Neuropuncture & Dry Needling for Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain: Reset the Body, Retrain the Brain
If you’re living with fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), chances are you’ve already tried a lot—stretching, massage, physical therapy, maybe even medications. But if the pain keeps cycling back, or if your body feels like it’s running on a frayed circuit, it might be time to try a treatment that doesn’t just chase symptoms—but actually talks to your nervous system.
That’s where Neuropuncture and dry needling come in. Both are needle-based techniques, but their goals and mechanisms go deeper than simply releasing a muscle knot or calming inflammation.
Let’s unpack what makes them different, and why together they can be powerful tools for healing both central (fibromyalgia) and peripheral (myofascial) pain patterns.
First, What’s Neuropuncture?
Neuropuncture is a neuroscience-based system of acupuncture that targets specific areas of the brain and neural pathways using electrical stimulation (e-stim) through acupuncture needles to help reset the nervous system back to health. Unlike traditional acupuncture that focuses on energetic meridians, Neuropuncture is grounded in neurophysiology.
When combined with e-stim, Neuropuncture can:
Regulate brain and spinal cord activity—like turning down the pain volume
Balance the autonomic nervous system, shifting you out of "fight or flight" and into "rest and repair"
Boost neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA
Serotonin supports mood and sleep
GABA calms the nervous system and reduces overstimulation
Support neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to unlearn pain patterns and form healthier ones)
For fibromyalgia patients, this is a game-changer. Research shows fibro pain stems from central sensitization—where the brain amplifies pain signals. Neuropuncture works like a neurological reset button, calming hyper-reactive circuits and teaching the nervous system a new way to respond.
What About Dry Needling?
Dry needling focuses more on the muscular and fascial components of pain, specifically targeting myofascial trigger points—tight, tender "knots" that can refer pain to other areas.
When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it:
Causes a twitch response, releasing tension in the muscle fiber
Creates a tiny micro-injury that triggers local healing
Improves blood flow and reduces inflammatory chemicals
Stimulates nearby nerves, helping to quiet pain signals
For people with MPS, dry needling can bring immediate relief. When paired with mobility and strength work, it helps restore full function and prevent future flare-ups.
And here’s the surprising part: fibromyalgia patients can benefit from dry needling too, when done gently and strategically. Many people with fibro also have myofascial components to their pain—and addressing both systems (central + local) is key.
How They Work Together
Think of dry needling as treating the hardware (muscles and fascia), and Neuropuncture as rewiring the software (nervous system and pain processing).
Together, they:
Interrupt chronic pain cycles
Support both top-down (brain to body) and bottom-up (body to brain) healing
Retrain the brain-body connection
Reduce muscle guarding and increase pain-free movement
Restore balance between overactive and underactive muscle groups—especially important for those with chronic postural strain, anterior pelvic tilt, or quad dominance
What a Session Might Look Like
At ArTeva Acupuncture, a session for fibromyalgia or MPS may include:
Neuropuncture points that stimulate the vagus nerve or affect areas of the spinal cord that process pain (called dorsal columns)—this helps calm the brain and regulate the body
E-stim therapy to regulate central nervous system activity
Dry needling of tight or dysfunctional muscles based on your individual pain pattern
Cupping to decompress the fascia, improve circulation, and relax the nervous system
Breathwork or gentle movement to reinforce the new neuromuscular pattern and help the body "memorize" it
Simple Takeaways
Whether you're navigating fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, or a mix of both, here’s what to remember:
You’re not imagining your pain. Your nervous system is stuck in a loop—and it can be rewired.
Fibro pain is amplified by the brain. Neuropuncture speaks to the brain in its own language.
Myofascial pain is often mechanical. Dry needling resets the muscle and releases restriction.
You don’t have to choose one. A thoughtful combo often works best.
Healing is possible. It’s not about pushing harder—it’s about giving your body the right signal, at the right time.
Final Word
No two nervous systems are the same, and no two pain experiences are either. That’s why your care should be just as unique.
If you're tired of chasing symptoms and ready to get to the root—neurologically and physically—Neuropuncture and dry needling may be the missing pieces.
Want to explore whether this is right for you? Reach out. At ArTeva Acupuncture, we’re here to help you feel safe in your body again—without the guesswork.
References:
Clauw, D. J. (2015). Fibromyalgia and related conditions. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(5), 680–692.
Harte, S. E., Harris, R. E., & Clauw, D. J. (2018). The neurobiology of central sensitization. Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, 23(2), e12137.
Dommerholt, J. (2006). Dry needling - peripheral and central considerations. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, 15(2), 329–356.
Gerwin, R. D. (2001). A study of 96 subjects examined both for fibromyalgia and myofascial pain. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 9(1-2), 15–19.
Chou, L.-W., Hsieh, Y.-L., Kao, M.-J., & Hong, C.-Z. (2012). Remote effects of dry needling on the irritability of myofascial trigger spots. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 91(10), 827–835.
Huberman, A. (2022). Episode #68: How to Relieve Pain—Science-Based Tools. The Huberman Lab Podcast.
