Fibromyalgia

While the natural course of fibromyalgia varies greatly from person to person, it often persists as a chronic condition for several years. However, treatment responses are frequently positive; combining appropriate treatment with lifestyle management can lead to a reduction in pain intensity of more than 50%, improved sleep quality, and a return to work. In a 10-year follow-up study, approximately 25% of patients reached a state of remission where they no longer met diagnostic criteria. Factors that improve the prognosis include aggressiveness in early treatment, improved sleep, appropriate exercise, and psychological support. Conversely, the presence of depression and anxiety, persistent occupational stress, and a sedentary lifestyle worsen the prognosis. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective In Korean medicine, the prognosis of fibromyalgia depends on how quickly the body's internal recovery capacity is restored. While the recovery period lengthens with severe deficiencies in Qi and blood, as well as impaired kidney function, we frequently observe in clinical practice that replenishing these conditions through intensive treatment also lowers levels of central hypersensitivity. At Dongjedang, we establish a three-month treatment period as a standard unit and monitor the pattern of improvement by evaluating pain scores and sleep quality monthly. Rather than setting complete pain relief as the primary goal, establishing step-by-step goals in the order of restoring daily functions → normalizing sleep → pain alleviation reduces psychological burden and enhances treatment continuity.