Chronic fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by severe, disabling fatigue, and other symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, impaired concentration and headaches
In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurotransmitters. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for insomnia.
Acupuncture may help to relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome such as musculoskeletal pain, headache, sleep problems, tiredness, and depression by:
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stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues, which leads to release of endorphins and other neurohumoral factors, and changes the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord.
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stimulating opiodergic neurons to increase the concentrations of beta-endorphin, so relieving pain.
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reducing inflammation, by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors.
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improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility by increasing local microcirculation, which can reduce swelling and pain.
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reducing insomnia through increasing nocturnal endogenous melatonin secretion.