One study suggested that real acupuncture was more effective than phony acupuncture (needles place at non-acupuncture sites). In this study there was a relief of pain, improvement in well-being, and a reduction in morning stiffness.

However, this study did not look into how long the improvements would last after a series of acupuncture treatments. It has been anecdotally reported but not investigated that some patients use booster treatments to continue the effects of acupuncture

The researchers conclude that "the limited amount of high-quality evidence suggests that real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture for improving symptoms of patients with FMS. However, because this conclusion is based on a single high-quality study, further high-quality randomized trials are needed to provide more robust data on effectiveness."

SOURCE: Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia? Berman BM, Ezzo J, Hadhazy V, Swyers JP. J Fam Pract 1999 Mar;48(3):213-8

Reprinted from WholeHealth newsletter, June 7, 1999