Fibromyalgia affects about 5 to 6 million Americans who are mostly female. The causes are still unknown and it was only recently that the medical industry has begun to accept this as a real condition.
The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia
The hallmark symptoms of this ailment is extreme muscle pain, sleep problems and fatigue. Patients also experience emotional and mental problems as a result of the often debilitating pain and problematic sleep that can greatly lower the quality of life.
Since alternative therapies have seen such an increase in popularity in the last few years, Congress has created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) an organization that is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NCAAM helps to organize, research and offer information to the public regarding alternative medicinal practices.
They are also responsible for creating safe guidelines for those seeking to complement their conventional medical treatment with more natural options.
There are many alternative options for treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, which include, the proper diet and engaging in regular exercise, both of which go a long way in helping those who suffer with this condition that involves so much pain.
Precautions And Safety
Before taking any herb or supplement for fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects or herb-drug interactions.
Natural Alternative Medicine For Fibromyalgia
Massage
Massage is one alternative therapy for Fibromyalgia and can be really helpful.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is another option as the warm water and jets in hydrobaths or Jacuzzis can really help with pain and relaxation.
Aromatherapy
There are several essential oils that help with pain, calming, relaxation and sleep problems, including, Lavender and Chamomile. Engaging the services of an Aromatherapy specialist, such as, a holistic medical doctor or nurse is the best option. Though many people use a home diffuser and learn the proper recipes for their healing goals.
Meditation and Relaxation
It is also wise to engage in regular meditation and relaxation exercises. These can help calm and in that calming soothe the pain and help better deal with the emotional aspects of fibromyalgia as well.
Herbs And Supplements
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural hormone that can be purchased over the counter that has natural sleep inducing properties. Recent studies have shown that melatonin may be effective in treating fibromyalgia pain.
One of the hallmarks of fibromyalgia besides pain is sleep problems and exhaustion, and melatonin has been known to help.
It is safe and has few and usually no side effects for most people. The only precaution is that it does cause drowsiness and should not be used while driving.
5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a building block of serotonin and its supplement can help those who suffer from Fibromyalgia.
Increased levels of the brain chemical serotonin are believed to play an important role in fibromyalgia pain, and levels of this brain chemical are associated with sleep and depression.
In a study published in the Alternative Medicine Review, scientists stated that the 5-HTP supplement can help with anxiety, insomnia, depression and pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that can prevent spams of muscle.
Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is an herb that can help with Fibromyalgia because it has antioxidant properties that help improve bran function and increases blood circulation.
Ginger
Ginger is used in alternative medicine for fibromyalgia mainly because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to control pain and swelling.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another herb that can help fibromyalgia patients seeking alternative natural remedies because it is another antioxidant that helps to combat damage from free radicals. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties so it can alleviate muscle inflammation and pain.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf is yet another useful herb that is a good alternative medicine for fibromyalgia because it boosts the immune system and helps the symptoms of fatigue that are so prevalent in this condition.
Additionally, it can help lift the spirits and help patients feel better emotionally since for many the debilitating symptoms that are seen in fibromyalgia can cause depression.
L-Carnitine
While scientific research is still limited, there is promise that taking an L-carnitine supplement may provide some pain relief and treat other fibromyalgia symptoms.
A study into the effectiveness of L-carnitine in 102 fibromyalgia patients showed that symptoms in the group that took the supplement improved over the group that took a placebo.
This is promising news and research will continue to see if it can indeed become a go to alternative to treat the physical and mental symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Bottom Line
Using natural medicines, a proper diet and exercise can all go a long way to helping people deal with fibromyalgia.
These 100% all natural remedies have little or no side effects, they are sage and can go a long way to bring relief to the mind, body and soul.
