Tag: Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

August 19, 2023

Can Ayurveda Help In Treating Fibromyalgia? – Alternative Treatment

ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by muscle aches and stiffness throughout the day. It is more common in females as compared to males. The patient complains of pain in muscles, joint pain, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, depression, anxiety, brain fog, memory problems, etc. In this article, we will discuss how Ayurveda can help in managing fibromyalgia.

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and other symptoms. Many researchers think that Fibromyalgia is due to errors in messages carried by the brain and spinal cord. The pain-affected areas are the head, neck (including the back of the neck), outside of the elbow, lower back, buttock, and inside of knees. The patient complains of Allodynia (increased sensitivity and tenderness on gentle touching or rubbing). Stiffness in muscles and bones which is more in the morning and decreases as the day goes on. The patient sometimes complains of swollen joints but they are not swollen. Usually, patients describe pain that is deep and continuous. It can be either shooting or stabbing type pain in various sites of the body. There are certain locations in the body that are tender to touch. In order to get a proper diagnosis a patient must be sensitive in at least 6 or more sites for at least 3 months.

fibromyalgia

CAUSES

  1. Psychological stress / Emotional trauma
  2. Physical stress
  3. Viral infection: Epstein-Barr virus
  4. Post-surgery
  5. Serious injury

SYMPTOMS

  1. Allodynia (increased sensitivity and tenderness on gentle touching or rubbing).
  2. Stiffness (muscles and bones)
  3. The patient feels Swollen joints but they are usually swollen.
  4. Fatigue
  5. Insomnia
  6. Tension-type headaches
  7. Migraine headaches
  8. Paresthesias (Numbness and tingling sensation in arms and legs )
  9. Depression
  10. Anxiety
  11. Brain fog
  12. Temperature sensitivity
  13. Reduced concentration or cognitive ability

OTHER CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH FIBROMYALGIA

  1. Dry eye syndrome
  2. Orthostatic hypotension
  3. Osteoarthritis
  4. IBD
  5. GERD

DIAGNOSIS

  1. No specific lab tests are done.
  2. Diagnosis is mostly done by evaluating physical symptoms.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

According to Ayurveda, Fibromyalgia is due to the imbalanced state of Vata dosha. Due to mithya ahar and vihar (wrong diet and lifestyle), there is an imbalance of vata dosha and accumulation of ama (toxins) in the body. Aggravated vata cause an imbalance of Pitta and Kaph dosha. Ama gets accumulated in various parts of the body and blocks the channels causing avaran (covering) to various doshas. It results in muscle tenderness, joint pain, stiffness in bones and muscles, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, memory loss, etc.

TREATMENT

In Ayurveda management of Fibromyalgia is done through Panchakarma (Bio-cleansing therapy) and Vata Shamak herbs (Vata pacifying herbs).

Panchkarma

Panchakarma is the best way to cleanse ama from the body and balance vata dosha. It includes:

1. Abhyanga (Massage)

  • It is done with the help of herbal oil. Oils like Ksheerabala taila, Mahamasha taila, etc.

2. Shirodhara

  • It is a panchkarma procedure in which the patient is allowed to lie in the supine position and medicated liquid is poured into the forehead.

3. Swedana Karam (Sudation therapy)

  • In Swedana Karam steam is passed through various parts of the body so that there is induction of sweat from the body.

4. Basti (Herbal enema)

  • Basti is considered the pradhan chikitsa for Vata imbalance. Herbal decoction or herbal oils both can be used to give an enema.

Vata Shamak Herbs and formulations:

1. Herbs

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)

2. Herbal formulation

  1.          Punarnavadi mandura
  2.          Simhanada Guggul
  3.          Yograja Guggul
  4.          Rasna Saptak Kashaya
  5.          Dashamoola Arishta
  6.          Shatavari Ghritam

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR FIBROMYALGIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides wonderful herbal remedies for the management of fibromyalgia. These remedies are 100% natural and contain herbal extracts. These herbal formulations are formulated with reference to classical texts. Planet Ayurveda products are formulated by MD Doctors and herbs are used in their purest form. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal formulations in Fibromyalgia Care Pack given below:

  1. Joint Aid Plus
  2. Aamvatantak Churna
  3. Stress Support
  4. Boswellia Curcumin
  5. Shatavari Ghrit

Fibromyalgia Treatment in Ayurveda

Herbal Remedies for Fibromyalgia

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Joint Aid Plus

Joint aid plus is a polyherbal formulation that contains Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul) and various other herbs. It contains Nirgundi which is pungent and bitter in taste. It is hot in potency and balances Vata and Kapha. Shallaki is used to manage joint pain and muscular pain. Guggul is hot in potency and balances all three doshas. Joint Aid Plus contains capsules that are helpful in relieving musculoskeletal pains.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.

2. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak Chuna is an ayurvedic formulation that contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Fenugreek), Haridra (Turmeric) and various other herbs. Ashwagandha present in this formulation is hot in potency and balances all three doshas, especially Vata and Kapha. It is used for a wide range of conditions like body aches, anxiety, depression, weight loss etc. Aamvatantak Churna also contains Methi which balances Kapha and Vata dosha. It has anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. This herbal powder helps in reducing body pains, headaches and fatigue associated with Fibromyalgia.

Dosage: ½ to 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water or aloe vera juice.

3. Stress Support

Stress support is a herbal formulation that contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Ashwagandha present in this formulation is hot in potency and balances all three doshas, especially Vata and Kapha. It is used for a wide range of conditions like body aches, anxiety, depression, weight loss etc. Stress support has a very amazing herb known as Brahmi that is exclusively used in insomnia, stress and psychological disorders.

Dosage; 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin is a herbal formulation that contains Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). Shallaki present in this formulation is cold in potency and balances Kapha and Pitta. It is used to manage joint pain and muscular pain. This formulation also contains curcumin which is hot in potency and balances all three doshas. It has anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Boswellia curcumin is used to manage pain-related symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Shatavari Ghrit

Shatavari Ghrit is a herbal formulation that contains Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Jeevak (Microstylis muscifera), Meda (Polygonatum cirrhifolium), Munaka (Vitis vinifera) and various other herbs. Shatavari present in this Ghrit balances Kapha and Pitta. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It induces good sleep, calms the mind and relieves stress. This Ghrit also contains Meda and Mahameda which is helpful in providing physical strength to the body. They both are great nervine herbs. In total Shatavari, Ghrit provides strength to the body and relieves fatigue associated with Fibromyalgia.

Dosage: 3-6 grams of Ghrit, taken with Mishri.

CONCLUSION

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep issues and other symptoms. It can be associated with Orthostatic hypotension, Osteoarthritis, IBD, GERD, etc. Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is mostly done by evaluating physical symptoms. In Ayurveda, Panchakarma (Bio-cleansing therapy) and Vata Shamak herbs (Vata pacifying herbs) are given to manage this condition.

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April 28, 2017

Top 7 Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia-Fatigue

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain which is accompanied by fatigue, memory, sleep and mood issues. It is a chronic condition where is non-inflammatory tenderness in muscles, ligaments and joints. Fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way by which brain processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia patients have been found to have lower levels of a brain neurotransmitter known as—serotonin which leads to lowered pain thresholds and increased sensitivity to pain. Serotonin also promotes calm and stable mental state.

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia. Many people suffering from fibromyalgia also suffer from tension, headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. There is no cure of fibromyalgia in modern medicine but a variety of medicines are available to control its symptoms. Exercise and stress-reduction measures may also help.

Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

  1. Widespread pain—There is a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least 3 months. The pain occurs on both sides of the body and also above and below the waist.
  2. Cognitive difficulties—A symptom commonly known as—fibro fog impairs the ability to focus and concentrate on mental tasks.
  3. Fatigue—Patients suffering from fibromyalgia often awaken tired and the sleep is often disrupted by pain and many patients also develop sleep disorders like—restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
  4. Many patients who have fibromyalgia also experience depression, headaches or cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
  5. Stiffness
  6. Burning sensation
  7. Pain is usually severe on waking up in the morning and gradually decreases with passing of the day.

What are the causes of Fibromyalgia?

  1. Infections—Some illnesses trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
  2. Physical or Emotional Trauma—Post-traumatic stress disorder can be correlated with fibromyalgia.
  3. Heredity—Fibromyalgia tends to run in families.

Diagnosis

  • The diagnostic evaluation of fibromyalgia can take time, but this should not be the barrier in primary care practices. It is diagnosed on the basis of characteristic symptoms. Patient history, physical examination and ruling out co-morbid disorders are the cornerstones of fibromyalgia recognition. No radiological testing is required however some tests like—ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a complete blood cell count, rheumatoid factor (RF) factor is recommended.

Fibromyalgia according to Ayurveda

  1. The Charak Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 13 elaborates on the pre-eminence and primacy of the Vata dosha in the body. Acording to Master Charak, Vata is the physical energy of the body penetrating as a life force everywhere in the physiology. Fibromyalgia is classified as Mamsa Dhatugat (diseases affecting muscles and tendons) and Mamsavrut Vata (diseases due to excess of Vata dosha in muscles and tendons). It involves dysfunction in Vata Vaha Srota, Mamsa Vaha Srota and Mamsa Dhatvagni. It falls into a sub-type of disease known in Ayurveda as “Vatavyadhi”—the diseases caused primarily due to the vitiation of Vata dosha—the physiological energy responsible for the stability and activity of the nervous system.
  2. It is described in ancient texts as manifesting with a variety of possible and changing symptoms and signs including pain, stiffness, fatigue, gradual loss of movement, mental disturbance etc.  Dietary and lifestyle modifications are suggested in Ayurveda to correct the Vata imbalance. In Ayurveda, accumulation of toxins is believed to be the root cause of various auto-immune disorders like—rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis and fibromyalgia.
  3. The build-up of toxins can lead a person to feel fatigue all the time. When toxic accumulation takes its toll on the nerve tissue, it results into the symptoms of tenderness, sensitivity and pain. Therefore, cleaning of toxins becomes necessary. Primarily, samprapti (pathogenesis) originates in the gastro-intestinal tract, then branches out through the madhyama rogamarga, the middle channels of the pathogenic process of disease with special inclination for shleshma sthana especially mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue) and their corresponding channels.

Ayurveda uses a range of natural anti-arthritic herbs to treat this condition. Various herbs are

  • Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)—This herb is commonly known as “Salai Guggal”. It is a resin obtained from the tree and is purified and used to treat pain and inflammation. It has the potential to relieve pain naturally without having any side effects and is a popular natural anti-inflammatory herb used by Ayurvedic physicians across the world.
  • Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)—It is considered as the most potent anti-arthritic herb effective in controlling pain and inflammation in arthritic conditions.
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-–  This herb is commonly known by the name Indian ginseng by the western countries. This herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties.
  • Guggul (Commiphora mukul)—This herb has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb helps particularly in osteo-arthritis.
  • Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)—This herb is one of the leading immunomodulators. This herb is known by the name “Amrita” meaning elixir for long life.
  • Ginger (Zingiber officinale)—It is a very common anti-inflammatory herb that reduces inflammation and also a good analgesic.

Top 7 Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia:

  1. Grind 8-10 papaya seeds and mix it in a glass of water and boil it. Drink this water twice or thrice a day for a month.
  2. Drink freshly prepared cranberry juice or radish juice daily.
  3. Drinking freshly prepared juice of beetroot, carrot can help in fighting this condition, apart from improving overall health.
  4. Make Meditation as a part of your lifestyle.
  5. Regular Sleeping Habits—This is important for reducing pain
  6. Make a habit of morning walk every day.
  7. Epsom salt—Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate. Epsom salt bath helps the body to absorb magnesium as fibromyalgia is associated with magnesium deficiency.

Diet—Things to be Taken

  • The best suited diet for fibromyalgia are vegetable juices, cow’s ghee, spices such as—ginger, coriander, asafoetida, turmeric, fennel, etc. It is a condition mainly associated with magnesium deficiency, so it is good to consume green leafy vegetables, soybeans, cashews, almonds. Taking omega-3 fatty acids help in creating a hormone prostaglandin that helps in reducing inflammation.
  • It is essential to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from the body.

Things to be Avoided

  • Avoid eating spicy food, caffeine, refined sugar, yogurt.

Note : It should be noted that herbs give results but it will take some time for herbs to manifest in the body.

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