A Cochrane Database systematic review has summarised the current evidence for the use of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Nine trials (395 participants) were included in the review. The authors conclude that there is low to moderate-level evidence that, compared with no treatment and standard therapy, acupuncture improves pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia. In addition, they found moderate-level evidence that the effect of acupuncture does not differ from sham acupuncture in reducing pain or fatigue, or improving sleep or global well-being. Electro-acupuncture (EA) was found to be better than manual acupuncture (MA) for pain and stiffness reduction and improvement of global well-being, sleep and fatigue. The effect of acupuncture was found to last up to one month, but is not maintained at six months follow-up.

Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 May 31;5:CD007070.