Fibromyalgia affects about 3-6% of the world’s population, and an estimated 200-400 million people worldwide; with higher numbers among women than men. People diagnosed with Fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, pain, stiffness, aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders and intestinal/bowl troubles.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, an imbalance in the flow of QI (pronounced “Chee”) can create symptoms and signs that reflect a Western diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.

Qi is the vital energy that animates and supports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and provides nourishment of the entire body. The diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can be confirmed when eleven out of eighteen specific points on the body are tender to pressure. Interestingly, some of these tender points closely correspond to the location of ancient acupuncture points.