Widespread pain throughout the body caused by a long term condition is referred to as Fibromyalgia (FM). It is a disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain across the body along with fatigue, lack of sleep, memory and mood issues. It is believed by researchers that the painful sensations are amplified by affecting the way your spinal cord and brain processes pain signals. It is a disorder that has no rigid scientific explanation and has left researchers pondering over the symptoms. Due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, the brain and nerves may overreact to normal pain signals in people with Fibromyalgia. This would eventually affect the emotions and energy level as well.
Previously Doctors used “tender points” to help them form a diagnosis on areas of the body that feel tender after pressure. Now, these guidelines have been phased out and new diagnostic criteria are introduced by Ayurvedic treatment of Fibromyalgia.
As discussed, Fibromyalgia is characterized by “regions of pain”, some of which overlap with the areas of tenderness called “tender points” or “trigger points”. The pain in these regions feels like a dull ache that is consistent.
Unlike the previously considered focal criteria of pain duration, Fibromyalgia is now diagnosed by measuring the severity of pain and the areas of musculoskeletal pain.
Anxiety
Constant fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Feeling unrested even after long naps
Headaches
Depression
Trouble focusing or paying attention
Dull ache in the lower belly
Dry eyes
Bladder problems, like interstitial cystitis
Even though the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, various factors as shown below are found to play a major role in fibromyalgia:
Genetics: Fibromyalgia is known to be hereditary. Certain genetic mutations could have increased the risk of this disorder.
Infections: It can be triggered by certain systemic illnesses.
Emotional or Physical trauma: It can also be triggered by physical trauma such as an accident or even acute psychological stress.
Probability of occurrence: Compared to men, Fibromyalgia is more commonly seen in women.
Family history: Since it is hereditary in nature, a positive family history increases the risk.
Associated disorders: People who already have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or lupus are more prone to Fibromyalgia as well.
Although Fibromyalgia is not life-threatening it can certainly affect your day-to-day activities. The ability to function or concentrate can be impaired by fatigue, pain, and lack of sleep that is a part of fibromyalgia. It can even lead to anxiety or depression. In some cases, the pain from fibromyalgia can be intense and constant which is severe enough to restrict you to your bed. So yes, Fibromyalgia is pretty serious. More than 85% of people with the disorder suffer the pain most or every day according to a survey conducted. Over 40% of subjects required treatment for anxiety and depression. Fatigue was common in almost every single one.
But keep in mind that Fibromyalgia fatigue isn’t just any ordinary tiredness but a bone-weary exhaustion that turns every activity into a chore due to the energy being drained out.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for Fibromyalgia to date. Ayurvedic treatment aims to reduce the severity and frequency as much as possible. In western medicine, the medication for fibromyalgia mostly includes painkillers and anti-depressants and a few Stronger painkillers such as codeine may improve the aching pain, but with unpleasant side-effects that include fatigue, diarrhoea, and withdrawal symptoms. Other treatment options include dietary changes, physical therapy, and exercise that show good recovery from fibromyalgia symptoms.
In Ayurveda, natural herbs are used with proven results that date back since ancient times. Herbal medicines for many disorders can be prepared from the roots, stems, or leaves of specific plants. The use of herbal remedies for the treatment of fibromyalgia is generally without any adverse side effects.
Natural herbs clubbed with Herbal Remedies for Fibromyalgia can help with hypersensitive pain. These herbs are effective to alleviate specific symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo): Described in Ayurveda as one of the most potent natural anti-arthritic herbs, Nirgundi is very effective in controlling inflammation and pain particularly in sciatica and arthritis patients.
Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata): Shallaki is a very popular herb used by Ayurveda physicians all over the world owing to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. In India, it is commonly known as 'Salai Guggul'. Without causing any side effects it relieves arthritis pain naturally.
Guggul (Commiphora Mukul): Just like Shallaki, Guggul is also a well-known anti-inflammatory herb used by Ayurveda physicians worldwide. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic action is often effective immediately. Also used in weight loss formulas, it is effective in reducing weight and helps osteoarthritis patients indirectly. It is good for regulating blood cholesterol levels.
Sonth (Zingiber officinale): Also referred to as dry ginger, it is another useful anti-inflammatory herb that improves appetite and is deemed good for the digestive and respiratory systems. Sonth significantly is a very potent analgesic and reduces markers of inflammation in the blood.
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Giloy is considered one of the leading immuno-modulator. Also known as "Amrita", it literally means "elixir for long life span". Recent studies show they are effective against autoimmune disorders especially Rheumatoid gout and arthritis.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Popularly known as Indian ginseng in the west, it has known anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-stress properties. Withaferin acts as a potent stress buster.
Take equal quantities of Shatavari Churna, Ashwagandha powder, and Bala Moola Churna to prepare a mixture and store it in a tightly closed jar. Taking one teaspoon of this mixture with warm milk or water twice a day can have soothing effects.
Prepare a powdered mixture of celery seeds, dried ginger root, and cumin seeds taken in equal quantities along with rock salt for taste. Consume one teaspoon of this with water before bedtime.
Consuming half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water twice a day helps in reducing pain and inflammation.
In eight ounces of hot water, boil one teaspoon of grated ginger root for 10 minutes. Strain using a sieve and add honey to it and consume 2-3 times a day.
In conclusion, Fibromyalgia will persist for ages, but with proper care and medication, the severity and frequency of the disorder can be reduced. Consult with Dr. Jasna’s Ayurvedic Clinic who offers Kerala ayurvedic treatment in Dubai for many disorders that affect our day to day lives.
