The body’s defensive systems are often thought to only include the white blood cells, and the body’s detoxification systems are only limited to certain organs. However, this is not a complete picture. Individual cells have mechanisms to eliminate or neutralize heavy metals and toxic chemicals, and the ability to mount their own defense to invading pathogens.
These defensive and detoxification pathways require mineral and vitamin cofactors to both activate and deactivate. In the case of fibromyalgia these systems are lacking the necessary nutritional components to properly deactivate. What happens is excessive amounts of what’s known as superoxide and nitric oxide is produced, and these two compounds combine forming peroxynitrite. The peroxynitrite irritates and damages the local tissues causing another release of nitric oxide and superoxide to fight off an apparent pathogen or toxin. A lack of antioxidants, chiefly glutathione and superoxide dismutase, means the body is unable to mitigate or turn off the inflammatory pathway. The result is a viscous cycle of inflammation and pain.
As a result of this chronic pain the nervous system treats the painful area as if significant trauma had occurred or a serious infection has taken hold. The result is that the nervous system stimulates the fascia to tighten around capillary beds, reducing blood flow to the area to prevent excessive blood loss or to prevent a perceived infection from spreading. This further compounds the situation resulting in loss of nutrient and oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Significant pain relief after the first acupuncture treatment is typical. Successive treatments along with a nutrient supplementation program will keep the pain from coming back. Most experience long-term resolution after six treatments once a week. Those with chronic fatigue, either alone or in conjunction with fibromyalgia, typically need to come in twice a week for at least six treatments followed by six treatments once a week in order for there to be long-term resolution.