Reviewed by Dr Jessica Gunawan and Physician Brandon Yew on July 4, 2022

Can TCM Help Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

Published September 15, 2022| 8 min read

There are several things you can do at home to help cope with your fibromyalgia symptoms naturally. Our experts explain how here.

Fibromyalgia symptoms tend to be something that many people struggle with their entire lives. This may include both mental and physical issues.

Currently, there is no cure. However, there are things you can do at home to cope with symptoms naturally.

In this guide, our experts explain fibromyalgia symptoms and how to deal with everything from joint pain to intestinal bloating.

What is Fibromyalgia?

In addition to chronic pain, fibromyalgia may also cause fatigue, depression, and mood disorders.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue and widespread bone and muscle pain throughout the body.

Symptoms can recur over time. These are physically and psychologically debilitating and can impair a person’s quality of life. Notable signs of the condition are:

Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Temporomandibular joint syndrome
Pain and stiffness all over the body
Problems with thought, memory, or concentration
Tingling or numbing sensation in the hands and feet
Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

There aren’t any cures available for fibromyalgia. However, various steps can be taken to ease symptoms and help you function daily.

What Causes Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

The exact reasons behind fibromyalgia are yet to be determined, but it can affect people of all ages.

It also shares similar traits to many health disorders. In addition, several factors may make a person prone to developing the condition.

For instance, it’s more likely to occur in middle-aged adults. It also occurs twice more in women than men. Here are some other possible risk factors:

Underlying health conditions

Being previously diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, mood disorder, or other health conditions that give rise to pain. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis can also make you vulnerable to fibromyalgia.

Lifestyle habits

Pathogenic factors can arise from a pressure-cooker work environment, poor work-life balance, an unhealthy diet, and other less-than-commendable lifestyle practices.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these are believed to be Cold, Heat, Wind, Dampness, Blood Stasis, and Qi (vital life force) Stagnation.

As a result, it disrupts Qi and Blood circulation within the muscles, sinews, and joints. Kidney, Liver, and Spleen Deficiencies may also ensue.

How To Control Fibromyalgia Symptoms

There aren’t definitive ways to clinically diagnose fibromyalgia. A physician will usually analyze your symptoms and perform a physical examination.

Blood tests may help rule out anemia or thyroid gland disorders. It’s worth remembering that people who have the condition are also more sensitive to pain than most.

Here are some things you can do to manage the condition:

Stay physically active

Staying physically active is a necessity, but it can be difficult to do so if you’re experiencing pain or fatigue. Studies show that gentle, low-intensity routines can improve fitness and reduce pain severity.

Try cycling, swimming, dancing, or walking for 30 to 60 minutes, two to three times weekly. Perform strength-building routines with machines, elastic bands, or light weights. Workouts that incorporate meditation, such as yoga, Qigong, or tai chi, can also help.

Try therapy

Autogenic training promotes relaxation and alleviates muscle tension. It involves focusing on a specific set of muscle groups and repetitions of muscle tensing and relaxing. Gradually, it’ll help you become more aware of your body, and consciously achieve physical and mental calmness.

Separately, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also used to treat mood disorders. It reduces the degree of connectivity between areas of the cerebral cortex – the outer layer of neural tissue in the cerebrum – that relates to pain. Thus, it contributes to a shift in pain processing, promoting significant recovery from physical distress.

Use herbal formulas

Real Health Medical Senior TCM Physician Brandon Yew proposes using herbal formulas to address pathogenic imbalances that provoke the onset of fibromyalgia. These distinctively include:

Si Ni San
Si Ni Tang
Fu Ling Wan
Xuan Bi Tang
Yi Yi Ren Tang
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Jing Fang Bai Du San
Jing Fang Si Wu Tang
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

However, Physician Yew cautions, “Keep in mind that these recommendations are meant for varying pathologies of fibromyalgia. As such, avoid purchasing any of them to self-medicate without first consulting a licensed TCM practitioner.”

Can Acupressure Help With Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

The stimulation of acupoints can soothe pain, tingling, and numbness sensations and relieve stiffness in different areas of the body.

Baihui DU20: On the top of the head, along the midline of the human body. It lies approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting the apexes of the two ears.

Fengchi (GB20): in the depression created between the Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius muscles, at the connection of the occipital and nuchal areas.

Taiyang (EX-HN5): in the area of the temples, in the depression about one-finger width between the lateral end of the eyebrow and outer canthus area.

Jianjing (GB21): located on the shoulder directly above the nipple, at the midpoint of the line connecting the acromion and the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra.

Applying pressure on the Bai Hui (DU20), Feng Chi (GB20), Tai Yang (EX-HN5), and Jian Jing (GB21) points can dull pain in the head, neck, and shoulders.

You can find this on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger bones.

With the elbow flexed, the point is on the dorsal radial side of the forearm, 3-fingers breadth below the transverse cubital crease.

On the lateral side of the mid-arm crease, at midpoint between biceps and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

On the lateral side of the arm, superior to the insertion of deltoideus muscle.

Located in the center of the palm of the hand, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones.

Located midpoint between the ulna and the radius, about 2 finger-widths above the crease of the wrist

Meanwhile, you can soothe pain in the upper limbs by activating acupoints like:

He Gu (LI4)
Shou San Li (LI10)

Qu Chi (LI11)
Bi Nao (LI14)
Lao Gong (PC8)
Wai Guan (SJ5)

Located on the back of the thigh in the depression between the hamstring muscle.

Located in the middle of the crease of the knee.

Located on the back of the lower leg in a pointed depression when leg is stretched or heel is lifted

On the midline of the lateral aspect of the thigh, 7 finger widths above the transverse popliteal crease

Located below the outside of the knee, in a depression one inch anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

Located 3 finger widths above the lateral malleolus, between the tibial anterior ridge and the anterior edge of the fibula.

In depression midway between the tip of the medial malleolus and the attachment of the Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the medial malleolus.

Located 4 finger widths above the medial epicondyle of the femur, between vastus medialis and sartorius.

Taichong (LR3): located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression of the first metatarsal space.

On the inner lower leg, 4-fingers-breadth above the tip of the inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone.

Near the medial aspect of the lower leg, in the depression of the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia.

When the knee is flexed, on the medial aspect of the thigh, the point is 3-fingers-breadth above the mediosuperior border of the patella, on the bulge of the medial portion of quadriceps femoris muscle.

When the knee is flexed, on the anterior aspect of the thigh, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lower lateral border of the patella, 3-fingers-breadth above the patella.

On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 4 fingers-breadth below the outer depression of the knee joint, one finger-breadth (middle finger) from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Located on the lower back, in the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra.

Likewise, pressing on these acupoints can provide pain and fatigue relief in the lower back and limbs:

Yin Men (BL37)
Wei Zhong (BI40)
Cheng Shan (BL57)

Feng Shi (GB31)
Yang Ling Quan (GB34)
Xuan Zhong (GB39)
Tai Xi (KI3)
Yin Bao (LI9)

Tai Chong (LR3)
San Yin Jiao (SP6)
Yin Ling Quan (SP9)
Xue Hai (SP10)
Liang Qiu (ST34)

Zu San Li (ST36)
Yao Yan (EX-B7)

Do note that acupressure only provides mild symptomatic relief and is incapable of tackling the root pathology of fibromyalgia for effective and longer-lasting treatment.

Medications That Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms

A number of medications are available for doing away with fibromyalgia symptoms. You can purchase painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) from a pharmacy. Stronger options such as codeine and tramadol are only available with a physician’s prescription.

Antidepressants may also bring about the same effect for some people. It can increase neurotransmitters in the brain, subduing pain and improving mood.

Muscle relaxants and sleep medications can boost sleep quality and reset your circadian rhythm. Anticonvulsant use, too, has been associated with better shut-eye and control over fibromyalgia flare-ups.

If you’re looking to try a more natural route, then consider Panax ginseng. One study found that Panax ginseng improves the quality of life and reduces tender points in patients with fibromyalgia.

Managing Symptoms Can Improve Quality Of Life

Fibromyalgia may not necessarily be life-threatening but can present with complex sets of symptoms. Seeking professional assistance is ideal for managing the condition effectively.

Ultimately, the treatment options you choose are only deemed safe if they’re suggested by certified healthcare providers.