'Ayurvedic Treatment of Fibromyalgia (CFS)'

Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan () -

Fibromyalgia is a recently recognized disorder that is regarded as

a chronic condition associated with the experience of non-inflammatory

pain and tenderness in muscles, ligaments , joints and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia is a relatively common condition, estimated to affect

about four percent of the general population.

It is very similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); Only point of

difference is presence of musculoskeletal pain in fibromyalgia and

that of fatigue in CFS. Low level of Serotonin is considered to be

most important biochemical criteria. The primary treatment goals

should include raise serotonin levels, improve sleep quality, and

assure adequate magnesium levels.

Symptoms :

Generalized aches or stiffness at many sites for more than three months.

Generalized fatigue

Chronic headache including migraines

Sleep disorder, particularly timings of cycles

Neuronal and psychological complaints

Swelling

Numbness/ tingling sensations

Ayurvedic View :

It can be described as 'Mansa Dhatugat and Mansavrut Vata'

Fibromyalgia is perceived as a Vata imbalance. Vata is the main imbalance

and Aggravated Vata destabilizes the nervous system and can create

hypersensitivity leading to pain and tenderness.

Accumulation of Ama (toxins) and shrotorodha are also contributory factors.

Ayurvedic Approach of Fibromyalgia and CFS Treatment

The aggravation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins) are

the primary causes and should be treated mainly. Associated weak digestion,

constipation, and effects of chronic stress should also be tackled.

Panchakarma Therapy

Pre-purification Measures namely 'snehan' and 'swedan are very useful to

balance 'Vata' and to loosen the toxins. Snehan is the Herbalized Oil

Massage. This oil is applied to the entire body with a particular type of

massage. Swedan is sudation or sweating and is given immediately following

the snehan. An herbal concoction may be added to the steam to further

enhancement of effect.

Daily herbalized oil massage also provides a deeply soothing and balancing

effect to the entire nervous system. The motion of massage creates heat

and friction which enhances circulation and helps cleanse the areas of

chemical impurities that could be aggravating and hypersensitizing nerve tissues.

Diet and Nutrition

Following is the diet suggested for the patients suffering form Fibromyalgia and CFS

Vegetable juices and soups

Coconut water and Coconut milk

Juice of carrot, Cucumber, Beetroot

Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin

Spices like cumin, coriander, ginger asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric.

Green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt

Khichadi (recipe made by cooking rice and mung dal, 1:1 or

1:2 proportion)

The patient of Fibromyalgia and CFS should avoid the following:

Eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, foods

like brinjal, cabbage, Cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes.

Too much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate, cocoa.

Sleeping during the day and staying up late at night

Mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief.

Yoga for Stress Management and Improved Mental and Emotional Function:

It is well documented that fibromyalgia is often worsened by heightened

stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. There are hormonal changes and other

biochemical responses to stress that can aggravate the nervous system,

and the immune response. The sleep disturbance that is often created by

fibromyalgia symptoms increases fatigue which in turn increases one's

susceptibility to stress which in turn aggravates the fibromyalgia condition.

Meditation,Yoga, Pranayama and studying of spiritual philosophy are all

recommended for supporting personal healing and relaxation of the mind.

Efforts should be made to increase the Sattvic quality of mind.

Yogasana : Various stretching exercises are known to have a positive effect on

fibromyalgia. Regular practicing of sets of different postures are helpful in

creating a healthy flexibility throughout the body. Yogic breathing practices

will also create a state of restful alertness in mind and body.

Progressive deep relaxation, i.e., shavasana (Corpse posture) brings about a

relaxed state of mind which prepares the individual for meditation.

Lifestyle and Daily Routine

One of the most important factors for balancing Vata and maintaining stability

in the nervous system is to have a lifestyle that does not disturb natural bodily

rhythms. When we eat, sleep and exercise in constantly fluctuating and

disturbing patterns, the body loses its natural balancing cycles. Therefore

regularity in our daily routine can be extremely effective in reducing Vata imbalances.

Ayurvedic Herbs:

- Decoction of the roots of ten herbs (Dashamularishtam) should be given in

the dose of 30 ml., twice daily.

- Daily use of the Ayurvedic compound 'Triphala choorna' is recommended

to cleanse the colon.

- Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps to reduce pain

and inflammation in Fibromyalgia. Dosage: twice a day

- Garlic is useful for detoxification and to enhance immune system function.

- Guggul is a very helpful herb for relief of pain.

- Licorice root supports the glandular system and acts in the body like cortisone,

but without the harmful side-effects. Caution: If overused, licorice can elevate

blood pressure. Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven

days in a row. Avoid it if you have high blood pressure

- Ginger Tea. Ginger is a good alternative to aspirin to relieve minor aches and

pains. Steep 1 teaspoon of the grated root in 8 ounces of hot water for 10 minutes.

Strain. Add honey for taste, if you like. Alternatively, take 1 to 2 Grams of

powdered ginger a day with food.

Generic preparations available in market such as Dashamularishtam, Triphala guggul,

Maharasnadi Kwath, Vata Vidhwans Rasa etc. can be taken under the guidance

of a ayurvedic physician.

About the Author

He is a chief editor and Ayurvedic Consultant of a 'Comprehensive website on Ayurveda

- http://www.ayurveda-foryou.com

Comment #1 Nancy (63.176.159.77) -

This all does make sense to me, that by working your muscles and joints, that it would help with the pain and problems of Fibromyalgia. So many other people rely on medication and pain pills to treat and help them with this disease when they could be doing something as simple as yoga.

Comment #2 Grace (63.176.159.224) -

This is a lot of great information to help with Fibromyalgia. I appreciate all the help.

Comment #3 plead (63.176.159.247) -

So what is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is considered a controversial diagnosis, with some authors contending that the disorder is a ‘non-disease’, due in part to a lack of abnormalities on physical examination, objective laboratory tests or medical imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. Although there is as yet no generally accepted cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments that have been demonstrated by controlled clinical trials to be effective in reducing symptoms, including medications, patient education, exercise, and behavioral interventions.

Comment #4 Mariah (63.176.159.188) -

Here are some symptoms of fibromyalgia

The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, severe fatigue, and disturbed sleep. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body.

Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they were pulled or overworked. Sometimes fibromyalgia symptoms include muscle twitches and burning sensations. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, and it shows up in people of all ages. A conservative estimate of its prevalence is 2% of the general population, but it may be as high as 3-5%.

Comment #5 Liza (63.176.159.146) -

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Research shows that people with fibromyalgia typically see many doctors before receiving the diagnosis. One reason for this may be that pain and fatigue, the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, overlap with many other conditions. Therefore, doctors often have to rule out other potential causes of these symptoms before making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Another reason is that there are currently no diagnostic laboratory tests for fibromyalgia; standard laboratory tests fail to reveal a physiologic reason for pain. Because there is no generally accepted, objective test for fibromyalgia, some doctors unfortunately may conclude a patient’s pain is not real, or they may tell the patient there is little they can do.

A doctor familiar with fibromyalgia, however, can make a diagnosis based on two criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR): a history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months and the presence of tender points. Pain is considered to be widespread when it affects all four quadrants of the body; that is, you must have pain in both your right and left sides as well as above and below the waist to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. ACR also has designated 18 sites on the body as possible tender points. For a fibromyalgia diagnosis, a person must have 11 or more tender points. (See illustration below.) One of these predesignated sites is considered a true tender point only if the person feels pain upon the application of 4 kilograms of pressure to the site. People who have fibromyalgia certainly may feel pain at other sites, too, but those 18 standard possible sites on the body are the criteria used for classification.

• www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp#d

Comment #6 cwemoy (63.176.159.214) -

Nowadays it is easy to confuse symptoms of a disease for another. What clearly sets apart this disease? And would someone care to explain what Ayurvedic medicine is all about?

I would appreciate more insight in Yoga because like many others out there, I believe it has a spiritual connection

Comment #7 Jeanette (63.176.159.208) -

Well, fibromyalgia is not curable according to the medical profession. It is a chronic health problem. As such, I would say, it relies a lot upon the general "muscle tone" of the body, subject to exercise and a healthy diet, as is almost everything. I would not doubt that Ayurvedic medicine can be useful, as it is an antique, traditional, way of treating diseases by including the "mind" in the therapies involved. According to Western medicine everything comes from a laboratory in the form of pills and syrups, etc. Eastern medicine says the base is the mind, we think ourselves into health and get balanced to achieve stability in our lives. I would try with both, and get the best of both worlds...Regards!

• Fibromyalgia

Comment #8 Kira (63.176.159.109) -

To cwemoy:

Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world's oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—more specifically, a CAM whole medical system. Many therapies used in Ayurvedic medicine are also used on their own as CAM—for example, herbs, massage, and specialized diets.

I have posted here the link:

• nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm

Comment #9 cwemoy (63.176.159.131) -

Thanks Kira and Jeannette. I got curious over the whole perception of it being alternative medicine. I had no clue that this was something propagated by the West. Even in Africa, traditional methods were used to cure major health conditions and even though the West introduced modern day methods of treatment, some ailments are still resistant to that sort of medication. In fact many people still opt for the former. I would concur with you that a balance of the two schools of thought is healthy in itself. Nonetheless, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising the body properly are key.

Thanks ya'll.

Comment #10 moy (63.176.159.1) -

I think there are a bit of raised eyebrows about these sort of alternative medicine not yet being popular in spite of the fact that it has been in practice for quite a long time now.

The West might not be entirely to blame for it not being a preferred form of medication.

Is it the case that not much has been put into popularizing Ayurveda medicine? What then is hampering it?

Comment #11 Kira (63.176.159.143) -

What hinders its boom certainly because people are afraid to try alternatives. When they are introduced to new method they doubt it, primarily maybe because of increasing numbers of fraud practices that spreads across the globe. It is normal. When you are used to a certain belief, practice or whatsoever, you will find it hard to withdraw and much more to believe in another. It is super dooper normal response. Ciao, ,

Comment #12 Olivia (63.176.159.156) -

I have to agree with you Kira, when we are used to a belief most especially with those that we are brought up, it is more often to not believe in such new ideas.

But sometimes we have to entertain new ideas for us to grow in the rapid changing world, it is called adaptation.

When we adapt, it does not always mean that we turn our back to our old beliefs, we just grab new ideas for better us.

Comment #13 Dain (63.176.159.87) -

Ayurvedic and other kind of alternatives medicine will continue being a second alternative if only a few of the population will see it a main method healing and medication and not just an alternative to the western medical knowledge.

These alternative ways of healing a often better than the western ways cause it aims to heal in a holistic way unlike the western that relies on specific symptoms and diagnosis before making some actions.

Comment #14 Ashleu (63.176.159.115) -

I agree, but i think that is the proper way of dealing with diseases and body malfunctions, you must first undergo some sort of testings and diagnostic procedures to eventually know the underlying cause of the disease and to know the appropriate treatment.

I think we should be knowledgeable about this matter so that we know why are undergoing such procedures and stop making speculations over western way of treatment.

Comment #15 Jerry (63.176.159.241) -

Dain have a point and Ashleu too, however, you guys just got me in the bridge of confusion.

Sometimes i have this doubts over the western ways of treatment, or the way the field of medicine has been influencing us. You see, some medical doctors are just doing some trial and error when prescribing drugs.. and i don't want to be a testing guinea pig.

Anyway, i have nothing against anybody here.

Comment #16 Eve (63.176.159.129) -

I do not know much about medical procedures, but I can say, however, that it is indeed important to keep the body in great shape all day everyday. The more we do this, the less likely we experience any sort of discomfort.

Comment #17 Eve (63.176.159.201) -

I will say this again, but I have said it before. A healthy body is a healthy mind, and ultimately, a healthy spirit.

Comment #18 Eve (63.176.159.111) -

By keeping the body healthy, the mind is able to achieve total fitness, this is when the spirit is not rudely awakened, but rather, gently arisen out of slumber.

Comment #19 Eve (63.176.159.186) -

I can imagine myself drifting over the drift wood as I envision myself, outside of my body, floating over the waters of the world. Roaming the land as a lost entity, searching for meaning.

Comment #20 curtis (63.176.159.140) - Fri Jan 1 15:06:28 2010

Okay, this is way beyond my level of thinking. I cannot even get myself to comprehend a day dream, much less to even meditation or Yoga.

Comment #21 Rose (63.176.159.73) - Thu Jan 21 08:47:03 2010

Here is a simple idea of how to know if you are day dreaming. You are awake and yet you seem to be dreaming because of some thought that are playing in your mind and you are getting confused if those that you are seeing are for real or not. I had several day dreams and I must say that I love it when I do. Have a nice day guys.

Comment #22 Joaco (63.176.159.168) - Fri Feb 12 10:56:31 2010

Hi, friends:

Great thread. Eve, I can really connect to what you say.

Can you imagine that the universe is one great Mind? Thatīs right, thatīs what most people donīt see. We are one and one in one great mind.

No difference between you and I, none between a tree and myself.

Not religion, eastern or otherwise. Whatever we imagine, IS. In the scenario of our minds.

When we daydream the dream is not unreal.

Itīs just as real as any other experience.

Travel lightly,

J.

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