Fibromyalgia is one of the lifestyle diseases that causes widespread pain, stiffness and tenderness in the muscles and joints. It can occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged women. Regardless of the severity of symptoms, fibromyalgia can be a disabling condition that significantly impacts a person’s quality of life.

Ayurveda can effectively help to reverse the condition and ease fibromyalgia symptoms with root cause treatment. Fibromyalgia is not considered to be disease in Ayurveda, but a state of an imbalanced body and mind function.

Fibromyalgia treatment in Ayurveda focuses on promoting physical and mental well being as well as emotional balance. With a help of herbal supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic massage, fibromyalgia patients can find relief from excessive stress, muscle pain, aching joints, constant fatigue and also improve their sleep quality.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Some people with fibromyalgia only have mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms. While it is difficult to categorize fibromyalgia stages, it can lead to multiple health complications and much severe symptoms when not treated in time.

• Muscle & Joint Pain: The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain. Fibromyalgia pain is often described as a deep ache that is worst when you wake up in the morning.

• Fatigue: Fibromyalgia can cause fatigue that is severe and debilitating. This can make it difficult to function on a daily basis. You may feel tired and exhausted most of the time, even after a good night’s sleep.

• Sleep disturbances: People with fibromyalgia often have trouble sleeping. This can lead to fatigue and further exacerbate pain and other symptoms.

• Memory and concentration problems: Difficulty in remembering, concentrating and brain fog. Fibromyalgia can cause “fibro fog,” which is a condition that causes problems with memory and concentration.

• Headaches: People with fibromyalgia may experience tension headaches or migraines.

• Painful trigger points: Chronic pain and tender spots in the muscles.

• Digestive problems: Fibromyalgia can cause Irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.

• Depression: Fibromyalgia can cause depression, anxiety, high levels of mental stress and mood swings. This can make it difficult to cope with the condition.

• Sensitivity to light, noise, and temperature: Being overly sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, or changes in temperature.

• Joint stiffness: Feeling stiff, especially in the morning.

If you have fibromyalgia, you may not have all of these symptoms, and the symptoms may come and go. The symptoms can also vary in intensity, depending on factors such as stress, weather, and time of day.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known as it usually arises due to a combination of factors that involve faulty diet, lifestyle, excessive stress and genetic factors.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain, changes in the way the central nervous system processes pain signals, and damage to the tissues that support the joints and muscles.

Conventional treatments for fibromyalgia

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but treatments are available for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. You may need to try different treatments to find the ones that work best for you. In some cases, a combination of treatments is needed to find relief from chronic pain:

• Pain medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia.

• Stretching Exercises: Specific stretching exercises can help improve pain, fatigue, and sleep problems.

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises and stretches to help relieve your symptoms.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy can help you manage the pain by changing the way you think about it and cope with it.

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine treatment involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points. It is thought to help relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

• Massage: Massage can help relieve muscle pain and tension.

• Relaxation techniques: Stress-reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation can help you relax and cope with the pain of fibromyalgia.

• Sleep medications: If you have trouble sleeping, your doctor may prescribe a sleep medication.

Health risks and complications of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is progressive in nature. If left untreated, fibromyalgia can lead to a number of health problems, including:

• Neurological problems: Fibromyalgia can cause problems with memory, concentration, and sensory processing. It can also lead to migraines, headaches and chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Joint damage: Fibromyalgia can cause joint damage, which can lead to rheumatoid arthritis.

• Organ damage: Fibromyalgia can damage the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

• Depression and anxiety: Fibromyalgia can cause or worsen depression and anxiety.

Ayurvedic Approach to Fibromyalgia

According to Ayurveda, fibromyalgia arises due to toxin build up “Ama” in the body. “Ama” a gooey substance builds up in the body as a result of an improper diet & lifestyle or excessive physical and mental stress. It can clog our body channels, thus blocking flow of vata and prana inside the body.

Vata controls circulation and nervous system function. Thus, vata dosha imbalance causes tenderness, changed pain perception and hypersensitivity. In addition, vata imbalance also deranges pitta dosha that regulates metabolism and kapha dosha that regulates growth, memory and mental stability.

Fibromyalgia Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that good health and well-being depend on a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurvedic treatment for Fibromyalgia focuses on restoring this balance. Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of methods to treat Fibromyalgia, including diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies for:

• Improving digestion
• Removing inflammation and pain
• Better mental and psychological health
• Boosting immunity

Ayurvedic Herbs for Treatment of Fibromyalgia

There are a number of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies that can be used to treat fibromyalgia symptoms. Some of these herbs include:

• Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Ashwagandha, Shatavari to reduce stress and anxiety, improve memory, cognitive function and quality of sleep.
• Guggul, Turmeric, Rasna, Ginger, Long Pepper to reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
• Guduchi, Amla, Haritaki and Tulsi to improve immune system function.
• Trikatu, Triphala, Ginger, Avipattikar churna for improved digestion and relief from digestive disorders.

There are a number of other herbs that can be helpful for fibromyalgia patient. If you are interested in trying an Ayurveda treatment, it is important to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic doctor, who can tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.

Dietary Tips for Fibromyalgia Treatment

Ayurveda recommends a number of dietary changes for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. These changes can help to improve overall health and well-being. Fibromyalgia patients should follow a diet for balancing vata dosha:

• Add anti-inflammatory and digestive spices as cumin, black pepper, ginger, coriander, fennel and turmeric to the diet can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Take warm, unctuous and freshly prepared meals consisting of soups, gruel and porridge. It will help to balance vata dosha and promote your digestive fire.
• Keep your meal timings regular. Avoid excessive fasting and constant eating practices.
• Chew your food properly and stay away from entertainment during your meals.
• Increasing fiber intake: Fiber helps to promote regularity and can also help to reduce inflammation. Fibre should always be added through cooked whole foods. Avoid raw foods and salads
• Consuming probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for gut health. They can help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
• Getting enough protein: Protein is essential for tissue repair and regeneration. It can also help to reduce inflammation.
• B Vitamins: B vitamins are essential for energy production and metabolism. They can also help to reduce inflammation.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage. They can also help to reduce inflammation.

Foods to avoid for fibromyalgia treatment

There are a number of foods that should be avoided in the diet for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. An improper diet can aggravate vata dosha and worsen fibromyalgia symptoms, including increased sensitivity to pain. Some of the foods to avoid include:

• Dairy products: Dairy products can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms.

• Nightshade vegetables: Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes and potatoes, can trigger inflammation.

• Refined sugars: Refined sugars can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms.

• Caffeine: Caffeine can trigger symptoms and make them worse.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms.

• Processed and Fried foods, carbonated drinks cause aggravating fibromyalgia symptoms.

Lifestyle Tips for people with Fibromyalgia

In addition to dietary changes, Ayurveda also recommends lifestyle changes for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. These changes can help to improve overall health and well-being. Some of the lifestyle recommendations

There are a few lifestyle recommendations that can help women with Fibromyalgia. These include:

– Get enough rest: It is important to get enough rest when you have Fibromyalgia. Chronic fatigue is one of the main symptoms of Fibromyalgia, and rest can help to reduce this symptom.

– Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to improve overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce pain.

– Stress management: Stress can worsen symptoms of Fibromyalgia. It is important to find ways to manage stress in order to reduce its impact on your condition.

– Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce pain and fatigue.

Preventing Fibromyalgia Flare Ups

There are a number of potential triggers that can cause a flare-up of symptoms. These triggers can include physical or emotional stress, weather changes, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. It is important to be aware of the potential triggers for your own symptoms so that you can try to avoid them. For example, if you know that weather changes tend to trigger your symptoms, you can plan ahead by dressing in layers and staying warm. If you are under a lot of stress, you may need to find ways to reduce your stress levels or make lifestyle changes to better manage your condition.

Helpful yoga asana for treatment of Fibromyalgia

Yoga is a form of exercise that can help to improve overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce pain and fatigue. Some of the yoga poses that can be helpful for Fibromyalgia include:

– Cobra pose: This pose helps to stretch the spine and open the chest.

– Downward facing dog: This pose helps to stretch the hamstrings and shoulders.

– Triangle pose: This pose helps to stretch the hips, thighs, and sides of the body.

– Warrior II pose: This pose helps to strengthen the legs and open the hips.

– Breathing exercises and regular meditation, in specific transcendental meditation is really helpful to speed up the healing process.

Essential oils for Fibromyalgia Condition

Essential oils are a safe and effective way to improve overall health and well-being. They can also help to reduce pain and fatigue. Some of the essential oils that can be helpful for Fibromyalgia include:

– Lavender oil: This oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

– Peppermint oil: This oil is known for its cooling and refreshing properties. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

– Rosemary oil: This oil is known for its stimulating and invigorating properties. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Takeaway

Fibromyalgia is a complex health condition that affects multiple body functions. There is no single treatment for fibromyalgia, but by understanding your own triggers and learning how to manage them, you can help to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you are interested in trying Ayurveda medicine for your condition, it is important to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor a treatment specifically for you. In addition, your Ayurvedic doctor will also assist you to figure out the best diet and foods to take and which meals to avoid to regain strength and better health.

Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.

How do I know if my pain is fibromyalgia?

There is no one answer to this question as everyone experiences pain differently. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that may be indicative of fibromyalgia. A large majority of fibromyalgia patient report widespread pain that is often described as achy and throbbing. This pain is often worse in the morning and improves as the day goes on. Other common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor so that they can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

What triggers fibromyalgia flare ups?

There are a number of possible triggers for fibromyalgia flare ups. One of the most common is stress. When we are under emotional or physical stress, our body’s natural defense mechanisms are weaker, leaving us more vulnerable to pain and other symptoms. Other possible triggers include weather changes, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and certain medications. In some cases, simply making small lifestyle changes can help to reduce the frequency and severity of flare ups. For example, getting regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, and eating a healthy diet can all help to reduce stress levels, keep the body in balance and lead to significant improvements.

Which dosha causes muscle pain?

According to the principles of Ayurveda, there are three main types of energy, known as doshas. These doshas are responsible for various functions in the body, and an imbalance can lead to various health problems. One of the most common issues associated with an imbalanced dosha is muscle pain. Vata is the dosha responsible for movement, and an imbalance can lead to stiffness and cramping. Pitta is the dosha that controls metabolism, and an imbalance can cause inflammation and burning sensations. Kapha is the dosha responsible for structure and lubrication, and an imbalance can lead to pain in the joints and muscles. To determine which dosha is responsible for your muscle pain, it is best to seek an Ayurvedic consultation. They will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend a course of treatment that will restore balance to your system.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There is no single test that can diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, the diagnosis is made based on a combination of factors, including:

• A medical history and physical examination

• Blood tests to rule out other conditions

• Questionnaires about your symptoms

Reference

Yoga therapy for fibromyalgia syndrome: A case report

An Ayurveda Approach for the Management of Fibromyalgia (A Literary Review)

Ayurvedic management of fibromyalgia with severe depression: A case report