Holistic Treatment Modalities for Fibromyalgia

R. Saravanan provides an overview of the symptoms and holistic treatment of fibromyalgia - including diet, stress management, bach flower remedies, and homeopathy.

Fibromyalgia - An Introduction

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a disorder, which is more prevalent in women.The causes of this disorder are not known clearly. However anxiety, stressful life events, sleep abnormality, and abnormal pain processing have been attributed to this condition.

The common symptoms of fibromyalgia are as follows:

Widespread pain
Painful tender sites
Fatigue
Disability
Disturbed and unrefreshing sleep
Emotional problems such as irritability and weepiness
Forgetfulness and poor concentration
Early morning stiffness
Swelling and numbness of hands and fingers
Restless legs
Headaches
Altered bowel habits
Irritable bladder

Lab investigations show no abnormality and the disease is diagnosed by clinical findings.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Diet

A well balanced nutritious diet helps to cope with fibromyalgia. Organically grown fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can be included in the diet. It is better to avoid all processed and junk food.

Stress Management

As stress and anxiety are related to this disorder, an holistic approach in treatment is helpful:

Mild exercises and Yoga may help reduce pain and stress.
Relaxation techniques can be used to improve sleep.
Psycho-therapy may be considered in some cases.

Bach Flower Therapy

Bach flower essences help release the mental and emotional imbalances.

The following Bach remedies are helpful for fibromyalgia patients.

Rescue remedy: To cope with stressful life events and to counter the after-effects of sudden stress.
White chestnut: For sleeplessness due to persistent unwanted and worrying thoughts.
Hornbeam: Lethargy and mental fatigue, unable to fulfill one's daily tasks.
Olive: Physical and mental exhaustion due to stress and overwork.
Impatiens: Irritable mood, nervous tension and impatience.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy being a wholistic therapy cures a person mentally, emotionally and physically. The following remedies are indicated for fibromyalgia:

Arnica: Severe mental stress or shock; never well since a source of grief or fright; sore lame and bruised feeling all over the body.
Cimcifuga: Gloom and dejection; aching in muscles.
Coffea: Nervous agitation and restlessness with insomnia; intolerable pains.
Ignatia: Mood swings, depression, disturbed sleep due to worries and grief; jerking of limbs during sleep.
Pulsatilla: Weepiness, depression, unrefreshing sleep; pain flits from one part to another; fibromyalgia with irritable bowels and bladder.
Rhustox: Aching muscles,restless legs especially if worse at night.
Valeriana: Irritability,changeable mood, oversensitive and sleeplessness with muscular spasms.

A judicious blend of Bach flower therapy and Homeopathy is more effective for fibromyalgia. Bach flower therapy and Homeopathy work together to achieve healing.