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Beginning with what Fibro IS, anyways, and a graphic to show you the pain points (aka Pressure Points), we were trying to give you a complete overview of your options. Our emphasis, however, lies with the holistic approach. The information is a combination of personal experience and newest developments, backed up professional research (thanks Dottie, great results, as usual). Updates, as we learn more, are posted from time to time. Included are: Part 1 Facts Diagnosis Tests Symptoms (physical/mental) Battleplan Don’ts Do’s During a Flare My Herbal Approach Part 2 Graphic of Tenderpoints Part 3 Prescription Drugs Homeopathic Remedy Herbs that Help Dietary Needs I have FMS myself, and if you do too, you know you’d try just about anything to be pain free for just a little while. I have been persuaded by a few good friends who have had incredible results with BlueGreenAlgae to try for myself (don’t go for supermarket algae, I tried that, it doesn’t work. I don’t know if it does have to be this particular company, but I DO know that the program my sponsor put together for me worked, while my own attempts with cheap products had no success). Along with probiotics and enzymes, which instigate a total body detox (and you’ll need a lot of that if you ate like the rest of the world, and pollution does a number on you), this specific brand of algae provides the body with everything it could possible need. Sounds too good to be true? That’s what I said! Despite the fact that the recommendation came from two of my trusted friends, I stalled for six months before I shelled out the money for my starter packet, and could now kick myself in the beehind, and HARD at that! While I was advised it could take up to 3 months to get the full effect, I have seen dramatically less pain (not even mentioning being fit with much less sleep than usual) after ONE week. Several cleanses to rid the body of toxins were another vital step towards a manageable life. If you don’t change your lifestyle, you’ll never get better. With a strict regime, you will have many good days among the bad. |
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FibroMyalgiaSymdrom (FMS) is not a new illness. It has been described in the literature as early as the 1700s, and was formerly called by other names, such as fibrositis or muscular rheumatism. For more names and details, see http://www.sonic.net/melissk/names.html According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. FMS often runs in families, suggesting an inherited predisposition which may lie dormant until triggered by a trauma or severe change, either emotional or physical, such as an accident or injury, surgery, loss of a loved one, to only name a few. As nutritional believes are updated, they also comes into the acceptable ‘cause’ range. But still, nothing conclusive is offered, just multiple possibilities. Other opinions as to causes include: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes infectious momonucleosis, or the fungus Candida albicans; chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings, anemia, parasites, hypoglycemia; and hypothyroidism. |
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The often co-existing condition is called MyofacscialPainSyndrome (MPS). The myofacscial tissue is the thin membrane that connects the skin to the meat (which you’ll have seen before if you ever skinned a chicken). The symptoms split up between these two conditions. For in depth differences, go to Dr. Starlany’s site. The combination of symptoms change for each person, and not all appear right away. There are no outward signs to prove this condition, which is why many doctors still brush it off as mental. The first active phase (called flare) is often assumed to be a severe cold. MPS has ‘trigger points’ while FMS pain spots are called ‘pressure points’ although many people wonder what it matters. As a fibro patient, you can’t remember the difference anyway. FMS = Pressure or tender points (PP or TP), hurts like a severe bruise MPS = Trigger points (TrP) can also refer pain to other parts, i.e. from the hip in a shooting pain down your leg. Since pressuring the tender points triggers pain and trigger points can also pressure right where you tender, err… pressure, and… oh heck, WHO CARES? Call them what you want, they hurt all the same. |
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- Possess at least 11 of the 18 possible pressure points (pain centers. See attached graphic) - Low levels of somatostatin (the hormone responsible for muscle and soft tissue maintenance/production, which is produced in deep sleep) - Possible change in form of red blood cells (causing faulty transport of nutrition) |
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The usual x-rays and blood tests cannot prove FMS, however, there are changes to make a diagnosis possible. Most are never done because they are not covered by health insurance. You will have to pay for them yourself. Below are the indicating parameters (who will not mean much to us, but they’re here for completion’s sake - your doctor will know how to read them): Parameters too High - Calcitonin - Carnitin count in muscles - Histidin - L-Tryptophan (later becomes Seratonin) - Lysine - 5HIAA (5-Hydrocyindole acetic acid) - Cortisol - Plasmatryptophin - Prostaglandin E2 - Somatomedin C - Threonin - Growth-hormone level Parameters too Low - ACTH (Corticotropin) - Serotonin antibody levels - Ganglioside - Katecholamine - NGF (nerve growth factor) - Phospholipide - Cortisol - Prolaktin - Fsh - Substance P |
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1. Physical chronic fatigue severe muscle pain and weakness, cramps, spasms morning stiffness (or after periods of inactivity) insomnia and sleeping disorders sleep apnoea (breathing seems to stop while asleep) bruxism (teeth grinding) headaches and migraines deep earaches, tinnitus dry mouth numbness or tingling feelings in extremities burning sensations dizziness/balance disorders (continuously running into doors) cold intolerance (and freezing hands and feet) sensitivity to light (intolerance of bright light) muscle weakness, especially hands alteration of taste, smell, hearing extreme sensitivity to medication and their side effects severe nasal and other allergies weight change usually gain, and/or fluid retention itching skin, mottled skin appearance or unexplained rashes, and easy bruising carpal tunnel syndrome dry eyes and mouth hair loss irritable bladder and bowel syndrome (recurring UTI’s) blood pressure problems (high and low, both possible) Profuse sweating spells, especially at night recurring bronchitis or sinus infections, chronic rhinitis (runny nose) recurring infections PERIOD (faulty immune system) ‘tickling’ cough (without physical cause) painful swallowing changes in visual acuity over sensitivity on all fronts TWO TIMES the normal number of pain receptors (why am I not surprised?) thin fingernails, often with ridges hormonal imbalance restless leg syndrome craving for sweets and carbohydrates, especially towards the evening arthritis symptoms (and lower back, neck, shoulder pain especially) mouth ulcers heart palpitations chest pain (non-cardiac) other chronic illness often present (lupus, diabetes, asthma, hypoglycemia, MS, ADD etc) 2. Psychological concentration problems memory loss dyslexia (misusing words and numbers, mix-ups), calculation difficulties severe depressions/mood swings (fibro often goes with bi-polar) feelings of severe anxiety (may include panic attacks) personality changes, usually a worsening of a previous tendency severe premenstrual syndrome intolerance to noise and smells irritation, low patience level, low tolerance level |
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Following precautions, you will often be able to avoid the flares, or head them off.
The only way to deal with this is humor and acceptance. Otherwise you will go
ballistic. Very important is to insist, loudly, that one is not mental. Most doctors still brush this little known disease off as a 'deranged female' problem. It is vital to find a specialist. They're few and far in between and worth they’re weight in gold, but you need one before you believe the rest of the world and DO go crazy. Especially family and partners need to be made to believe. This is serious. This is documented. Just because it can't be diagnosed without problems doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Get ugly if you have to, but insist you're for real! Browse the net, speak to others, get support from people who KNOW you’re not a wimp! Local support and self-help groups are coming up everywhere, join one! They often have contacts to a network of specialists around the globe and can direct you to the one person you need the most, your very own fibro specialist who believes you. Most important, don’t give up, and don’t let yourself go. Take care of your body, listen, and learn to read it better. Pamper yourself. I found getting back to nature and changing my life style helped a lot to learn what life is really about (i.e. voluntary simplicity, meditation, gardening, and much more). When you go out, be well dressed and clean. The better you treat yourself, let it be nice hair or a little makeup, the better you will feel about yourself, even if the extra work is taxing. Smile at yourself in the mirror, and remember pain is our body’s alarm system to let YOU know something is wrong. Part of the acceptance process to get over the ‘why me’ part is to realize that pain is not your enemy; Pain will show you what you need to do. If we didn’t have it, we would eventually die of any disease because we would not try so hard to make ourselves better. You can control this illness, and you can make it better. I won’t tell you it’s going to be easy, because it won’t be. If you are a normal, run of the mill human being, you’ll most likely need to change your life style and your eating habits drastically (what, no COFFEE?? You have to be joking!), and you'll need a few cleanses to flush out the accumulated toxins, but once you see the results you won’t mind which comes very hard to most of us . THAT I can tell you. For example, after my total diet change I lost the IBS symptoms. Only when I’m ‘sinning’ by way of fat, meat, soda, or alcohol does that symptom return. Feed me beef stroganoff and a nice tiramisu and expect to find me a permanent fixture in the bathroom for the next 3 days. The same goes for many of the other symptoms. You need a special diet that doesn’t follow the ‘usual’ food pyramid. You’ll need fewer carbohydrates, and more greens and omega 3. You will need extra vitamins and supplements, there is no way in today’s society to take in enough with your food (the food itself simply does not contain enough due to used up fields, and many people don’t know how fast vitamins go away in the food they DO think is good for them – come back from time to time, I’m working on that angle and will have amounts and an exact regime posted eventually). In short, your battle-plan should include: Acceptance, Education, Support, and Treatment. Find a local support group (and / or online e-list) Find YOUR (FMS specialist) doctor, preferably open to alternative treatment Collect and study online and offline information until your eyes cross. Read with a marker Change your diet and life style Develop your personal profile (symptoms, regimen, results) |
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8 hours of sleep on an average basis, as a MINImum. Uninterupted, peaceful, quite, dark. Get a waterbed and set it to 'boil', kick out the snoring hubby, nail your windows shut, whatever it takes to keep light and noise out, and get as comfortable as possible. positive mental attitude (perhaps the most important) light, but daily exercise (walking, swimming, yoga, Qigong etc) highly nutritious and balanced diet high on fresh produce plenty of water or herbal teas low dose of anti-depressants to counter chemical imbalance (try herbs first) Serzone, Guaifenesin, Relafen, pain medication (traditional approach, but I frown on that a bit… prefer to go herbal) Soma (muscle relaxant, also called carbisprodol, less knockout than Flexeril) |
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no stress. Actively walk away from arguments and unpleasant situations. You can't fix the world, only yourself. no exertion or substance abuse (caffeine is a trigger for flares, as are alcohol and cigarettes) no products containing aspartame!!! lower your intake of meat and fried foods, and NO microwave! no refined sugars or salts (use raw sugar or molasses, celtic sea salt) no sodas of any kind (homemade ginger ale is a great substitute!!) no cheap fats (i.e. margarine, processed fats, etc), use butter and olive/thystle oil no red meat (or very little) no processed food, fast food, or ready to eat meals |
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When you feel a flare coming on, immediately drop everything and go to bed. SLEEP. carefully exercise through a flare (walking, swimming, light gymnastic etc) heating pads or hot bath with healing oils (rosemary, birch, camphor, lemon balm, for example) liniment mix to ease the muscles (see product pages to learn about herbs) St. Johns Wort oil (to rub into painful areas) massage helps, if one can stand it, an d find a good masseuse who listens |
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Keeping in mind that herbalism is not for the novice to tinker with, you also need to know that you should not use herbs when on any type of medication unless you work with your doctor. Don’t match and mix, and either get someone who knows, or begin to study. Cleanse your body of chemical residue before expecting herbs to work, and keep in mind some herbs will take a few weeks to take effect. You need to study each herb and match it to your personal needs and condition before you can attempt taking it. That said, I have concocted (through testing the herbs with the properties I was looking for, guinea pig-ing myself, friends and other herbalists) a list of herbs that DO make a difference for many of us (the second part of the research also has a herb section so I won’t go into details here) with daily intake, for pain control, and sleep assistance: Intestinal and bowel cleanse, kidney/bladder cleanse, gall bladder cleanse, blood cleanse AFA (blue green Algae), Q10 and Co-Enzymes, Pro-biotics (daily) Evening Primrose Oil (ONLY if not more then 9.5% GLA) during flare Cayenne, Devils Claw, Jamaican Dogwood, Kava Kava, Licorice, St. Johns Wort, White Willowbark (for pain control) passion flower, chamomile, valerian, to help sleep (SleepMax works well) Sorcy’s Personal Fibro Plan I started with huge amounts and worked myself down to this maintenance level. With an oncoming flare, I immediately go back up to at least double or triple. Note of caution: You need to read up on each ingredient, for example, you can’t just go and start huge amounts of MSM. You need to work UP onto a high level for a few weeks, then work down again to comfort zone. Base mixture (twice a day): MSM (ONLY Lignisul MSM, source: msm-msm.com) – 2 x ‘000’ caps (say, 2000 mg total) Magnesium – 500 mg Calcium (is needed to balance magnesium, they only work together) – 1000 mg Glucosamine (HCI powder) Sulfate – (half as much as MSM) 1 ‘000’ caps (1000 mg) Vitamin C (Ester C) – 1000 mg Personal Additions: B - Multivitamin complex Potassium – 99mg Selenium - smallest amount available Zinc – 50 mg Vitamin E – 500 - 1000 mg Chromium Picolinate – 200 mcg During a Flare, I add: SAM-e or 5-htp – 50 to 100 mg Melantonin Garlic oil (!!) gelcaps Evening Primrose oil CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) – 750 mg (from 1000 mg safflower oil) Double or triple MSM Double Vitamin E and C Green Tea |
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Book: :Fibromyalgia and ChronicMyofascialPainSyndrome – A survival manual: Dr. Starlanyl |
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The most widespread treatment approach to Fibromyalgia involves the use of various pharmacological agents and it is useful to evaluate the results of studies as to their efficacy. Tricyclic antidepressant medications increases the amount of serotonin in the central nervous system and increases the delta-wave sleep stage and is found to consistently improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, though not by acting as an anti-depressant and not in all patients treated. Studies involving various forms of antidepressant medication tend to support use of Amitripyline (25 to 50mg daily) with pain scores, stiffness, sleep and fatigue all improving on average but by no means in all patients. In one study 77% of Fibromyalgia patients receiving Amitripyline reported general improvement after 5 weeks as against only 43% of those receiving placebo medication. Side effects from the antidepressant were however measurable with a selection of drowsiness, confusion, seizure, agitation, nightmares, blurred vision, hallucinations, uneven heartbeat, gastrointestinal upsets, low blood pressure, constipation, urinary retention, impotence and mouth dryness all being observed or reported. When combined with osteopathic manipulative methods (mainly soft tissue techniques) anti-depressant medication offered greater relief. A study involving the use of systemic corticosteroids (prednisone 15mg daily) showed that there were no measurable improvements, and since side effects with such medication is usual this approach is clearly not desirable. Indeed if it were to produce an improvement it would be sensible to question whether fibromyalgia was indeed the correct diagnosis. Some other rheumatic condition is a more likely to improve symptomatically with its use. When muscle relaxants were tested in Fibromyalgia patients most were found to be useless but cyclobenzaprine was found to improve pain levels, sleep and tender point count (10 to 40 mg daily given at night to prevent daytime drowsiness) and this is thought to be because it has a chemical similarity to Amitripyline. Many other drugs are currently being researched and tried in treatment of Fibromyalgia ranging from antiviral agents to substances which modulate the immune system. Various cocktails of antidepressant and sedative medications are being tried out as well. Even aspirin has been tried and is said to be mildly useful. |
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The key to finding the right homeopathic remedy is individualisation. This
means that the totality of all symptoms experienced by the patient
(including those apparently unrelated to the main complaint) has to be
known in order to prescribe the medicine. The mere name of a disease, like
flu, cold, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. is not enough. This includes your
emotional, mental, and physical symptoms.
The British Medical Journal (1989, 299, pp. 365-6) published a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study on the treatment of fibromyalgia. Although cross-over studies are normally difficult when using homeopathic medicines due to the need for strict individualization of remedies, this unique study included a pre-qualification interview which allowed into the trial only those patients with fibromyalgia that fit the need for a specific remedy, Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy). The researchers admitted 42% of those they interviewed with fibromyalgia into the study. Then, half of the subject began taking Rhus toxicodendron 6c, while the other half took a placebo. Halfway through the trial the treatment was switched: the group who were unknowingly taking the placebo began taking the active treatment, and the group who were unknowingly taking the active treatment began taking the placebo. The study showed that patients did better in all variables being tested (the number of tender spots, 10 cm visual analogue scales of pain and sleep, and overall assessment) when they took the active treatment rather than placebo. The number of tender spots was reduced by about a quarter (p<0.005). The number of patients with improved pain or sleep were 53 while taking active treatment and only 27 while taking placebo (p<0.0052). Tissue Salts: Take 4 tablets under the tongue every hour or two for initial pain, then four times daily for two weeks. Ferr phos is excellent for muscle soreness and stiffness in initial stages of inflammation. The pain is worse at night and from motion. Nat phos is useful in many cases of rheumatic complaints, as most are associated with overacidic conditions. The sweat is sour and an acidic taste is present in the mouth. Kali sulph is recommended when the pains shift and wander, worse in hot, stuffy atmospheres and in the evening; better in the cool, open air and while moving. Use Calc phos for cold, numb muscles, worse at night and in cold, wet weather; relieved by rest and warmth. Mag phos is excellent for sharp, stabbing pains, relieved by warmth and aggravated by cold. Muscle contractions and associated twitching are also helped by this remedy. |
Bilberry: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, circulatory stimulant. Used to increase overall health of circulatory system. Burdock root: for cleaning the blood stream and enhancing immune function. Also consider red clover and dandelion. Capsicum: Analgesic, circulatory stimulant. Contains pain reliever called capsaicin. Creams with capsaicin are used to relieve the pain of arthritis, backache, and shingles Has been shown to specifically target type C sensory neurons and impact their ability to synthesize, store, and release substance P. Also take internally. Castor oil hot pack on effected area. Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative. Dandelion: Anti-inflammatory, diuretic. Support liver function with milk thistle extract, artichoke, turmeric. Devit's claw: is a natural anti-inflammatory used to treat rheumatic disorders. Dong quai: is good for fleeting muscle and joint pains, especially if they are worse in damp conditions. Echinacea: Antibacterial, antiviral, immune-system stimulant. Boosts levels of a body chemical that activates part of the immune. Feverfew: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory. Used to treat arthritis and fever, this herb has also been shown to prevent and relieve migraines. Garlic and black walnut: aid in removing parasites. Garlic also boost the immune system. Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, antinausea. Ginger is taken orally to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis. It is also taken to prevent motions sickness. Ginko Biloba: Antioxidant & circulatory stimulant. Increases blood flow to the brain & extremities. Ginseng: (Panax Ginseng): Stimulant, tonic. Believed to remedy fatigue, lack of energy, poor memory, and inability to concentrate. Seems to stimulate the immune system; commonly used to increase resistance to stress. Goldensea:l Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, immune-system stimulant. Kava kava: Antidepressant, muscle relaxant, pain reliever, sedative. German studies show that kava is a mood elevator and mild sedative. In Europe, kava is widely used as a treatment for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Has also been used to relieve arthritis pain. Licorice root: acts in the body like cortisone, supports the glandular system. Milk Thistle: contains compounds that help protect the liver, may also protect against damage caused by pollutants. Pau d' arco: helps treat candida infection. St. John’s Wort: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, tranquilizer, antiviral, anti bacterial. Sciatica, neuralgia, or nerve pain is said to respond to St. John’s Wort. Pain and swelling in and around the joints and muscles from rheumatism may be relieved by St. John’s Wort. St. John's wort is a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, used to treat arthritis, gout and headache pain. Valerian: Antispasmodic, sedative, tranquilizer. Used to quell anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness, as well as to remedy insomnia. Also consider scullcap, passionflower, oat straw and lemon balm. White Willow: (Willow bark): The herbal predecessor of aspirin, salicin, is used to treat arthritis pain. One herbal combination formula: 2 parts Panax quinquefolium (American Ginseng) 2 parts Astragalus mongolicus 2 parts Angelica sinensis (Dong quai) 1 part Ginko biloba 1 part Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) 1/2 part passiflora incarnata (Passion flower) 1/2 part Betonica officinalis (Wood betony) 1/2 part Matricaria chamomila (Chamomile) 1/2 part Zizyphus sativa (Jujube red dates) This formulation is claimed to be a tonic which will support people with chronic weakness, anxiety, headaches, sleep disturbances and general fatigue as well as diminished blood flow to the extremities. The person who needs this will probably have a weak pulse, weak digestive system, have headaches and will be fatigued. A dose of between half and one teaspoon (infusion) two or three times daily taken between meals is suggested. |
Things to avoid: There is some literature that says to avoid green pepper, eggplant, tomatoes and white potatoes, basically plants in the nightshade family, since these foods contain solanine. Solanine interferes with enzymes in the muscles and may cause pain, although many people with this disorder seem to not have a problem with these foods as long as they are home-grown and vine-ripe. Limit consumption of refined sugar, salt, red meat, dairy products, white flour, alcohol, coffee, tea and chocolate. Also limit saturated fats, cooked processed fats, hydrogenated vegetables oils. Substitute with cold pressed unprocessed vegetable oils. Things to consider: Food allergies or sensitivities have been linked to this disorder, so an eliminating diet would be advised. Other areas to look into are anemia, infections such as candida, depression, hepatitis, Lyme disease, malabsorption problems, weakened immunity, to see it an underlying problem can be found. Naturopaths usually view FB as a result of nutritional deficiencies, poor digestion, build-up of toxins in the body, and possibly infection with yeasts and intestinal parasites. They use a combination of herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, dietary therapy, hydrotherapy, exercise, and stress reduction practices. Rather than treating disease, their focus is on strengthening the body's resistance to illness so the body can heal itself. Practitioners of mind/body medicine may be physicians, therapists, or any other health care discipline. It has been found to effectively reduce the pain of fibromyalgia, and improve immune functioning p; such as increase natural killer cell function. It uses meditation, relaxation training, imagery, biofeedback and breath therapy. One of the advantages of mind/body medicine is that it can be used easily at home in the form of daily self-healing practices. Massages are effective in relieving stress that is held in the body, improving blood and lymph circulation, and creating an overall feeling of well-being. They can also help to remove blockages to the flow of vital energy through the body in the form of muscular tension and holding patterns. However, many patients have said that massage has actually worsen the disorder. . In controlled trials it has been found that hypnotherapy helps more than physical therapy in those patients who do not seem to respond well to most other forms of treatment. Pain is reduced, fatigue and stiffness on waking is improved and general feeling of well-being better. Therapies of other cultures: Ayurveda, the health care tradition of India, hold that this disorder is a result of imbalances in our vital energy caused by inappropriate diet, stress, and build-up of toxins in the body. The main treatments in Ayurveda are a diet that is individually tailored according to your unique energetic nature (your "dosha"), ayurvedic herbs, detoxification, and stress reduction practices such as meditation. The Japanese practitioners feel that the center of the FM/MPS problem is "hara". Hara is the center of body strength--the abdominal area, between the rib cage and the pelvic bone. "Hara guroi" is a sneaky, dishonest person. "Hara o tateru" is an angry or upset person. "Hara ga aru", to have hara, describes a brave person with energy and spirit. "Hara kiri" means to cut off the hara. when a Japanese person is angry, he squeezes his hara to express fury and relieve it. The Kai energy comes from the hara. They use shiatsu and acupuncture, and herbal remedies, as well as moxibustion and electrostimulation of trigger points. Shiatsu of hara is called ampuku. Kenbiki (pushing and pulling) therapy is also recommended. Native Americans treat people with FM/MPS with great respect. They are considered people with a special link to the spirit world, and they are consulted on many manners of importance. Illness is not a state of being but a process of transformation. You must surrender--there is no way out but through. Accommodate, and optimize life within your limitations. Use your "down time" wisely. You will eventually be restored to harmony. Your passage will give you a greater understanding of life, and a great deal of wisdom. They feel you should concentrate on the discomfort instead of ignoring it, and it will fade faster. The body is trying to teach you something. It will try until you learn. They emphasize creative dreaming and visualization. If you visualize a situation you usually don't handle well, figure out how you could do better and visualize yourself doing it. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, FB is considered a "chi deficiency" disease. "Chi" is the vital energy or life force that enlivens the human being and energizes our healing processes. Treatment may involve acupuncture and Chinese herbs, for the purposes of building and harmonizing chi. The hope is that with the proper restoration and balance of chi flowing through the body, healing will then take place naturally as the body's various systems come back into harmony. Acupuncture in general and electroacupuncture in particular has an excellent track record in treatment of pain. One of the leading experts in use of acupuncture in pain relief is Dr.P.Baldry after asserting categorically that acupuncture is certainly the treatment of choice for dealing with Myofascial Pain Syndrome or trigger point problems states: "The pain in Fibromyalgia, which would seem to be due to some as yet unidentified noxious substance in the circulation giving rise to neural hyperactivity at tender points and trigger points takes a protracted course and it is only possible by means of acupuncture to suppress this neural hyperactivity for short periods". As is clear there are other ways, however if acupuncture is used for Fibromyalgia. Baldry believes that it is necessary to repeat treatment every 2 to 3 weeks for months or even years, which he regards as unsatisfactory, "but nevertheless some patients insist that it improves the quality of their lives". Relief from pain for weeks on end and an enhanced quality of life would seem quite a desirable objective, perhaps helping ease the pain burden while more fundamental approaches are dealing with constitutional and causative issues. A Swiss research team in Geneva has examined the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture in treating Fibromyalgia. 70 patients (54 women) who all met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for Fibromyalgia received either sham acupuncture (‘wrong’ points used) or the real thing. Various methods were used for patients to record their level of symptom activity and the amount of medication they used before and after treatment. Sleep quality, morning stiffness and pain were all monitored. Over a three week period the electroacupuncture treatment was administered with only the doctor giving the treatment knowing whether or not the needles were being placed correctly and whether the amount and type of electrical current being passed through the needles was correct. Seven out of the eight measurements showed that only the acupuncture group and not the placebo (dummy acupuncture) group had benefits (as in all such studies a few minor improvements are always noted in the dummy or placebo group, but these were only slight). The acupuncture group, after treatment, required far more pressure on tender points to produce pain while use of pain killing medication was virtually halved as was these patient’s assessment of regional pain levels. There was also a significant increase in quality of sleep. The length of time morning stiffness was experienced only improved a small amount. Around 25% of the treated group did not improve significantly while all the others showed a remarkable amount of improvement with some having almost complete relief of all symptoms. Dry Needling and Injection into Trigger Points: There have been few clinical trials involving bodywork in treating fibromyalgia however there is abundant evidence of the successful use of various methods for treating trigger points including injection of saline of procaine or even of simply ‘dry needling’ the trigger points. In one study 46% of those people with MPS treated found that this approach offered them the longest lasting relief of symptoms compared with other forms of treatment they had received. 69% required less medication for some time afterwards. The Kahunas of Hawaii pay more attention to emotions with respect to health. FM/MPS is the self talking to self. The mind is not the brain, but the whole body, enlivening energy and correlating functions. They use herbs to aid the process of understanding. They believe taste and smell are the most easily conditioned senses, and often work through these for healing. Grief is seen as positive and healthy, and separated from depression, which is negative and unhealthy. Laughter is important in healing, as it not only provides a psychological boost but reduces stress, lowers heart rate and enhances circulation. All of these healers expect disruption of normal body processes while healing takes place. Long-standing toxins are liberated from trigger points throughout the body. The liver enzymes rise as the body detoxifies. These TPs are not only in the muscles, but in other tissues as well. They affect every part of your body. These healers have much advice in common. They tell their patients to avoid unnecessary changes in their lives, and simplify things as much as possible. Inventory what is important to you, and streamline your life. They all ask their patients to learn "responsible selfishness". Take time to meet your own needs, and do the things you find most rewarding and fulfilling. |
Calcium is needed to balance magnesium. Coenzyme Q10 improves oxygenation of the tissues ane enhances the immune system. DHEA has been used successfully in the treatment of many autoimmune disorders such as MS, lupus and fibromyalgia. It regulates the immune system and maintains the metabolic and structural integrity of the nervous system. It also has been shown to be an antiviral. Dimethylglycine destroys free radicals and enhances oxygen utilization. Essential fatty acids protects against cell damage, helps to reduce pain and fatigue. Evening Primose oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory in the body. Free-form amino acids supplies protein for repair and rebuilding of muscle tissue and for proper brain function. Gamma-aminobutyric) acid GABA to control anxiety and proper brain function. Garlic destroys parasites, promotes immune function and increase energy. Grape seed extract is an antioxidant that protects the muscles from damage and enhances immunity. Green drinks/blue-green algae/ Spirulina improves digestion, has large amounts of chlorophyll and is very valuable to help detoxify the body. Lecithin aids in the function of the brain, improves circulation, promotes energy and enhances immunity. Manganese is a necessary co-factor in the production of neurotransmitters. It also supports the hypothalamic pituitary axis. Magnesium and malic acid Some, but not all, clinical research suggests that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain. In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that FM is the result of local hypoxia in the muscles. For instance, patients with FM have low muscle-tissue oxygen pressure in affected muscles, and to a lesser degree the same was found in other tissues. Muscle biopsies from affected areas showed muscle tissue breakdown and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, low levels of the high energy phosphates ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine were found. It has been hypothesized that in hypoxic muscle tissues glycolysis is inhibited, reducing ATP synthesis. This stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which results in the breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids that can be utilized as substrates for ATP synthesis. This muscle tissue breakdown, which has been observed in muscle biopsies taken from FM patients, is hypothesized to result in the muscle pain characteristic of FM. Malic acid is both derived from food sources and synthesized in the body through the citric acid cycle. Its importance to the production of energy in the body during both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is well established. Under aerobic conditions, the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate provides reducing equivalents to the mitochondria through the malate-aspartate redox shuttle. During anaerobic conditions, where a buildup of excess of reducing equivalents inhibits glycolysis, malic acid's simultaneous reduction to succinate and oxidation to oxaloacetate is capable of removing the accumulating reducing equivalents. This allows malic acid to reverse hypoxia's inhibition of glycolysis and energy production. This may allow malic acid to improve energy production in FM, reversing the negative effect of the relative hypoxia. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has also been found to be associated with FM, and malic acid supplementation may be of use in improving energy production in this condition as well.. Melatonin promotes sleep. Multivitamin and mineral complex all nutrients are needed in balance-consider a lipospray. Potassium is involved in proper muscle function. Proteolytic enzymes reduces inflammation and improves absorption of foods, especially protein. SAM-e Some practitioners use SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) to treat fibromyalgia. While it has no serious side effects, it can cause some gastrointestinal upset. It seems that SAM-e removes excess estrogen from the body; menopausal or postmenopausal women are strongly cautioned about using it. Selenium is an important antioxidant. Vitamin A Vitamin E are free radical scavengers and enhance the immune system. One early study describes the use of vitamin E supplements in the treatment of "fibrositis"—probably the rough equivalent of what is today called fibromyalgia. Several dozen individuals were treated with vitamin E in the range of 100-300 IU per day with positive and sometimes dramatic benefit. Vitamin B's are essential for increased energy and normal brain function. Studies have found fibromyalgic patients to have low vitamin B1 status and reduced activity of some thiamin-dependent enzymes. What, if any, role this marginal deficiency plays in this condition remains unknown. The B vitamins support cell wall healing and most other metabolic functions. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids increases the body's energy and have antiviral effect. Zinc is needed for proper functioning of the immune system. |
