Dominance) is one of the features of Fibromyalgia. Metabolism A decrease in Energy available for Muscle contractions and an inability of the Muscles to relax after contraction has occurred is presently believed to be the underlying cause of Fibromyalgia. With time the plasma membrane (Sarcolemma) that surrounds groups of Muscle Fibers becomes tight and thick, causing further Muscle Pain. Hypothyroidism is a possible precipitating factor (and possibly a direct cause) of Fibromyalgia. research Symptoms of Fibromyalgia A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia requires fulfillment of the following major criteria and four or more minor criteria: MAJOR CRITERIA Cells Fibromyalgia patients have been found to have a high incidence of damage to the Mitochondria of their Cells. research Musculoskeletal System The primary symptom of Fibromyalgia is chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (particlarly Muscle Pain) characterized by: peer-reviewed research - Generalized Pain or stiffness of at least three anatomic sites for at least three months. - 11 or more typical, reproducible Tender Points (the American College of Rheumatology describes 18 points over Muscles and Tendons). - Exclusion of other ailments that can cause similar symptoms. - A feeling that the Muscles and/or Joints are being “glued down”, gelling when the body is in one position for any period of time. - This Musculoskeletal Pain is often at its worst first thing in the morning (and is therefore known as Morning Stiffness) and usually lasts for more than thirty minutes. MINOR CRITERIA Digestive System Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. 70% of Fibromyalgia patients experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome which is characterized by alternating Diarrhea and Constipation, Intestinal Cramps, Flatulence and Nausea. research Metabolism Generalized Fatigue (similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. 85% of Fibromyalgia patients experience overwhelming tiredness accompanied by an inability to perform physical tasks. This Fatigue occurs without any precipitating events. research Musculoskeletal System Joint and other soft tissues Inflammation (swelling) is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Nervous System Anxiety is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia - 62% of Fibromyalgia patients experience Anxiety, Irritability and overconcern without any specific precipitating events causing these feelings. Depression is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Chronic Headache or Migraine is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia - approximately 70% of Fibromyalgia patients experience Headaches or Migraines. Insomnia and other Sleep Disorders are one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia (and are speculated to be the underlying primary cause of Fibromyalgia): research - 80% of Fibromyalgia patients have severely disrupted and insufficient quantities of Slow-Wave Sleep. Fibromyalgia patients’ Slow-Wave Sleep is often of the type known as Alpha/Delta Sleep (characterized by a mixture of Delta Waves and Alpha Waves instead of purely Delta Waves). research - It often takes Fibromyalgia patients one or two hours to fall asleep and any noise, smell or other sensory stimuli may arouse them. - Fibromyalgia patients generally sleep restlessly, waking 2 - 29 times per night and they awaken feeling stiff, sore and fatigued. - Muscles usually maintain a high level during rest and breathing continues shallow and erratic. Numbness is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Variation in symptoms associated with activity, Stress and weather changes is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Vertigo is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Increases the Risk of these Ailments Musculoskeletal System Fibromyalgia patients have a greater risk of Osteoporosis. research Mis-Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia? Some experts believe that some cases of Fibromyalgia have been mis-diagnosed and that many people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are actually afflicted with Osteomalacia. references Forms of Fibromyalgia The symptoms of both forms of Fibromyalgia are identical. Primary Fibromyalgia is Fibromyalgia where the origin is uncertain. Post-Traumatic Fibromyalgia occurs as a result of a physical injury such as a fall or whiplash. In-Tele-Health © 2002 (from Hyperhealth Pro CD-ROM) krhkempo wrote: Could anyone tell me whether they have had a similar experience: I have a couple of diagnosed fybromyalgia patients, each of whom are reporting the experience of regressing through their illness after 4 treatments. They initially feel better and then get worse. One actually reported that she felt as if she were back at the time of the onset of her illness which began after 2 consecutive car accidents. They have made no other change in their routines nor medication. It is very disconcerting yet seems almost appropriate to their initial presentation. However, I don't want to arrogantly ignore this progression. I have been using shallow needling with a minimum of small gauge needles. I have avoided herbs due to their apparent intense response to gentle treatment. Has anyone had this experience and if so how have you seen it progress?What treatment methods have you employed?Anything out of the ordinary? Ken Hoffman, D.Ac, L.Ac, CCH Arcadia Health Center 499 Federal Rd Brookfield, CT 06804 203-740-9300 Chinese Herbal Medicine offers various professional services, including board approved continuing education classes, an annual conference and a free discussion forum in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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