Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 5 million Americans, 80-90% of whom are women. The disorder is characterized by widespread pain and diffuse tenderness. Although there is no cure, tailored acupuncture might provide some welcome respite, according to a new study. Although difficult to categorize, fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition because it impairs soft tissue and joints and causes pain. Multiple studies from both the East and the West suggest that acupuncture is effective for treating Fibromyalgia. In the West, it hasn’t been studied as much, but many Chinese studies suggest it’s effective for that condition. Meta analyses of acupuncture for conditions conclude that it appears to be a beneficial treatment, but that further high-quality research is needed.