Warm Acupuncture Eases Fibromyalgia Symptoms Linked to Cold Sensitivity: Study

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to various sensory stimuli. Among those affected, nearly 85% report increased sensitivity to cold temperatures. Despite its prevalence, this particular symptom has been largely overlooked in existing treatment strategies.

Seeking to address this gap, Yang Li, Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China, and colleagues conducted a preliminary clinical trial to evaluate the therapeutic role of warm acupuncture in this subgroup.

The randomized, single-blinded, crossover trial included 38 participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia and high cold sensitivity. The study followed a two-phase approach: participants were randomly assigned to receive either warm acupuncture or no treatment (observation) for 8 weeks. After the first phase, they switched groups for another 8 weeks, allowing each participant to serve as their control.

The primary outcome measure was the change in cold sensitivity, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included changes in sensitivity to pain, wind, bright light, noise, and odors, alongside evaluations of other fibromyalgia symptoms through standardized scales.

The findings of the study were as follows:

• Patients who received warm acupuncture for 8 weeks experienced a significant reduction in cold sensitivity, with an average decrease of 2.31 cm on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
• In contrast, those in the observation period showed a smaller reduction in cold sensitivity, averaging 0.83 cm.
• The difference in outcomes between the treatment and observation phases became statistically significant by week 4, indicating an early onset of symptom relief.
• Warm acupuncture also resulted in notable improvements in pain levels and sensitivity to wind.
• Overall symptom severity, assessed using the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale, improved more during the treatment phase than during observation.
• Adverse events reported were infrequent and minor, demonstrating that the therapy is effective and well-tolerated.

According to the authors, the study is the first to explore the benefits of warm acupuncture, specifically, in fibromyalgia patients who struggle with cold intolerance. The researchers noted that their findings open new avenues for personalized treatment approaches, particularly for patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies.

In conclusion, warm acupuncture shows promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for reducing cold-related symptoms and overall discomfort in fibromyalgia. The results suggest that this traditional therapy could be a valuable addition to the limited treatment options currently available for patients with cold-sensitive fibromyalgia.

Reference:

Li Y, Wang YD, Li ZH, Wu SY, Long M, Jiao J. Warm acupuncture for fibromyalgia with increased cold sensitivity: a cross-over randomised controlled trial. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2025; 43: 000-000.