8 natural keys to relieve fibromyalgia

Tiredness and pain are some of the symptoms that can alter the lives of people with fibromyalgia. There are natural resources that help reduce them by favoring psychophysical balance.

A patient with peregrine fibromyalgia consulted in a medical consultation for an average of seven years until you receive a diagnosis. But this does not help him much, since conventional treatments barely alleviate the symptoms. For this reason, many turn to natural and complementary therapies.

How many people does fibromyalgia affect?

In Spain between 900,000 and 1,600,000 people suffer fibromyalgia, 80% women. The symptoms begin around the age of 37 and the most frequent are tiredness and pain –especially in certain sensitive points throughout the body–, sleep disorders, dizziness, painful periods, anxiety, depression, and problems with concentration and memory.

It is also relatively common for a person with fibromyalgia to be diagnosed as well. Chronic Fatigue Syndromeendometriosis, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or chronic vulvar pain.

A disease finally recognized

Spanish health authorities did not recognize fibromyalgia until 1997, four years after the World Health Organization did, but that does not mean that it is a new disorder. Hippocrates already described in the fourth century BC. C. cases of diffuse musculoskeletal pain.

The first definition of fibromyalgia as a clinical entity was made by Gowers in 1904: he called it “fibrinolitis”. Until the end of the 20th century, it could be diagnosed as neurasthenia, rheumatism, and a psychosomatic or endocrine disorder.

Growing recognition of fibromyalgia it has to do with a greater scientific knowledge of the disorder and with the advancement of women in their rights. However, according to a report by Benigno Casanueva, an expert in fibromyalgia, 75% of doctors have not received specific training on the disease and it is still not officially recognized that it can cause occupational disability, a reality in the most serious cases.

The causes: still to be determined

Not all patients suffer symptoms with the same intensity and, in general, the course of the disease is unpredictable, as it alternates periods of relative remission with flare-ups or crises. Most people can manage it and continue with their normal activities, but some feel unable to work and enjoy day to day.

The cause of fibromyalgia is not yet known.. The researchers suggest that the origin may be a viral or bacterial infection, a severe traumatic accident, or an emotional crisis.

To diagnose it, the doctor conducts an interview and checks if there is an increased sensitivity to pain in most of a series of 18 points distributed throughout the body, called myofascial points.

There are no detectable changes by blood tests, ultrasound, or other tests, but it is thought to decrease the production or effectiveness of neurotransmitters that regulate pain sensitivity, especially serotonin, somatomedin c, substance p, and norepinephrine.

Natural treatment for fibromyalgia

Conventional medicine considers fibromyalgia an incurable chronic disease and basically treats it with analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and antidepressants. But more than half of the patients feel dissatisfied with the limited efficacy of drugs and their common side effects.

It is common for them to seek help in natural medicines that propose individualized treatments and oriented to restore physiological and mental balance. These are the body-mind practices and natural therapies that usually give the best results in the approach to fibromyalgia:

1. Tai chi and chi kung

Research suggests that tai chi – with its precise, slow, circular movements that act on energy meridians – may benefit fibromyalgia patients. A study carried out in 2010 by Dr. Chenchen Wang’s team at Tufts University (United States) concluded that practicing tai chi for 12 weeks reduced pain and improved sleep and mood.

The strength of the results led to New Journal of Medicine to recommend that patients’ curiosity about tai chi and similar disciplines such as yoga be encouraged. Other studies have shown that chi kung –more based on concentration and breathing exercises– also relieves symptoms.

2. Lymphatic drainage and connective tissue massage

May increase pain threshold and quality of life in fibromyalgia. Apparently, these and other techniques that perform gentle manipulations improve the elimination of toxins and the delivery of nutrients to the tissues. Added to this are the psychic benefits due to physical contact and relaxation.

3. Acupuncture

Is effective in reducing discomfortalthough the response of each person varies greatly: some feel great relief and others barely notice the difference.

4. Hydrotherapy

A number of authors recommend both hot and cold baths: Englert recommends cold rooms (from -67ºC to -150ºC) to increase the pain threshold; Gutenbrunner, the frequent sauna (12 sessions in 6 weeks), and Yurkuran, 20-minute baths at 37ºC.

They have also shown some effectiveness baths in sulphurous water with salts.

The most effective hydrotherapy treatments are received in spas, but also can be done at home applications of hot or cold packs, jets, showers and baths. However, excessively hot or prolonged applications sometimes aggravate the symptoms. It is advisable to consult an expert.

5. Nutritional therapy

Certain have been used supplements to reduce vulnerability to pain and strengthen the nervous system:

Magnesium. It has been suggested that dietary deficiency of this mineral may predispose to fibromyalgia. On the therapeutic utility of magnesium there are studies with contradictory results. In any case, making sure you get enough of it through your diet alone can be beneficial, as this mineral is essential for the balance of the nervous system and proper muscle function. Rich foods are nuts, whole grains, legumes and vegetables and fruits in general. In supplement, an optimal dose is around 300-600 mg daily.S-adenosylmethionine. It is an amino acid compound that reduces painful areas and improves mood. Although some studies support its efficacy, its therapeutic usefulness in fibromyalgia is controversial. On the other hand, it is relatively expensive and is not free of side effects and drug interactions.5-hydroxytryptophan. It is obtained from the seeds of the African plant griffonia simplicifolia. Its usefulness is based on its ability to promote the synthesis of serotonin, whose deficiency plays a key role in depression and insomnia. It also increases the level of endorphins, with a stimulating, euphoric and analgesic effect. According to several studies, the indicated dose is 100 mg three times a day.

6. The homeopathic approach

In 2004, a study from the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona (United States) observed improvements in individualized homeopathic treatment, such as reduced sensitivity to pain and tendency to depression, and increased quality of life and general health. .

The success of homeopathy depends to a large extent on the ability of the professional to personalize the treatment. There is a great diversity of homeopathic remedies, but some are often indicated in fibromyalgia: Rhus toxicodendron, Arnica montana and Bryonia alba.

Other therapies have obtained good results in some cases. For example, meditation reduces anxiety, according to KH Kaplan of the University of Massachusetts (United States), and magnetotherapy can relieve pain.

7. The help of medicinal plants

If taken regularly, some plants can reduce inflammation and stimulate the immune and endocrine systems.

Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum). There are no studies on its indication in fibromyalgia, but its mild antidepressant effect may be useful. If you are already taking medication, you should consult your doctor.Ginseng (panax ginseng). This stimulant helps to adapt to stressful situations. It can serve against tiredness and anxiety. It is not suitable in case of insomnia.Valerian(Valerian officinalis). It is appropriate if you suffer from sleep disorders or a feeling of not resting. The daily dose is between 450 and 900 mg of aqueous extract. It can also be added to hot bath water half an hour before bed.

8. A quieter life

Of course, a person with fibromyalgia cannot and should not resort to all existing therapeutic resources. It would be one more cause of stress that does not suit you. The most sensible thing to do is to choose the therapies that are most accessible, attractive and easy to incorporate into the daily routine.

You can try successively discarding those that do not produce effects within a maximum period of three months. But above all it is beneficial to be aware that symptoms can be managed and gradually reduced.

After all, the disease demands to lead a calmer and healthier lifeand most measures are indicated to increase the well-being of any person, even if they are healthy.