Auricular Acupuncture for Autonomic Balance and Pain in Fibromyalgia

Impact of Semi-Permanent Auricular Acupuncture on Autonomic Balance and Pressure Pain Threshold in Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Longitudinal Study

This longitudinal study evaluates the effects of semi-permanent auricular acupuncture on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) activity and pressure pain threshold in adult female patients (aged 35-64) diagnosed with Fibromyalgia according to the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. The study aims to investigate how a 5-week treatment cycle influences cardiac autonomic regulation and pain sensitivity

Participants will undergo a series of 5 weekly sessions of auricular acupuncture using semi-permanent needles (Pyonex Seirin 0.9 mm). The needles will be applied to specific auricular points: Point Zero, Shen Men, Thalamus, and Master Cerebral Point. Each application will last for 72 hours, with the patient performing the removal

Inclusion Criteria:

Confirmed diagnosis of Fibromyalgia by a Rheumatologist according to the 2016 ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria.

• Female sex.
• Aged between 35 and 64 years.
• Signed written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of cardiac rhythm disorders such as permanent Atrial Fibrillation.
• Patients with Pacemakers.
• Subjects affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Patients taking continuous medications that can alter the autonomic response (e.g., beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, inhaled beta2-agonists).
• Subjects with specific contraindications to auricular acupuncture.