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fibromyalgia

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11 Alternative Medicine Options For Fibromyalgia

Slide7Fibromyalgia 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.

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Natural Remedies For Fibromyalgia Pain

YogaPosesAre you struggling with Fibromyalgia pain? Have you tried various remedies, only to be disappointed when the symptoms are only reduced for a short period of time before coming back even stronger than before?

We have done our research and come up with some of the best natural remedies to help your Fibromyalgia pain as they have for many others.

Yoga:

Not only has yoga been found to be a major stress reliever; patients who practice at least 75 minutes a yoga once a week on a regular basis have found to have reduced their Fibromyalgia pain.

The reduction of stress that is facilitated by yoga, may have also contributed to the lessening of pain and certainly helps in managing the other side effects of fibromyalgia, such as, fatigue and anxiety.

Some users even suggest just 5 minutes a day will do more for your pain than 75 minutes once a week.

Meditation:

As with yoga, meditation is a major stress reliever, which, can lead to reduced pain throughout the body.

Meditation, according to rheumatologist Dr. Daniel Lewis of Australia, helps change brain functions and can improve symptoms. Many studies have shown that when the mind is calm, serene and balanced, the body is better able to heal itself.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a natural healing process that works by needle manipulation on specific acupuncture points on the body. After several treatments, users who had participated on a regular basis noted a decrease in overall pain, while those who did not receive this therapy on a consistent basis did not. While results typically vary, it is safe when conducted by a reputable acupuncturist and certainly worth trying.

Tai Chi:

Tai Chi is the ancient Chinese practice of moving the body slowly and smoothly to relieve pressure and pain associated with quick, harsh movements.

In one study, those with Fibromyalgia pain who participated in Tai Chi classes for a 12 week period, at least once a week, saw a measurable decrease in pain and depression symptoms, along with an increase in restful sleep.

Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy:

This type of massage is one you may not have ever heard of, but it helps move lymph fluid through the body. Lymph fluid helps rid the body of toxins and generally refreshes the system. This method has been proven in more than one study to reduce pain, and improve the quality of life. The rhythmic movements of massage are known to help blood flow, which has also been found to reduce pain.

Vitamin D

Known as the sunshine pill, vitamin D is known to boost mood, reduce the effects of pain, and help with overall healing in Fibromyalgia patients.

Vitamin D has additionally been proven to assist with muscle and nerve function, which have both been positively correlated as causes of Fibromyalgia pain.

Get about 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine on the face and hands daily as it is the sun that stimulates the formation of vitamin D naturally within the body.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is found in chili peppers, and this natural remedy comes in a variety of forms including sprays, supplements, lotions and creams. It is a well-known and popular method to help naturally ease chronic pain from diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia and cluster headaches.

Biofeedback

This is a newer type of therapy that uses electrodes to monitor the body’s reaction to pain and then a specialist teaches you how to control that pain. This therapy urges you to use feedback such as muscle tension, skin temperature, or brain waves to control the amount of pain you are feeling.

Chiropractic Manipulation

Using spinal manipulation through chiropractic methods is another known pain relieving therapy for those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Chiropractic treatment also increases cervical and lumbar ranges of motion.

This therapy is based on the concept that they body is a self-healing organism. The procedure involves the doctor making specific spinal adjustments in order to increase the mobility in the spine, which, it is surmised is either out of alignment or restricted in some way.

Chiropractors perform these adjustments using their hands by applying gentle pressure or stretching, or sometimes high-velocity thrusts, which, are believed to return the bones to their correct position. It is believed that this re-alignment reduces pain and ill health.

These are just some of the ways in which patients have found natural relief from Fibromyalgia pain. You should always consult your physician before trying any therapy or healing process to be sure that it is safe for you.